Journalist: Lucy Wentz (ORU)
Senate Bill SE‑007, titled the “No Tax Dollars for Lobbyists Act of 2026,” was introduced in the Senate on the morning of April 16 by Sen. Andrew Spears. The bill would prohibit state agencies from using public funds to hire or contract individuals whose primary duties involve lobbying the legislature.
Under the bill, a legislative liaison is defined as any employee or contractor whose main responsibility is communicating with lawmakers to influence the passage, defeat or content of legislation. SB SE‑007 intends to bar agencies from compensating such positions with taxpayer dollars. It would also prohibit public funds from being used to support any individual or organization engaging in lobbying on behalf of a public agency.
This is clearly defined under the Oklahoma 2025 Annotated Ethics Rules,
“State officials who direct or authorize the expenditure of any public funds, except as authorized by law, to be used to support or oppose any measure that is being referred to or citizens are attempting to have referred to a vote of the people by means of initiative or referendum, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.” (38)
The measures intend to address concerns about the use of public money in the legislative process. “Taxpayer dollars are being used to promote policy agendas in the very place in charge of overseeing them,” Spears said while presenting the bill. “This blurs the line between governmental oversight and personal advocacy.”
As it stands, the bill currently includes several exceptions. Agency officials would still be allowed to provide factual information, data, or testimony if it is requested by the legislature. Communications related to performance reports, rulemaking procedures, and authorized legal counsel would also remain permitted. These communications, however, must be documented in writing and made available for public inspection under the Oklahoma Open Records Act.
Spears emphasized that the bill is not intended to silence agencies. “Agencies should have a voice, and I want to make clear that this is not meant to take that away,” he said.
As SB SE‑007 moves through committee and floor debate at the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, amendments and discussion may further shape how the proposal limits publicly funded lobbying.