House votes down cigarette tax proposal

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma House has voted down a proposed $1.50-per-pack tax on cigarettes to help shore up the state’s health care system, with House Republicans blaming Democrats for the bill’s failure.

After holding the vote open for more than two hours late Wednesday, the bill failed on a 40-59 vote, before the House adjourned until 10 p.m.

The leader of the Oklahoma Senate says lawmakers might be forced to work over the weekend to avoid a constitutional deadline that prohibits them from considering revenue bills during the last five days of session.

Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman said Wednesday there’s no agreement to meet on Saturday or Sunday, but the idea has been discussed with House Speaker Jeff Hickman.