Bill would give Oklahoma governor sweeping new powers

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma’s governor would have broad new powers to appoint the directors of ten different state entities under a bill narrowly passed by a Senate committee.

The Senate General Government Committee voted 5-4 on Monday for the bill by Broken Arrow Republican Sen. Nathan Dahm, despite concerns it gives the governor too much power. Dahm says he expects the bill to be rewritten.

The bill calls for the heads of ten different state agencies and boards to be fired effective Jan. 1 and allows the governor to name their replacement.

Gov. Mary Fallin’s spokesman Alex Weintz says his office did not request the bill, but does support its intent.

Among the affected agencies are the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and Office of Juvenile Affairs.