Several Oklahoma lawmakers caught by new ethics rule

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Several Oklahoma lawmakers must repay their campaigns after violating a new ethics rule regarding how the donations can be used.

Among the uses prohibited by the rule that applies to elections held after Jan. 1, 2015, are the purchase of tickets to University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State football games, concert tickets, home mortgage payments, vacations, country club dues and gasoline.

Campaign costs and the expenses of holding office are allowed by the rule that applies to elections held after Jan. 1, 2015, but personal expenses are not permitted.

The Oklahoman reports that many, including House Democratic leader Scott Inman, have refunded their campaigns and others, including Republican Rep. Earl Sears, the chairman of the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget plan to do the same.