Article V Conventions; enacting the Dr. Tom Coburn Act; definitions; prohibited conduct; criminal penalties; effective date.
Summary
HB2299 creates a new set of rules for Oklahoma’s participation in an Article V convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It names the measure the “Dr. Tom Coburn Act” and defines key terms such as commissioner, commission, and alternate commissioner. The bill says a commissioner or alternate commissioner may not act beyond the authority granted by the Legislature’s commission or later instructions, and it makes exceeding that authority a felony.
The bill also creates a felony offense for anyone who knowingly bribes, threatens, intimidates, or obstructs a commissioner, alternate commissioner, or another state’s representative at an Article V convention held in Oklahoma, or who attempts to do so. The act is set to take effect November 1, 2025. In practical terms, it adds criminal penalties and enforcement protections around delegates participating in interstate constitutional convention proceedings.
Impact
HB2299 would add new criminal provisions to Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes governing conduct related to Article V constitutional conventions. It would regulate the authority of state-appointed commissioners and alternate commissioners, making unauthorized voting or action a felony, and it would criminalize interference with commissioners or out-of-state delegates at a convention held in Oklahoma. The bill therefore affects legislators’ appointment powers, convention delegates, and anyone interacting with those delegates during convention proceedings.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received mixed but ultimately favorable support in the House. It passed the House Rules Committee 8-2 and later passed third reading in the House 51-37, suggesting meaningful support but also substantial opposition. The available record does not include committee testimony, but the vote margins indicate the measure was somewhat controversial rather than broadly unanimous.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the bill’s criminalization of delegate conduct and the scope of legislative control over Article V convention commissioners. Supporters likely view the bill as a safeguard to ensure delegates follow legislative instructions and to protect the integrity of a convention held in Oklahoma. Opponents likely object to the felony penalties, the breadth of the restrictions on commissioner discretion, or the state’s role in constraining participation in a constitutional convention process.