Key Legislative Dates & Deadlines:
View from the House Floor of the dais and West Gallery. Credit: Oklahoma Legislative Service Bureau
Important dates and deadlines are established by the Oklahoma Constitution, the Oklahoma Statutes, and the Rules of the Legislature. Below are key dates and deadlines for the 2nd Regular Session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature.
(NOTE: These deadlines, including the blackout period for campaign contributions to legislative candidates and members apply only in Regular Session and do not apply to any Special Session that may be on going. However, the clock for the governor to sign or veto bills does apply in Regular Session.
1st Day of the Legislative Session: Monday, February 5th (Okla. Const. art. V, Sec. 26)
Prohibition on Lobbyists & Lobbyist Principals from donating to legislators or legislative campaigns begins. (21 O.S. §178.1(G))
Election of President Pro Tempore Designate of the Senate: Monday, February 12th (Internal Date)
Bill from Committee (Chamber of Origin): Thursday, February 29th (Okla. Leg. Joint Rule 7)
Election of Speaker Designate of the House: Monday, March 4th (Internal Date)
3rd Reading in Chamber of Origin: Thursday, March 21st - (Okla. Leg. Joint Rule 7)
Candidate Filing for Legislative, Federal, and Statewide Offices: April 3rd through April 5th (OK State Election Board)
Bill from Committee (Opposite Chamber): Thursday, April 11th - (Okla. Leg. Joint Rule 7)
3rd Reading in Opposite Chamber: Thursday, April 25th - (Okla. Leg. Joint Rule 7)
Deadline to pass Revenue Raising Measures: Sunday, May 26th - (Okla. Const. art. V, Sec. 33)
Constitutional Sine Die: Friday, May 31st @ 5:00p - (Okla. Const. art. V, Sec. 26)
End of Contribution Blackout Period for Lobbyists and Lobbyist Principals: Thursday, June 6th (21 O.S. §178.1(G))
Legislative and Statewide Partisan Primary Election: June 18th (OK State Election Board)
Timeline for Governor to act on measures passed by the Legislature:
If any bill or resolution shall not be returned by the Governor within five days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Legislature shall, by their adjournment, prevent its return, in which case it shall not become a law without the approval of the Governor. No bill shall become a law after the final adjournment of the Legislature, unless approved by the Governor within fifteen days after such adjournment. - Okla. Const. art. VI, Sec. 11 (Emphasis Added)
NOTE: The text of the Constitution provides “…five days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him…” (emphasis added) - meaning, for example, if a measure is enrolled and received by the Governor (not passed) on Thursday, the clock begins Friday, continuing Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, with a deadline of Wednesday.