Oklahoma Senate Bill SB990

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Report Pass: 3/4/25
• Engrossed: 3/31/25
• Refer: 4/1/25

Caption

Recall elections; authorizing Legislature to propose recall of state officer; establishing procedures for legislative approval for recall election; providing procedures for certain recall election. Effective date.

Summary

SB 990 creates a new statutory process for recalling statewide elected officers in Oklahoma. It authorizes the Legislature to initiate a recall election by joint resolution, provided the resolution states the reasons for removal, sets a specific election date, is approved by the Legislature, and is filed with the Secretary of State. The bill applies only to statewide elected officers who are not subject to impeachment under the Oklahoma Constitution. The measure specifies that the recall question on the ballot will ask whether the named official should be removed from office. If a majority of votes cast approve removal, the officer is removed and the resulting vacancy is filled by gubernatorial appointment for the remainder of the term. The bill also states that the recall resolution is not subject to regular legislative cutoff dates, may address only one statewide office, is not subject to gubernatorial veto, and that resignations before the election date end the recall process. Contest and recount procedures are to follow existing law, and the act becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Impact

SB 990 would add new recall-election provisions to Title 51 of the Oklahoma Statutes, creating Sections 106 and 107. It would expand the Legislature’s authority by giving it a formal mechanism to seek removal of statewide elected officers through a voter-approved recall election, while also setting procedures for ballot preparation, election administration, vacancy filling, and post-election contests or recounts. The bill would affect statewide elected officers, the Legislature, the Secretary of State, the State Election Board, county election boards, and the Governor, who would gain appointment authority to fill any vacancy created by a successful recall.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have received meaningful support but also some opposition. It passed the Senate Judiciary Committee 7-1 and later passed the Senate on third reading 31-15, indicating majority support with a notable minority in opposition. The absence of committee transcript discussion limits insight into detailed arguments, but the vote margins suggest the proposal was viewed favorably by supporters as a tool for accountability, while opponents likely had concerns about the scope of legislative power and the recall process itself.

Contention

The main points of contention are likely the Legislature’s ability to initiate a recall election without a gubernatorial veto, the use of a joint resolution outside normal legislative deadlines, and the fact that a successful recall would lead to a gubernatorial appointment rather than a special election. Another likely issue is the bill’s focus on statewide elected officers only, which may raise questions about selective accountability and constitutional authority. The close-to-moderate Senate vote suggests disagreement over whether this mechanism strengthens democratic oversight or creates a politically driven removal process.