by Miranda Dabney
The Senate of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL) convened in the capitol building for their spring legislative session on Thursday, March 31. Senate Bill NWOSU 004 (I-S) written by Senator Corey Shirey codified the alcohol policy that OIL already had in place via an executive order from the Governor.
The alcohol policy states that OIL delegates are not to consume alcohol at any OIL sanctioned event or location, including the hotel, and underage delegates are not to consume alcohol in any way.
There were several amendments proposed and discussed, the most controversial of which called for any OIL delegate to report any misbehavior to the local authorities. There were many on both sides of the discussion, those for the amendment arguing that as a governing body the delegates must hold themselves to a higher standard, while those against the amendment argued with a concern for delegate safety and health.
Senators Melanie Cummings, chair of the Fashion Committee, was among those opposed to the amendment. Cummings said, “This amendment would teach our delegates to live in fear of those in authority, and should some accident happen, it might stop them from seeking help, which could be detrimental to their health.”
The bill ultimately passed without the amendment. Senator Jenna Baccus agreed with the sentiment that the bill needed to pass through the Senate rather than remain as an executive order because it keeps the power to regulate and pass policy change in the hands of the legislators rather than the executive branch.
The first full day in session found great success in the Senate. Senators of all experience levels were contributing to the discussion and debates, and the Senate passed through a total of four bills in addition to nominating and electing members of various committees. The Senate looks forward to a full weekend of legislation.