OKLAHOMA CITY (April 14, 2009) – Oklahomans will have the option to stop politicians from becoming entrenched in office following House passage of statewide term limits legislation today.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 12 would let the people decide whether to limit terms of office for most statewide elected officials. The change, which would amend the state Constitution, requires a vote of the people. Following passage in the House today, and the Senate previously, the legislation now proceeds to the Secretary of State for ballot assignment.

“The people decided overwhelmingly more than 15 years ago to limit the number of years a state legislator can serve because they believe an elected official should be a servant of the people. The voters want their leaders to make a sacrifice to serve the people, and then go and live under the laws they helped enact,” said Rep. Jason Murphy, R-Guthrie and House author of the bill with Senator Randy Brogden, R-Owasso. “Prior to legislative term limits, many career politicians were an elite class who made their life in politics. The people of Oklahoma want their leaders to be citizen legislators who stay in touch with the real world.”

Currently, state lawmakers are limited to 12 years in office, and the governor is restricted to serving two consecutive, four year terms. SJR 12 would instead limit the governor to serve no more than eight cumulative years in office.

That same eight total years rule would also apply to the Lt. Gov, State Auditor and Inspector, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Commissioner of Labor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner, all of whom serve 4-year terms.

The resolution also would limit anyone from serving as Corporation Commissioner for more than a total of 12 years.

“Since term limits were approved by the people for the state Legislature, there is increasingly a wide mix of backgrounds and careers found at the state Capitol,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “This change will ensure fresh faces and new ideas are continuously entering the political process.”

The resolution passed the House today with a bipartisan vote of 69-29.

Statewide Office Term Limits Passes House Committee
3/25/2009

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 25, 2009) – Statewide office holders are one legislative step away from not being able to become entrenched in office with passage of term limits legislation by a House committee today.

Senate Joint Resolution 12 would place term limits on most statewide office holders. The change would have to be approved by a vote of the people if passed by the Legislature.

Currently, state lawmakers are limited to 12 years in office, and the governor is restricted to serving two consecutive, four year terms. SJR 12, by House author Rep. Jason Murphy, would instead limit the governor to serve no more than eight cumulative years in office.

That same eight total years rule would also apply to the Lt. Gov, State Auditor and Inspector, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Commissioner of Labor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner, all of whom serve 4-year terms.

The resolution also would limit anyone from serving as Corporation Commissioner for more than a total of 12 years.

"We know the Oklahoma people support the idea of term limits, and this legislation would ensure fresh faces and new ideas are continuously entering the political process," said Murphy, R-Guthrie.

The resolution passed the House Rules Committee today and will now be considered for final passage by the full House.

 Jason Murphy is as a third generation, life-time resident of Logan County. He is married to wife, Raleah, and they have two children, Jarod and Jarel.

Background

Murphy developed a series of content-reporting sites, the first of which was featured in a story in The Oklahoman (Guthrie Resident Creates New Web Site For Council - April 10, 2000).

To provide this content Murphey had to employ his knowledge of html code. Because of this skill the business was renamed to Webteks and from 2002-2005, the focus of the business changed from being primary focused on content provision into prioritizing web site design.

However, Murphy never lost his passion for using the web as a tool to allow the people to see what occurs in government.

In 2001, Murphy won election to a seat on the Guthrie Oklahoma city council on a platform of opening up city government to televised content. Murphey won approval for the television plan and a resolution requiring city documents to be placed online.

In 2006, Murphy focused on campaigning as a candidate for Oklahoma State Representative on a similar platform of opening up state government where today he serves as the Chairman of the Government Modernization Committee.

 In 2006, when Murphy campaigned for Oklahoma State Representative he also ran on a platform of never accepting contributions or gifts from lobbyists or groups that employ lobbyists. He also announced his intentions to work for reduction in the size of government, elimination of the state income tax, property tax reform and refocusing state government on essential services such as paving roads.

In 2007, Murphy won approval for House Resolution 1026 and House Concurrent Resolution 1015. In 2008, he authored House Bill 2215, House Bill 2231, House Bill 3325 and Senate Bill 1398 which were signed into law by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry.

Should you have additional questions please call 405.563.0034.