Legislative Update
Ponca City Now - November 25, 2024 9:17 am
Oklahoma Senator Bill Coleman R-Ponca City District 10
By Senator Bill Coleman-
The Senate is gearing up for a new legislative session. Soon after the general election, newly elected senators and those returning for new terms were officially sworn into office. A ceremony with 26 senators at the state Capitol marked the event. Among the group, 14 freshman senators from both sides of the aisle took the oath of office for the first time. I truly enjoyed meeting my new colleagues and their family and friends at the event. I also got to talk to many of the new Republican members at a three-day caucus retreat in Oklahoma City. I look forward to serving with all these new senators.
During the retreat, the caucus elected new leaders and discussed state issues and legislative goals for the upcoming year. I was pleased that Lonnie Paxton, who represents Tuttle, was elected to serve as the new Senate President Pro Tempore. I look forward to working with him in this new role. I also assumed a new leadership position as Senate Majority Whip. I will lead the Republican whip team in shoring up caucus unity before floor votes on various legislation. Congratulations are also in order for Rep. Kyle Hilbert, of Bristow, whose peers elected him to serve as the next House speaker. This will be the first time in six years that both chambers have new legislative leaders.
With new leadership and new members, there are typically changes to which senators serve on which committees. We’re still awaiting committee assignments for the upcoming session, but I expect those will be announced soon.
Bill filing began on Nov. 15. Although I haven’t filed anything yet, I am working on a full slate of bills that I will introduce before the mid-January deadline. In the meantime, senators have until Dec. 6 to request bill drafts from Senate staff, so I’m working with the chamber’s policy staffers to perfect my legislation. I’ll keep you posted on the bills I file for the 2025 legislative session.
I welcomed U.S. Sen. James Lankford to the district earlier this month. I was honored to introduce him at the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Conversation where he discussed immigration, the national debt, the conflict in Israel and other pressing issues in our nation’s capital.
As the holiday season approaches, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends and great food. I’m truly thankful for all the blessings this year has brought.
