Speakers criticize plan to put restrictions on becoming lobbyist

Speakers on Thursday criticized an Oklahoma Ethics Commission proposal to make lawmakers and state employees wait two years after leaving state service before becoming lobbyists.

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission met Thursday and heard public comment, but it took no vote on the proposition. Additional informal hearings on the rule change are expected.

The rule change would provide for a two-year cooling-off period in which a former state officer or employee would be restricted from registering as a lobbyist, acting as a consultant for lobbying or representing the interests of a third party before the agency the state officer or employee previously served, she said.

Rep. John Enns, R-Enid, said the Capitol has lost a lot of institutional knowledge due to term limits. Lawmakers in Oklahoma are limited to 12 years of service.

If limits are placed on lawmakers who become lobbyists, it could slow down the Legislature’s work due to a shortage of people with experience with the process, Enns said.

A.J. Ferate, Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association vice president for regulatory affairs, said the state government will undergo a lot of turnover through the upcoming elections.

Ferate, who also serves as general counsel for the Oklahoma Republican Party, said he was speaking on behalf of the OIPA and not the state GOP.

He said it is not the state’s role to restrict someone from getting a new job, and he has no doubt the rule as proposed would draw a legal challenge and be tossed out.

Rep. Bobby Cleveland, R-Slaughterville, said the Ethics Commission has too many regulations.