With the legislative process progressing, I want to explain one of the more confusing parts of the legislative process this week: “striking title.”
The Oklahoma Constitution requires that each bill have a statement at the beginning to briefly overview the bill’s subject. If the title is struck, the amendment removes this introductory definition, which makes the bill out of compliance with the Constitution.
This is done intentionally to return the bill to that chamber for another vote later, where its title is restored. Any bill passed with its title off must return to its chamber of origin for another vote, so the House bills we struck title on before passing them ahead of last week’s deadline will come back to the House to have its title restored and receive a final vote before it can be sent to the Governor’s desk.
Most bills passed title off have a fiscal impact. We strike title on these, so it’s easier to make changes as we go through the budget process.
However, sometimes bills without a fiscal impact have their title struck as well. The author may choose to strike title if they are still working on the language but need to keep the bill moving through the legislative process so it doesn’t die. Striking title allows the bill to continue in the legislative process while recognizing it needs further changes before its final approval.
For example, one of my bills, House Bill 2339, passed the House with its title off. This bill has a fiscal impact, so it’s still being worked out with the chairs of the appropriations and budget committees in each chamber. Once it passes the Senate, I’ll introduce it on the House floor again and ask for its title to be restored before it receives a final vote. This puts it back in compliance with the Oklahoma constitution so it can move to the Governor’s desk.
When a bill comes up on the House floor with its title off, I will usually vote to advance it so the author can keep working on it. I believe it shows respect to my colleagues and helps foster a good relationship and a trusting environment. When the bill returns to the House, I’ll take a look at any changes made while it was in the Senate before determining how I’ll vote.
We only had a little floor work this week as the bills we received from the Senate were still being assigned to their House committees, but it should pick up next week!
I intend to continually keep you informed of what is happening at the Capitol. It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at (405) 5577312 or at [email protected].
Nick Archer, a Republican, serves House District 55 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian and Washita counties.
