Senate Approves Measure Banning Capitol Contributions

State Senator Debbe Leftwich, D-OKC has won full Senate approval for a measure that would ban campaign contributions inside the State Capitol. Leftwich said the measure passed unanimously.

“I think this is an important day for ethics in Oklahoma. I am very happy that everyone in the chamber agreed that this is the right thing to do,” Leftwich said.

Senate Bill 257 would forbid elected officials from accepting a contribution from anyone in the State Capitol building. It also states that if a contribution is received, it must immediately be returned to the contributor without being accepted. If passed into law, it would take effect on November 1, 2005.

“Our constituents need to know that every single vote we cast is done in an effort to do the best job we can for our districts and Oklahoma,” Leftwich said. “I think when individuals are giving and taking contributions inside this building, it makes the public question the lawmaker’s motives. I don’t believe there’s room for even the appearance of impropriety. I think this bill will help restore public confidence in state government.”

The bill now moves to the House for further consideration.