House briefs new legislators

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Nearly two dozen newly elected Oklahoma House members are at the state Capitol this week learning about the legislative process before the 2015 legislative session begins in February.

House officials say most of the 22 new legislators elected in November attended Monday’s orientation at the Capitol.

House staff briefed the freshman lawmakers on bill filing, presenting bills in committee and on the floor, and on common parliamentary procedures. Briefings are scheduled to continue Tuesday on ethics rules and how the state budget is crafted.

There are six new Democrats and 16 Republicans, although two GOP members served previously – Reps. George Faught of Muskogee and Kevin Calvey of Oklahoma City.

This year’s class also includes Grandfield Republican Rep. Jeff Coody, whose mother, Ann Coody, is a state representative from Lawton.