Kirby to testify before special panel

State Rep. Dan Kirby announced Thursday he will testify after all before a special House committee in an attempt to restore his reputation.

The committee is investigating accusations Kirby, R-Tulsa, sexually harassed two former legislative assistants. Kirby, 58, is set to appear at 1 p.m. Friday.

“I adamantly deny that I am guilty of sexual harassment,” he said Thursday in the announcement.

The committee has been meeting since Jan. 11, hearing witnesses in closed-door sessions.

Kirby told fellow Republicans on Jan. 5 that he supported the committee and looked forward to clearing his name. However, on Monday, he refused to go, saying the process is unfair.

His latest decision — to testify — came after two days of discussions with the committee, according to his announcement. He said he remains concerned about some procedures but believes appearing before the committee is in the best interest of his constituents and citizens of the state.

The committee is expected to issue a final report as early as Monday. It could recommend the House expel Kirby, who was first elected in 2008.

The 2017 legislative session begins Feb. 6. It would take a two-thirds vote of the House to expel him.

Kirby already has been suspended from his appointed position as chairman of the House Business, Commerce & Tourism Committee, pending the release of the report.

The special committee also is investigating whether Rep. Will Fourkiller, D-Stilwell, made a harassing comment to a high school page in 2015. Fourkiller, who also denies wrongdoing, refused to appear before the committee.