Lawmaker Questions Oklahoma Legislative Pay Raise Process

Representative Seeks Review of Legislative Pay Raise Process

State Representative Molly Jenkins is asking Attorney General Gentner Drummond for a formal opinion on whether the Legislative Compensation Board may have violated Oklahoma’s Open Meeting Act.

At issue is an executive session the board held while considering pay raises for lawmakers — a move that Jenkins says might have sidestepped the state’s transparency laws. The board later voted to approve the increases.

Questions About Transparency and Accountability

Jenkins argues that discussions about public compensation should take place in public, not behind closed doors. She said she intends to donate any salary increase she receives and may file legislation to freeze legislative pay if the board’s action is found improper.

She emphasized that public trust depends on open government. “People deserve to know how decisions are made when their tax dollars are involved,” Jenkins said in a statement.

The Attorney General’s office has not yet issued an opinion but is expected to review meeting minutes and board procedures before releasing guidance.

Broader Impact on Future Compensation Reviews

The Legislative Compensation Board meets periodically to assess lawmaker salaries. If the Attorney General determines that the board violated the Open Meeting Act, any approved pay hike could be rescinded or face further legal challenge.

Transparency advocates say this case could set a precedent for how all state boards conduct business when dealing with compensation, benefits, and personnel issues.

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