Osh Legislature Liaison Manual

OSH LEGISLATURE
LIAISON MANUAL
OSHLAA/OSH LEGISLATURE OFFICERS 5

GENERAL POLICY 6
OSH Legislature Liaison Policy/Training/Election Manual 6
Media Interviews and Articles 6
OSHLAA/OSH Legislator Eligibility 6
OSH Legislature Officers Election 7
OSH Legislator Appointment 7
OSH Legislature Associate Appointment 7
OSHLAA Membership 8
AAA Representative/Alternate Term of Office to Executive 8
Committee
Name Badges 9
Hotel Room Reservations, Banquet and Catered Lunches 9
AAA Meetings and Election of Officers 9
Change in the AAA Director/OSH Legislature Liaison Positions 10
Change in the Number of OSH Legislature Representatives in the 10
AAA
ROUTING NOTICES 10
AAA Representative Appointment to the Executive Committee Notice 10
Membership Change Notice 10
Membership Dues Notices 11
Moving Notice 11
Notice of a Member's Death 11
OSH Legislature Appointment Notice 11
OSH Legislature Election Result Notice 12
OSH LEGISLATOR TRAINING MANUAL 13
History of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature 13
Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association (OSHLAA) 15
OSH Legislature Officers Eligibility and Election 15
OSH Legislature Officer Duties 15
OSH Legislator Duties 16
OSH LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES 17
Quorum 17
Roll Call Vote 17
Bills and Resolutions 18
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Pages 18
Chamber Clerks 19
Committee Action and Committee Chairs 19
Chamber Sessions 19
Joint Session 20
Prioritized Bill/Resolution List 20
Addressing the Chair 21
Recognition from the Chair 21
The Chair States 21
Response From the Senator or Representative 21
Procedures for Presiding Chamber Officers 21
Election of Chamber Officers 21
Calling the Chambers to Order 21
Control of Respective Chambers 22
Decide all Questions 22
Leave the Chair 22
More Than One Member Rises to Speak 22
To Entertain a Motion 22
Vote On a Measure after Discussion 22
Sign All Bills and Resolutions 22
Immediate Notification of the Other Chamber 22
Decorum and Debate 23
Time Limits 23
Speaking in Debate 23
Right of Floor for a Member 23
Requesting Recognition 23
Amendments 23
Common Forms of Motion 24
Laying on the Table 24
Amendments 24
Previous Question 24
Point of Order 24
Appeal 24
To Recess or Adjourn 24
OSH Legislature Standing Committees 24
Function of Legislative Committees 24
Committee Structure 25
Knowledge and Expertise 25
House and Senate Standing Committees 25
Committee Procedures 25
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Opening the Committee Meeting 25
Seating Arrangements 25
Conducting Committee Meetings 25
Placement of the Bills/Resolutions on the Agenda 26
Bills/Resolutions Referred to Committees 26
Reading the Bill/Resolution 26
Discussion of the Bill/Resolution 26
Amendment in Chamber Sessions 26
Recommendations 26
Passes Both Houses 27
Finally Passed 27
Designating a Carrier 27
Other Motions 27
Non-Debatable Motions 28
Motion to Reconsider 28
Parliamentary Procedure and Rules 28
Governing Rules and Interpretation of Rules 28
Waiver and Suspension of the Rules 28
ADVOCACY 29
Guidelines for Advocating State Legislators 29
Advocacy Procedures 30
OSHL RESOLUTION DEFINITIONS 32
OSHL JOINT RESOLUTION EXAMPLE REAL ESTATE 33
OSHL JOINT RESOLUTION EXAMPLE OPPORTUNITY FUND 34
OSHL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXAMPLE CONSERVATION 35
DISTRICT
OSHL SIMPLE RESOLUTION EXAMPLE PERSON 36
OSHL SIMPLE RESPLUTION EXAMPLE SILVER ALERT 37
WARNING
OSHL HOW TO WRITE A BILL INSTRUCTIONS 38
OSHL BILL EXAMPLE WATER RESOURCES BOARD 39
OSHL INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION 40
OSHL INTRODUCTION OF BILL 41
OSHL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE CHOICE 42
DIRECTORY OF LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION AT THE 43
CAPITOL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR NAVIGATING THE OKLAHOMA 44
LEGISLATIVE WEB PAGE
OSH LEGISLATURE ELECTION RULES AND PROCEDURES 45
Election Year 45
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Election Eligibility 45
Filing for Office 45
Committee Choice Forms 45
Number of OSH Legislature Senate and House Districts 46
Election Policies and Procedure 46
Voter Qualifications 47
Withdrawal of Candidacy 47
Contesting an Election 47
OSH Legislature Term of Office 48
Questions/Answers about Terms of OSH Legislators 48
OSH Legislature Nomination Rules 49
Procedures and Duties for Polling Place Officials 50
Duties of Poll Officials 51
Voter Qualifications 51
Equipment Provided by the Polling Place 52
Material Provided for the Polling Place by the AAA 52
OSHL NOMINATION PETITION SENATE 53
OSHL NOMINATION PETITION HOUSE 57
OSHL POLING SITE/VOLUNTEERS 61
OSHL VOTE HERE SIGN 62
OSHL ELECTION VOTER SIGNATURE REGISTER 63
OSHL VOTING BALLOT SENATE SAMPLE 66
OSHL VOTING BALLOT SENATE 67
OSHL VOTING BALLOT HOUSE SAMPLE 68
OSHL VOTING BALLOT HOUSE 69
OSH SENATE DISTRICTS 70
OSH HOUSE DISTRICTS 71
AREA AGENCY ON AGING (AAA) DISTRICTS 72
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OSHLAA/OSH LEGISLATURE OFFICERS
OSHLAA OFFICERS OSHL OFFICERS
President House of Representatives
Larry J. Hendricks Speaker of the House
132 N. Rimrock Rd. Roy A. Watson, PhD
Enid, OK 73703-4727 2340 Egypt Court
HM. 580-237-6305 WK. Ada, OK 74820
Cell FX. HM. 580-332-0363 WK.
E-Mail-ljhendricks@sbcglobal.net Cell FX. 580-332-0363
E-Mail- rawat@adacomp.net
First Vice President Speaker Pro Tempore

Dorothy Cassel Donald E. Harris
2801 S. Estate Dr. 2709 Kenwood Ct.
PO Box 34 Edmond, OK 73034-6727
El Reno, OK 73036 HM. 405-348-4640 WK.
HM. 405-262-1207 WK. Cell 405-570-3772 FX.
Cell FX. 405-262-120712* E-Mail Letsdon@netzero.net
E-Mail- DFHCassel@aol.com
Second Vice President Senate

Marlene Walker President Pro Tempore
RR1 Box 20B10 Ty Engel
Hinton, OK 73047-9712 713 N. 10th St.
HM. 405-542-3370 WK. Perry, OK 73007-4007
Cell FX. HM. 580-336-4706 WK. 580-336-4001
E-Mail- marmax1@brightok.net Cell FX.
E-Mail ty@ebgelllc.com
Secretary Floor Leader

Betty Boyd Brad Garrett
11039 E. 26 Place 17876 U S HWY 59
Tulsa, OK 74129 Keota, OK 74941
HM. 918-622-5649 WK. HM. 918-962-3467 WK.
FX. Cell FX.
E-Mail- bettyboyd4416@cox.net E-Mail- cbgiphdman@cs.com
Treasurer
Max Walker
RR1 Box 20B10
Hinton, OK 73047-9712
HM. 405-542-3370 WK.
Cell FX.
E-Mail- marmax1@brightok.net
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GENERAL POLICY
OSH Legislature Liaison Policy/Training/Election Manual
1. The General Policies, OSH Legislature Training Guidelines, OSH Legislator

Duties, OSH Legislature Procedures, Advocacy and Election Rules and Procedures
are reviewed and revised as needed with the cooperation of the OSH Legislature
Liaisons, AAA Directors and the OSHLAA Executive Committee. The OSH
Legislature Procedure, Training Guidelines for the review and training of current
and new OSH Legislature Members, Sample Ballots, the AAA OSH Legislature
Districts, Routing Notices and other necessary information for the OSH Legislature
Liaisons to perform their functions and duties are included in the Manual.
Media Interviews and Articles
1. Interviews and written articles by OSH Legislators and OSHLAA Members for
use by the Media must be approved by the OSHLAA Public Relations Coordinator
and President before broadcast of the interview and submission of the article for
printing. The Media includes radio, television, the press and the Web. Only those
Bills/Resolutions which are prioritized by the OSH Legislature may be used in the
Media interviews and articles.
2. If an OSH Legislator or OSHLAA Member has a Media interview or written

article about Bills/Resolutions not prioritized by the OSH Legislature, it must be
done as a private individual and not as an OSH Legislator or OSHLAA Member.
There must be no written or oral representation that the speaker/writer is a Member
of the OSH Legislature or OSHLAA or that either of these organizations is
involved in any way with the discussion/article.
OSHLAA/OSH Legislator Eligibility
1. An elected Member of the OSH Legislature and an Appointee to the OSH

Legislature shall be eligible to join the OSHLAA after serving in one (1) OSH
Legislative Session. An active member of the OSH Legislature or a former member
of the OSH Legislature must join the OSHLAA to be a Member of the OSHLAA
Alumni Association.
2. A person who meets the requirements for serving in the OSH Legislature or has
served in the OSH Legislature does not have to belong to the OSHLAA to serve in
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the OSH Legislature. An OSHLAA Alumni whose dues are in arrears is eligible to
serve in the OSH Legislature.
OSH Legislature Officers Election
1. Following the election of OSH Legislature Officers in the Legislative Session

the updated list of the Officers’ names, positions, addresses, telephone number(s)
and fax number- if available- and E-Mail address, shall be sent by the OSHLAA
Secretary to the OSH Legislature Liaisons, AAA Directors, OSHLAA President
and Second Vice President. If a Legislature Officer Position becomes vacant
between the Legislature Sessions the Chamber Members will elect a new Officer at
the next Legislature Session.
OSH Legislator Appointment
1. The AAA Director or Designee’ shall make the appointment to fill a vacancy in
the OSH Legislature, Alternate or Associate Position. A Nomination Petition is not
required. The Filing Fee shall be paid and sent to the OSHLAA Treasurer. The
Appointment Letter shall be sent to the Appointee by the AAA Director or
Designee’. The Letter shall serve as the confirmation of the Appointee to serve in
that position. An Appointment Notice shall be sent to the OSHLAA Secretary. The
Secretary shall order the Name Badge for the OSH Legislature Appointee and give
the Badge and ribbon to the Member at the next Legislative Session.
2. When an appointment is made by the AAA Director or Designee’, the

Appointee’s name and other information will be sent to the appropriate Chamber
Officer. The Officer will sign the Appointee to a committee and send the
Appointee’s name and information to the Committee Chair and OSHLAA
Secretary.
OSH Legislature Associate Appointment
1. The involvement of OSH Legislators, members of the OSHLAA not serving in

the OSH Legislature, and other interested citizens who want to be active in
supporting the OSH Legislature in advocating the State Legislature for passage of
OSH Legislative Prioritized Bills/Resolutions is essential. Having Associate OSH
Legislature Members in each AAA increases the number of active OSH Legislature
Advocates and is important in improving and maintaining a healthy and active life
style for Older Oklahomans. The Associate Member of the OSH Legislature is
more likely to feel responsible and to serve.
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2. To be an Associate Legislator a person must be qualified to serve in the OSH
Legislature. Before the appointment, the OSH Legislature Liaison will advise the
prospective Associate of the OSH Legislative Position and the District which is
open where the Associate resides. The Associate is free to choose whether to serve
in the Senate or House. The AAA Director or Designee’ shall appoint the
Associate to the Senate or House in the District where the Associate resides.
3. If the Elected OSH Legislator, Alternate or appointed Alternate is unable to

serve, an Associate from the same District may be appointed by the AAA Director
or Designee’ to serve in the OSH Legislature for the remainder of the Legislative
Term.
OSHLAA Membership
1. An elected or appointed Member of the OSH Legislature shall be eligible for

OSHLAA membership after serving six (6) months of the first term in the OSH
Legislature or after having served in one (1) Session of the OSH Legislature. An
Alternate who is an active Advocate shall be eligible to join the OSHLAA after six
(6) months.
AAA Representative/Alternate Term of Office to Executive Committee
1. The AAA Director or Designee’ is encouraged to recommend to the OSHLAA

President an OSHLAA Member to be the AAA Representative and another
OSHLAA Member to be the Alternate AAA Representative to attend the OSHLAA
Executive Committee Meetings. The OSHLAA President shall appoint the
Representative and/or Alternate Representative to the Executive Committee and
send the Appointee(s) an Appointment Letter. The letter shall be the confirmation
to serve. The President shall send the Appointee’s name and other information to
the OSHLAA Secretary.
2. The term of office for the AAA Representative to the OSHLAA Executive
Committee shall be two (2) years. The Representative may be appointed to
successive terms upon the recommendation of the AAA Director or Designee’. An
OSH Legislator, Alternate or Associate who has served in one (1) OSH Legislative
Session and has joined the OSHLAA is eligible to serve as a Representative if
recommended by the AAA Director or Designee’ and appointed by the OSHLAA
President.
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3. If the AAA Representative or Alternate can not attend the OSHLAA Executive
Committee meeting, the Representative or Alternate shall notify the OSHLAA
Secretary. If a Representative or Alternate misses three (3) consecutive unexcused
meetings, the OSHLAA President has the option of conferring with the AAA
Director and/or Designee’ for a replacement for the AAA Representative position.
Name Badges
1. Name Badges for the OSH Legislators and OSH Legislature Officers,
Alternates, Associates and OSHLAA Members shall be purchased by the
OSHLAA on a one (1) time basis. If a badge is lost, the Member must pay for the
replacement. The OSH Legislature Liaison shall send the names of the new
Members to the OSHLAA Secretary within thirty (30) days after the election or
appointment of the Member. The Secretary shall order the Name Badges and give
the Name Badges and ribbons to the Members at the next Legislative Session. A
Senator wears a blue ribbon, a Representative wears a Red Ribbon and an
Alternate and an Associate wear a white ribbon.
Hotel Room Reservations, Banquet and Catered Lunches
1. To take advantage of the tax exempt law the OSH Legislature/OSHLAA

Members staying at the hotel must make reservations through the OSH Legislature
Liaison. The AAA must make the room reservations using individual names,
collect the money, and pay the hotel room bill to comply with the tax exempt law.
The Liaison shall notify the hotel of the number of reservations and the individual
names by September 1. There can be no changes in reservations after September 5.
The room deposit is non-refundable.
2. The OSHLAA Treasurer must receive the names of the people who want room
reservations, banquet reservations and the money for the reservations, and catered
lunches by September 1. The OSHLAA President must receive the number of
reservations for the banquet and catered lunches by September 1. If September 1
falls on a week end or on Labor Day, the Treasurer must receive the above
information and money and the President must receive the number attending the
banquet and catered lunches by the previous Friday. There may be no changes in
reservations or money refunded after September 5.
AAA Meetings and Election of Officers
1. Each AAA in cooperation with the OSH Legislators and OSHLAA Members in
the AAA shall have the option to establish the dates, and time for meetings of the
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local OSH Legislators, OSHLAA Members, Associates and the procedures for the
nomination and election of OSH Legislature Officers for the AAA.
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Change in the AAA Director/OSH Legislature Liaison Positions
1. When a vacancy and/or change occur in the AAA Director and/or OSH
Legislature Liaison Position(s) the AAA Director or Designee’ shall notify the
OSHLAA Secretary of the replacement’s name and E-Mail address.
Change in the Number of OSH Legislature Representatives in the AAA
1. The AAA has the option of proposing any changes in the number of OSH
Legislature Representatives for the AAA. The AAA will ask for the change to be
included on the Agenda for the OSHLAA Annual Meeting. The OSHLAA
Members will vote to allow or deny the change. If the change is approved, the
AAA will make the necessary changes in the Representative Districts
ROUTING NOTICES
AAA Representative Appointment to the Executive Committee Notice
1. The AAA Director or Designee’ shall recommend OSHLAA Member(s) to be

the AAA Representative and Alternate on the OSHLAA Executive Committee to
the OSHLAA President. The President shall write an Appointment Letter to the
appointee(s). Such letter shall be the confirmation of the appointment to serve on
the Executive Committee. The President shall send the name and other information
of the appointed AAA Representative and Alternate to the OSHLAA Secretary.
Membership Change Notice
1. The OSH Legislature Liaisons shall send any changes in the District Number,
Legislative Position, the number of consecutive terms served, telephone number(s),
fax number- if available- and E-Mail address for the current OSH Legislature
Members, Alternates, Associates and Active OSHLAA Alumni to the OSHLAA
Secretary. The Secretary shall send the information to the OSHLAA Officers.
When an OSHLAA member becomes inactive, the OSH Legislature Liaison shall
send the member’s name and address to the Secretary who shall notify the rest of
the OSHLAA Officers.
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Membership Dues Notices
1. Membership Dues shall be sent to the OSHLAA Treasurer. The Treasurer shall
send the Member(s)’ name(s) and other necessary information to the other
OSHLAA Officers.
Moving Notice
1. When an OSH Legislature Member, Alternate, Associate or OSHLAA Member

moves within the AAA District or moves to another AAA District within the state,
the OSH Legislature Liaison(s) shall send changes and updates of the name,
mailing address, District Number and Legislative Position when applicable,
telephone number(s), fax number- if available- and E-Mail address, to the
OSHLAA Secretary. The Secretary shall notify the rest of the OSHLAA Officers.
2. If the OSHLAA Member moves out of state the OSH Legislature Liaison shall
notify the OSHLAA Secretary. The Secretary shall notify the rest of the OSHLAA
Officers and the Editor of the Newsletter if the Member wishes to remain on the
Newsletter mailing list.
Notice of a Member’s Death
1. The OSH Legislature Liaison shall send notice by E-Mail or telephone of the
death of an OSHLAA Member to the OSHLAA Secretary. The Secretary shall
notify the rest of the OSHLAA Officers and the Editor of the Newsletter. The
President shall send a card to the member’s family.
OSH Legislature Appointment Notice
1. The AAA Director or Designee’ shall send the new appointee(s) to the OSH
Legislature, Alternate and Associate Positions an Appointment Letter. The
Appointment Letter shall constitute the confirmation and notice to the Appointee to
serve in that position. The Director or Designee’ shall send the name, address,
Legislative District Number, number of consecutive terms served, OSHLAA
Membership status, telephone number(s), fax number- if available- and E-Mail
address to the OSHLAA Secretary who shall notify the rest of the OSHLAA
Officers.
2. The Director or Designee’ shall send the Appointee’(s) name(s) and the
information noted above to the appropriate OSH Legislature Officer of the Senate
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or House for committee assignment. The Appointment Notice(s) may be sent by E-
Mail or regular mail to the OSHLAA Secretary and the appropriate OSH
Legislature Officer. When the Appointee has been assigned to a committee, the
OSH Legislature Officer shall send the Appointee’(s) name(s) and committee
assignment to the Secretary who shall notify the rest of the OSHLAA Officers.
OSH Legislature Election Result Notice
1. The AAA Director or Designee’ shall certify in writing the names of the elected
members of the OSH Legislature and Alternate Positions to the OSHLAA
Secretary by E-Mail or regular mail within five (5) working days after the election.
The following information shall be included: name, mailing address, Legislative
Chamber and District Number, number of consecutive terms served, OSHLAA
Membership status, telephone number(s), fax number- if available- and E-Mail
address. The Secretary shall notify the OSHLAA and OSH Legislature Officers.
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OSH LEGISLATOR TRAINING MANUAL
History of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature
The Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature (OSH Legislature) was established in

1981 to educate Older Oklahomans in the Oklahoma State Legislature process and
to represent and advocate for the needs of the Older Oklahomans to the Oklahoma
State Legislature. One of the forces behind the establishment was the work of
Tulsan Rye Oliver. While working as a Planner for the Tulsa Area Agency on
Aging, Oliver attended a meeting of the Western Gerontological Society in San
Francisco in 1981. One of the meeting workshops was a session titled Silver
Haired Legislatures. The speaker, in alluding to the powerlessness of older
citizens, said "The toothless are being asked to bite the bullet." That statement
stuck with Oliver.
The State of Missouri had such a legislature, which was not only one of the first,
but one of the best according to Oliver. Florida also had a model program. Oliver
returned to his job in Tulsa determined to start a Silver Haired Legislature in
Oklahoma. Both Missouri and Florida were visited to study their Silver Haired
Legislatures and to obtain copies of their constitutions and by-laws. After study, a
Silver Haired Legislature was established in Oklahoma with the help of Oliver's
own agency and the Special Unit on Aging Services Division of the Department of
Human Services.
Initially the Oklahoma State Legislature supported the Oklahoma Silver Haired
Legislature by providing State funding. Later that funding was withdrawn during a
State budget crunch. The organization has been self supporting in the past by
conducting fund raising events. A pancake breakfast was started in the Tulsa area
by Wayne Rogers as a way to raise funds to help offset costs.
The OSH Legislature is now funded through the OSHLAA. The OSHLAA raises
money for the OSH Legislature through individual and corporation donations,
Membership Dues and Filing Fees. The OSHLAA and OSH Legislature got
additional financial help from the State Legislature when House Bill #1979 was
passed by the Senate on May 21, 2002 and signed into Law by Governor Frank
Keating on May 30, 2002. This law provides an opportunity for taxpayers to
donate a part of their income tax refund to the OSHLAA to help pay the expenses
of the OSH Legislature. The law established the process for tax the years beginning
after December 31, 2002 whereby the taxpayers may donate a part of their income
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tax refund to the OSHLAA. The process for transferring these donations to the
OSHAA was set up in 2003.
As Oliver stated it, the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature was set up to be a
"mouth piece for the elderly." OSH Legislators and OSHLAA Members are and
should be closer to the problems and concerns of senior citizens since they are
senior citizens.
It is a body of volunteer advocates elected by older citizens in accordance with

procedures and timetables outlined in the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature
Election Rules and Procedures, which is an addendum to the OSHLAA By-Laws.
The process is modeled after the Oklahoma State Legislature with 22 Senators and
46 Representatives and 68 Alternates representing the eleven (11) AAA districts in
the State of Oklahoma. Elections are held bi-annually in even numbered years at
the nutrition sites or other designated polling sites within AAA districts. The OSH
Legislature is a “grass roots” organization and it is still growing in recognition and
prominence.
The OSH Legislature has been instrumental in passage of many laws which benefit
Older Oklahomans and their families. The following is a partial list of the OSH
Legislature accomplishments:
Ø Living Wills (Advanced Directives),

Ø Public Transportation Revolving Funds,
Ø Omnibus Reconciliation Bill,
Ø Long Term Care Ombudsman Bill,
Ø Required Training for Nursing Home Aides,
Ø Certification of Nurse Aides,
Ø Prescription medications for low income elderly citizens,
Ø Spousal Impoverishment Act,
Ø Do-Not-Resuscitate Consent Form,
Ø Alzheimer's Disclosure Bill,
Ø Nursing Home Reform,
Ø Nursing Home Staffing Ratios,
Ø Guardianship & Conservatorship
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Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association (OSHLAA)
The OSHLAA Membership consists of Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature (OSH

Legislature) Members and Alternates who have served as a Legislator for 6 months
or have served in an OSH Legislature Session and have joined the OSHLAA.
The purposes of the OSHLAA are to prepare and fund the Annual OSH Legislature
Budget. Funding the OSH Legislature and OSHLAA Activities is essential to carry
out the Mission as stated in the By-Laws.
A second purpose of the OSHLAA is to encourage OSH Legislators to aid and

support the OSH Legislature objectives and actively advocate the passage of the
OSH Legislature Prioritized Bills/Resolutions in the State Legislature.
The OSHLAA supports the OSH Legislature activities and business with the
cooperation, technical and office support as stated in the Organizational
Cooperative Agreement with the Aging Services Division (ASD) and the Area
Agencies on Aging (AAA) which is incorporated as an addendum to the OSHLAA
By-Laws. The Election Rules and Procedures used by the AAA’s are stated on
pages 45-50 of this Manual and are incorporated as an addendum to the OSHLAA
By-Laws.
OSH Legislature Officers Eligibility and Election
The OSH Legislature Officers in the Senate and House of Representatives shall
have been elected or appointed to serve as a Senator or Representative and shall be
currently serving in the Senate or House. If a vacancy occurs in an office of a
Chamber, the vacancy shall be filled by the vote of the members of that Chamber
at the next Legislature Session.
In election years the OSH Legislature Officers shall perform these duties and other
necessary Legislature duties until their terms expire. The OSH Legislature Officers
terms expire when the incumbent or new OSH Legislature Officers are elected at
the next OSH Legislative Session.
OSH Legislature Officer Duties
The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House shall
choose the Committee Chairs based on the preference of the Legislator on the
Committee Choice form. If the President Pro Tempore or the Speaker of the House
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is not available, the Senate Floor Leader or the Speaker Pro Tempore shall choose
the Committee Chair.
The OSH Legislature Officers and the OSHLAA First Vice President shall meet to
assign numbers to each Bill/Resolution and assign them to Legislature
Committees. The name of the author and the Committee Chair will be on each
Bill/Resolution. The Legislature Officers shall make a list of the committee
members’ assignments and their AAA’s. The Legislature Officers shall meet with
the Committee Chairs before the Legislative Session begins to insure that they
have the Committee’s Bills/ Resolutions, and the Committee Amendment forms
and to review and complete the Committee procedures.
The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House shall
provide a Roll Call Vote Record to record the vote of each Member on the
Bills/Resolutions.
The Senate President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House
shall preside in the respective Chambers while the Chamber is in Session. In their
absence the Senate Floor Leader and/or the Speaker Pro Tempore shall preside as
necessary. The President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House shall decide
who shall preside over the Joint Session of the OSH Legislature.
It shall be the duty of the Presiding Officer in each Chamber to interpret all rules
according to the Governing Rules and Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised in
debate and passage of measures and amendments and when necessary as specified
in Legislature Procedures.
OSH Legislator Duties
The duties of the OSH Legislator are of vital importance not only for the success of
the individual Legislator but also for the success of the OSH Legislature to fulfill
its mission to make life for Older Oklahomans more enjoyable and comfortable.
These duties include but are not limited to the following:
Attend the monthly AAA meetings. These meetings are essential for educating and
training OSH Legislators, Alternates and Associate Members in preparation for the
Annual Legislative Session held in the State Capitol and for advocating for the
passage of the Bills/Resolutions prioritized by the OSH Legislature.
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Recruit Candidates and Associates for the OSH Legislature. The Legislature not
only needs the support of Legislators but also the support of those who are not
members of the OSH Legislature. Associates are interested in serving and
supporting the OSH Legislature but do not have a position in the Legislature unless
they are appointed to a Legislature Position. Encourage past OSH Legislature
members to be active Advocates. The OSH Legislature is structured so that any
one interested can participate in some capacity.
OSH Legislators have a unique opportunity to attend conferences and meetings

where they learn of services, resources and benefits that are available to Older
Oklahomans. Share this information with other OSH Legislators and interested
people in your AAA. This information can greatly enhance the lives of Older
Oklahomans.
Commitment to serve in the OSH Legislative Session is essential. Be active in the

committee and support your position in the OSH Legislative Session. If your
Bill/Resolution is prioritized by the OSH Legislature, you need to study and
research the Bill/Resolution before asking a State Legislator to author, sponsor
and/or support the Bill/Resolution. The OSH Legislator must know the content of
the Bill/Resolution, why it came about and how it will work.
The author(s) of the OSH Legislature Prioritized Bills/ Resolutions and must work
with the First Vice President to communicate with the Oklahoma State Legislators
to find authors/sponsors for the OSH Legislative Prioritized Bills/Resolution.
Other OSH Legislators and OSHLAA Members must advocate for the passage of
all Prioritized Bills/Resolutions.
OSH LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES
Quorum
The elected OSH Legislators and Alternates and/or appointed OSH Legislators and
Alternates serving as a Legislator in the OSH Legislature House and Senate shall
constitute a quorum.
Roll Call Vote
The Oklahoma Attorney General Opinion 02-42 on page 38 in the Oklahoma

Open Meeting Open Records 13th Edition book states “Both Oklahoma’s Open
Meeting Act and Open Record Act apply to the Silver Haired Legislature
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because the organization is supported at least in part by publicly funded State
Agencies.” Section 305 page 4 of the Open Meeting Act states “In all meetings
of public bodies, the vote of each member must be publicly cast and recorded.
The vote for the OSHLAA Officers and any Measure voted on at the OSHLAA
Annual Meeting must be taken by A Roll Call Vote. The results of the vote are a
part of the minutes of the meeting.
A phone call to the Attorney General’s Office clarified the issue. The OSHLAA
Annual and Executive Committee Meetings and the OSH Legislature are public
meetings. A Roll Call Vote is required and is a part of the public record.
Bills and Resolutions
Each AAA shall submit a maximum of three (3) Bills and three (3) Resolutions.
They must be addressed to the OSH Legislature at the ASD and received no later
than June 10 preceding the Legislative Session. The Bills/Resolutions must be
written on the Word Format. The ASD Copy Shop will copy the Bills/Resolutions
to be sent out in the packet. The bills and resolutions must be written on the proper
SOP Forms, have the AAA's name on the Form and be signed by the author to be
considered. The AAA’s are encouraged to co-sponsor bills and resolutions. Co-
sponsored Bills and Resolutions shall be counted in each AAA’s total.
The Packet containing the bills and resolutions and other information for the
Legislature Session must be mailed to the OSH Legislators and OSHLAA
Members by August 7.
The Bills/Resolutions are considered in the OSH Legislative Session held annually
in September at the State Capitol. During the Legislative Session bills and
resolutions are discussed and debated in committees and the Chambers. The Bills
and Resolutions which pass the Legislature are prioritized. The top five Prioritized
Bills and top five Prioritized Resolutions are submitted to the Oklahoma State
Legislature for consideration and possible passage into law.
Pages
Some OSH Legislature Liaisons will serve as Clerks. Other Liaisons and
volunteers, as necessary, will act as Pages for each Committee and for the Senate
and House of Representatives when the Chambers are in Session. Each Committee
shall have a Page. Pages take Bills/Resolutions to the Committee in the other
Chamber after the Committee has acted on the Bill/Resolution. Pages will take
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Bills/Resolutions to the other Chamber after action by a Chamber. Pages are
allowed on the Chamber floor to perform their duties. The Pages will report to the
Floor Leader or Speaker Pro Tempore when the Chambers are in session.
Chamber Clerks
The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall appoint the Floor Leader as Clerk
and the Speaker of the House shall appoint the Speaker Pro Tempore as Clerk at
the beginning of the Legislative Session to record Roll Call Votes and to keep the
record of the action taken on the Bills and Resolutions.
Committee Action and Committee Chairs
Each House and Senate Committee Chair will lead the presentation of Bills and
Resolutions assigned to that Committee. The Committees shall vote Do Pass, Do
Pass as Amended or Do Not Pass for each Bill and Resolution submitted.
Committee members may offer amendments for consideration during the
discussion of the Bill/Resolution. Authors of Bills and Resolutions have the option
of discussing them with the Committee considering the Bill and Resolution.
If a Committee in either Chamber votes Do Not Pass, the Pages will notify the
appropriate Committee in the other Chamber of the action taken by that Committee
and the measure may not be considered by the Committee in the other Chamber.
When a Bill or Resolution has been amended, a Page shall take the Bill or
Resolution to the Clerks for retyping and then sent back to the Committees in both
Chambers for consideration and vote on the measure as amended.
The Committee Chair has the responsibility to advise the Senate President Pro
Tempore and the Speaker of the House of the action taken on each Bill and
Resolution in that Committee.
Chamber Sessions
Following Committee action in each Chamber, both the House and Senate shall
convene in Chamber Session. The Senate President Pro Tempore and the Speaker
of the House shall preside in their respective Chambers. If the Senate President Pro
Tempore and/or the Speaker of the Speaker of the House are absent, the Senate
Floor Leader and/or the Speaker Pro Tempore shall preside in the Chamber(s) as
necessary. The Chambers shall discuss and act on the Bills/ Resolutions which
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have been voted Do Pass or Do Pass as Amended by the Committees in both
Chambers. If either Chamber votes Do Not Pass on any measure, the other
Chamber shall be notified prior to the Joint Session.
Joint Session
The Senate President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House shall decide who
will preside over the Joint Session. Copies of the Bills/Resolutions that have
passed each Chamber shall be given to the Presiding Officer of the Joint Session.
The Officer shall present the Bills/Resolutions which have received Do Pass or Do
Pass as Amended to the Joint Session for discussion and action. During the Joint
Session the author of a Bill or Resolution which was voted Do Not Pass may move
for reconsideration. If the measure receives a second and the Joint Session votes
Do Pass, the measure shall be put on the Priority Ballot Vote List for Bills and
Resolutions to be prioritized.
All Bills/Resolutions receiving a Do Pass or Do Pass as Amended in the Joint

Session shall be typed on the OSH Legislature Bills/Resolutions Priorities Form to
determine the priority order of the Bills/Resolutions.
The Presiding Officer of the Joint Session shall call a recess of the Joint Session.
The Legislature Officers shall tally the Priority Votes and organize the OSH
Legislature Prioritized List of the top five (5) Bills and the top five (5) Resolutions
to be presented to Members of the State Legislature for authors and sponsors. If
two (2) or more Bills or Resolutions receive the same number of votes for a
priority position, they will be on the Priority List unless the Joint Session
establishes the priority order of the Bills and/ or Resolutions having the same
number of votes.
Prioritized Bill/Resolution List
The Clerks shall type the Prioritized Bills/ Resolutions on the Bills/Resolutions
Priorities Form. Copies of these Forms shall be given to the OSH Legislators,
OSHLAA Members and the OSH Legislature Liaisons at the Legislative Session.
A copier and paper will be available at the Session.
The Chamber Officers are responsible for giving the list of Prioritized Bills and
Resolutions to the OSHLAA First Vice President.
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Addressing the Chair
1. Recognition from the Chair - When a Member desires to speak to the

Chamber, the Member shall rise and respectfully address the Chair as "Mr. or
Madam President" if in the Senate or "Mr. or Madam Speaker" if in the House.
That Member will then state his/her name and the AAA represented to be
recognized by the Chair.
2. The Chair States - The Chair may then recognize the Senator or
Representative by stating, "For what purpose does the Senator or Representative
from _____________________ arise?”
3. Response From the Senator or Representative - "Mr.” or “Madam

President"- if in the Senate or "Mr.” or “Madam Speaker"- if in the House,
"I RISE TO"
Ø "Inquire of the Senator- Representative _______________.

Ø "Speak on the bill."
Ø "Offer an amendment."
Ø "Rise to a point of order."
Ø "Inquire of the Chair."
Ø "Introduce a guest."
Ø "Lay on the table.
Ø "To adjourn"
Procedures for Presiding Chamber Officers
1. Election of Chamber Officers - The President Pro Tempore and the Floor
Leader of the Senate, the Speaker and Speaker Pro Tempore of the House shall be
elected for a two (2) year term by the respective Chambers at the OSH Legislature
Session. The Chamber Officers shall be currently serving in respective Chamber.
They are to continue in office until their term expires and the incumbents or
successors are elected at the next Legislative Session.
2. Calling the Chambers to Order - The President Pro Tempore of the Senate
and Speaker of the House shall call their respective Chambers to order, at the hour
stated in the Legislature Agenda.
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3. Control of Respective Chambers - The President Pro Tempore of the Senate
and the Speaker of the House shall preserve order and decorum and shall have
general control of their respective Chambers.
4. Decide all Questions - The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the
Speaker of the House shall decide all questions of order subject to an appeal by any
member.
5. Leave the Chair -
Ø The President Pro Tempore of the Senate may leave the chair and
designate the Senate Floor Leader to preside in his/her place.
Ø The Speaker of the House may leave the chair and designate the
Speaker Pro Tempore to preside in his/her place.
6. More Than One Member Rises to Speak - When two or more members rise
to speak at the same time, The Chair Shall Ascertain Their Purpose and Then
Name Who Shall Speak First.
7. To Entertain a Motion - In order for the chair to call for a motion from the
floor the chair states “The Chair Entertains a Motion"..............................................
8. Vote On a Measure after Discussion - When the Senate or the House is ready
to vote upon a Measure, the Presiding Officer shall say “THE QUESTION IS”-
and shall state the question.
A Roll Call Vote Record shall be used for each Measure. The vote of each member
shall be recorded.
9. Sign All Bills and Resolutions - The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and
Speaker of the House shall sign all bills passed by their respective Chambers. The
signature of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House
certifies the Bills/Resolutions that have passed.
10.Immediate Notification of the Other Chamber – Each Chamber shall

immediately notify the other Chamber when a Bill/Resolution has been passed and
certified. A Page shall carry said notification to the other Chamber.
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Decorum and Debate
1. Time Limits – No Member of the Senator or House shall speak for more than
two (2) minutes on a Bill/Resolution except by consent of the majority of the
Members present.
Debate on Each Bill/Resolution - Debate on each Bill/Resolution is limited to

twenty (20) minutes including the time allotted the author and/or sponsor and
pending amendments. Debate on amendments on any Bill/Resolution is limited to
ten (10) minutes. The last two (2) minutes before the vote shall be given to the
person speaking for the Bill/Resolution.
2. Speaking in Debate - When any Member is to speak during debate or deliver

any matter to the Chamber, the Member shall address the Chair as MR./MADAM
PRESIDENT or MR./MADAM SPEAKER. When a question is under debate, the
only motions accepted are:
Ø TO AMEND
Ø FOR A PREVIOUS QUESTION
Ø TO LAY ON THE TABLE
Ø TO RECESS
Ø TO ADJOURN
3. Right of Floor for a Member - The right of the floor for a Member shall not be
challenged after he/she has proceeded with their remarks, except by rising a
Ø POINT OF ORDER,
Ø PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY,
Ø QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE or a
Ø QUESTION OF EXISTENCE OF A QUORUM.
4. Requesting Recognition - When a Member has the floor and another Member
interrupts to request recognition, the President/Speaker may permit the Member
rising to state why he/she desires the floor. If the question the Member desires to
rise is entitled to precedence, the Member originally speaking shall relinquish the
floor until the question having precedence is disposed of. That Member is then
entitled to resume the floor.
5. Amendments - During the each Chamber’s Assembly, only two amendments

for each Bill/Resolution will be allowed to be taken up. All amendments shall be
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written and presented to the Chair. In the event that more than two amendments are
submitted, the President Pro Tempore or the Speaker of the House shall determine
which two amendments will be considered.
Common Forms of Motion
1. Laying on the Table - In legislative parlance, Laying On the Table usually

means disposing of a measure or amendment for the Legislative Session. It is
possible to Take From The Table by a two/thirds (2/3) vote of the Members.
2. Amendments -To offer an amendment, a Member must move a motion and

give the written amendment to the President/Speaker.
3. Previous Question – A Member may call for a vote by addressing the

President/Speaker and calling To End Debate and Bring on a Vote.
4. Point of Order - A Member may challenge what is happening or whether the

discussion is germane to the question by calling for A Point of Order.
5. Appeal - A Member may Appeal to the body to override a ruling or decision of

the Presiding Officer. A majority vote of the Members is required to override the
ruling or decision.
6. To Recess or Adjourn - A motion to Recess or Adjourn may be made by any

Member, but in actual practice the motion is made by the Floor Leader or Speaker
Pro Tempore. A motion of this type must be very clear as to which motion is being
made. A motion To Recess means that all action pending is suspended pending
recall to order. A motion To Adjourn means that all action pending is
completed regardless of status.
OSH Legislature Standing Committees
1. Function of Legislative Committees - The Standing Committees are the heart

of the OSH Legislative process. Each Bill/Resolution is assigned to a committee
for debate and consideration. Each Bill/Resolution shall be debated and considered
before it can be passed out of the committee. The primary role of committees in the
Legislative process is to thoroughly examine each Bill/Resolution and any
amendment(s) before voting on the Bill/Resolution.
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2. Committee Structure - The workload in each Chamber of the OSH Legislature
is divided among the Standing Committees. Legislature Members are assigned to
committees by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the
House. The Chair of the Committee is assigned by the Officer(s) of each Chamber.
Standing Committees are created to examine issues in a given subject area.
3. Knowledge and Expertise - Committee Members bring their knowledge and

expertise and discuss policy perspective on each Bill/Resolution and on any
Amendment(s) to said Bill/Resolution before voting To PASS, TO PASS AS
AMENDED or DO NOT PASS on said Bill/Resolution.
4. House and Senate Standing Committees
Ø COMMERCE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION- C&CP

Ø FINANCE AND TAXATION- F&T
Ø GENERAL LEGISLATION- GL
Ø HEALTH , EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES- H,E,SS
Committee Procedures
1. Opening the Committee Meeting - Committee Meetings are open to the

public. The Chair shall call the Committee Meeting to order and certify that a
quorum consisting of the Committee Members is present. Any preliminary
committee business such introductions and announcements shall be completed. At
the first Committee Meeting after the OSH Legislature Election, the Vice Chair
and Recorder shall be elected by the Committee Members before considering any
Bills/Resolutions.
2. Seating Arrangements - Seating at the Committee table is always reserved for

Committee Members. Typically the Committee Chair sits at the head of the table
with the Vice Chair sitting at the Chair’s side. The Recorder should sit close to the
Chair. Seating for the public attendees is available along the wall on a first come
first served basis.
3. Conducting Committee Meetings - Standing Committees usually discuss

several Bills/Resolutions during their meetings. The same general procedure is
routinely followed on each Bill/Resolution although there are extenuating
circumstances, which may alter the procedure. The Meeting is run as the Chair
sees fit using the Parliamentary Procedure of Robert's Rules of Order Newly
Revised unless otherwise specified in Legislature Procedures.
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4. Placement of the Bills/Resolutions on the Agenda - Once Bills/Resolutions
are assigned to a committee they should be heard in numerical order.
5. Bills/Resolutions Referred to Committees - All Bills/Resolutions shall be

referred to the appropriate committee, and no Bill/Resolution shall be considered
for final passage in the Chambers unless the Committee of each Chamber has
reported DO PASS, or DO PASS AS AMENDED on each Bill/Resolution.
6. Reading the Bill/Resolution - The reading of the Bill/Resolution by its Title is

deemed sufficient by the Chair.
7. Discussion of the Bill/Resolution - The Legislator sponsoring the

Bill/Resolution will be recognized by the Chair to present the Bill/Resolution. This
involves explaining the Bill/Resolution and the reason why it was introduced.
Following that, the Chair takes any question from other Members of the
Committee. Other Legislators, not members of the Standing Committee, may also
wish to share their views with the Committee. Finally, comments may be taken
from members of the general public present. At the discretion of the Committee
Chair, anyone is free to express an opinion during the committee process whether
they are in favor of the Bill/Resolution or against it.
Committee Amendments to the Bills/Resolutions shall be taken up while they are

in committee. Amendments must be in writing. Once a question has been stated
and before it has been voted on, a Member may vote to amend the original motion.
If the amendment is seconded, it must be debated and acted on before action on the
Measure. An amendment to a motion may be amended, but the amendment to an
amendment may not be considered. An amendment must be germane to the topic.
That is, it must be directly related to the motion being amended. An amendment
may Strike Out a word, a line, a paragraph, or section; Insert a word, line,
paragraph, or section; or Substitute one word, line, paragraph, or section for
another.
8. Amendment in Chamber Sessions - No Bill/Resolution will be amended in its

passage through the Chamber Session to change its original purpose.
9. Recommendations - A Recommendation by the majority of members of the

committee shall be referred for the record on one of the following
recommendations:
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Ø Do Pass - This motion means that the committee recommends passage of
the Bill/Resolution in its original form.
Ø Do Pass as Amended - This motion recommends passage of the

Bill/Resolution not in its original form but in the altered form set out by
the committee.
Ø Do Not Pass- This is rarely used. It is a motion that is secondary to the

Do Pass and Do Pass as Amended motions which are considered to be
the Prior Motions. This motion is considered as final action on a
Bill/Resolution; however, a Measure that has received a Do Not Pass in a
committee in either or both Chambers may be held on a Motion To
Reconsider in the Joint Session if the Members vote to reconsider the
Measure.
Ø Advancing the Bill and/or Resolution - This is a motion used to cut off
amendments and discussion of the Bill/Resolution. This motion may be
made anytime without regard to whether there are any proposed
amendments. The motion may only be amended thereafter by unanimous
consent of the committee members.
10.Passes Both Houses - Any Bill/Resolution that passes both Chambers or has
been amended in one or both Chambers will be referred to the Joint Session.
11.Finally Passed - No Bill/Resolution shall be Finally Passed except by a

majority vote of the OSH Legislators of both Chambers.
12.Designating a Carrier - After the final committee action on a Bill/Resolution,

a Page will take the Bill/Resolution to a Clerk in the central location.
13.Other Motions - Other motions that may occur in a committee and are subject
to the control of the Chair include:
Ø Point of Order
Ø Germaneness
Ø Parliamentary Procedures
Ø Request of Any Kind – for example, a motion to withdraw a motion or an
amendment.
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14.Non-Debatable Motions
Ø Limit or Extend Limits of Debate

Ø Point of Order
Ø Point of Information
Ø Lay on the Table/Remove From the Table
Ø Recess
Ø Adjourn
15.Motion to Reconsider - Any Bill/Resolution which passes or fails to pass may

be held on a Motion to Reconsider.
Ø Any member may serve notice that he or she intends to ask that a vote be
reconsidered.
Ø Notice of intent to reconsider must be served on the same day the original
vote is taken, and must be served immediately after the original vote and
before any other business is undertaken.
Ø If the Motion to Reconsider is pressed and fails the original vote on the
Bill/ Resolution stands as taken.
Ø If the Motion to Reconsider is pressed and passes, the vote on the
measure is taken again.
Ø A Motion to Reconsider is the sole property of the member who served
such notice.
Parliamentary Procedure and Rules
1. Governing Rules and Interpretation of Rules - The Governing Rules of the

Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives and Robert's Rules of Order
Newly Revised respectively shall be the Governing Rules in the Legislative
Committees and in the Legislative Session unless otherwise specified in
Legislature Procedures. It shall be the duty of the Presiding Officer to interpret all
rules according to Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised and as specified in
Legislature Procedures when necessary.
2. Waiver and Suspension of the Rules - These rules shall not be waived or
suspended except by a two/thirds (2/3) vote of all Members.
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ADVOCACY
Guidelines for Advocating State Legislators
These guidelines will help the OSH Legislators and OSHLAA Members when
talking with State Legislators. They were written by State Senator Daisy Lawler.
A positive attitude and a smile when meeting a Legislator and Assistants are
essential. The title of the Assistant for a Senator is Executive Assistant. The title of
the Assistant for a House Member is Legislative Assistant. Greet the Assistants by
name if possible. The Assistants will usually be the first contact with the
Legislator. The first impression establishes the atmosphere for the working
relationship. To avoid having to wait, make an appointment. Be courteous and
professional. The Advocate’s attitude reflects on all OSH Legislature and
OSHLAA Members.
Be prepared by doing the homework first. Know the legislator’s schedule and
philosophical position on the issue. Know the issue, have it in print and be
prepared to discuss the pros and cons, if asked. Be clear, concise and specific. Be
sure to have the substantial facts and statistics such as costs and/or savings to
validate the issue and educate the Legislator. The Advocacy Procedures and Bill
Process on Pages 30-39 will help in preparing for the discussion.
Do not be rude, demanding, threatening or use negative body language such as

crossed arms, hands on hips and shaking fingers. The tone of the Advocate’s voice
is very important. “That which offends the ear will not easily gain admission to the
mind.”
Be passionate when talking about the issue and use a personal story and/ or
personal stories from other Older Citizens if possible. The Advocate must be sure
to have the same agenda as other Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislators and the
OSHLAA. The Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislators, the Advocate and the
OSHLAA MEMBERS must speak from the same page. This is very important
to avoid confusing the issue.
The Advocate must be patient and be willing to make contact with the author or
authors of the bill personally, if possible, or by mail, phone or E-Mail. Hand
written letters signed by individuals are the best. Do not use form letters.
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Thank supportive Legislators and always be courteous to those who do not support
the issue. Next year there may be a new issue that they may support.
Advocacy Procedures
To be an effective advocate, you will research issues, needs, publicize and

distribute information that benefits Older Oklahomans. You must know the best
places to start in your Legislative District and speak on behalf of Older
Oklahomans wherever you go. During the next few months you are urged to visit
with the elderly where they meet. Examples are civic clubs, church groups,
nutrition sites, retirement and/or assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The
Media is a good source of information. Talk with Older Oklahomans personally.
Share this information with other OSH Legislators and interested people in your
AAA. You are encouraged to work with the planners and nursing home
Ombudsman in your AAA District. These are great ways to learn about the
services offered and about what changes are needed. The above activities serve
many purposes. You will learn from the elderly what their problems are and how
you can help them by proposing Bills/Resolutions. Don't miss opportunities to
learn how to become a more knowledgeable and effective advocate.
Communicate with all of the State Senate and House of Representative Members
who serve in your District as well as other Districts. You will help them to learn
first hand the needs of their elderly constituents. Advocate your State Legislators
for passage of the OSH Legislature Prioritized Bills/Resolutions.
Carefully read proposed OSH Legislature Bills/Resolutions. Actively participate in

the effect it will have. The OSH Legislator should be prepared to get in touch with
the State Legislator(s) who authors/sponsors the Bill and/or Resolution. They
could be asked to speak regarding a Bill/Resolution at a State Committee or Sub-
Committee Meeting. The OSH Legislator must be an active Advocate for passage
of all the Prioritized Bills/Resolutions of the OSH Legislature.
At this point in time you should be ready to advocate at the State Capital during the
State Legislative Session. In the two (2) months following the OSH Legislative
Session and before the deadline in December for the bills to be submitted to the
State Legislature, the First Vice President, the OSH Legislator author(s) of the
Bills/ Resolutions, other OSH Legislature and OSHLAA Members will be working
to secure State Legislature authors/sponsors for the Prioritized OSH Legislature
Bills/Resolutions. This work continues through January as bills/resolutions are
31
assigned numbers by the State Legislature and it continues on through the State
Legislature Session.
In February of each year the focus begins at the Capital when the State Legislature
convenes. We have a very structured statewide system during this time. The
OSHLAA leadership puts the system together and oversees the team work. Group
trips to the Capital are encouraged. Everyone participates as much as possible. It is
very important to keep track of our Bills/Resolutions during the State Legislative
process.
If the Bill/Resolution is authored by a Senator the process starts in a Senate

Committee, moves to the Senate Floor, then to a House Committee and ends on the
House Floor and if there are any changes not resolved, the bill goes to a
Conference Committee. If there is a House author then the process starts in a
House Committee then goes to the House Floor, then to the Senate Committee and
to the Senate Floor.
During the State Legislative process, OSH Legislators are encouraged to attend
Committee Meetings and sit in the galleries during Senate and House debates and
floor action. It is also important to call your Senators and Representatives to
encourage them to support our Prioritized Bills/Resolutions and to thank them for
their help when they do. This can be accomplished from home when you can't be in
Oklahoma City.
This system has worked very well in the past and the OSH Legislature has been
successful in the passage of bills/resolutions which have been beneficial to the well
being of Older Oklahomans.
The KEY word for these accomplishments was and is team work. Without team
work and without statewide involvement of all OSH Legislators and OSHLAA
Members, we could not continue our impact at the Capitol and our service to Older
Oklahomans in our State.
CLEAR YOUR CALENDAR FOR SILVER HAIRED
ACTIVITIES, IT IS WORTH IT!
32
OKLAHOMA SILVER RESOLUTION
HAIRED LEGISLATURE DEFINITIONS
RESOLUTIONS take three forms: joint, concurrent, and simple resolutions. The
importance of the degree of legal authority and the requirements for final approval
are central to distinguishing among various legal documents passed by the
Legislature
JOINT RESOLUTIONS: Joint resolutions look like and proceed through the
Legislative process much like bills. Frequently, joint resolutions will not amend
statute, but will have the full force and effect of law if approved by the Governor.
Joint resolutions require the approval of both houses.
CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS: require the approval of both houses, but

concurrent resolutions do not have the full force and effect of law. They are
usually expressions of the opinion or will of the Legislature on a specific issue.
These resolutions may be assigned to a committee and follow the legislative
process, except that they are not subject to deadlines, do not have to go through the
various readings, and rarely go to a conference committee. Concurrent resolutions
are never sent to the Governor for signature but are adopted by the Legislature and
filed with the Secretary of State with directions for distribution.
SIMPLE RESOLUTIONS: are similar in nature to concurrent resolutions, except

that they represent the feelings or position of only one house. They are also filed
only with the Secretary of State. The Governor does not have to sign a simple
resolution, there is no cost for it to go into effect, and it goes into effect
immediately. This is usually a ceremony and can be introduced anytime.
OSHL 2401 N.W. 23rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Form #201 A Voice For Older Oklahomans 06/22/2006
33
34
JOINT RESOLUTION
OKLAHOMA SILVER
EXAMPLE
HAIRED LEGISLATURE REAL ESTATE
A Joint Resolution relating to am endm ents to perm anent rule of the Oklahom a Real Estate Appraiser
Board; disapproving, in part, am endm ents to perm anent rule OAC 600:10-1-16, regarding
supervision of trainee appraisers; directing program developm ent; directing distribution; and
declaring an em ergency.
W H EREAS, pursuant to Sections 250.2 and 308 of Title 75 of the O klahom a Statutes, the Legislature reserves the right to
designate the m ethod for rule prom ulgation, establish policy, determ ine that a rule is not consistent with legislative intent and
disapprove any rule or portion thereof at any tim e; and
W H EREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the O klahom a Certified Real Estate Appraisers Act, the O klahom a Real Estate
Appraiser Board shall be responsible for setting forth requirem ents for certified real estate appraisers; and
W H EREAS, am endm ents to perm anent rule O AC 600:10-1-16, which were adopted by the O klahom a Real Estate Appraiser
Board on D ecem ber 3, 2004, subm itted to the Legislature and Governor on Decem ber 10, 2004, approved by the Governor on January
24, 2005, and finally adopted on M arch 30, 2005, governing the num ber of trainee appraisers that m ay be supervised by a supervisory
appraiser, do not reflect the intent of the O klahom a Legislature.
N O W , TH EREFO RE, BE IT RESO LVED BY TH E SEN ATE AN D THE H O U SE O F REPRESEN TATIV ES O F TH E 1ST
SESSIO N O F TH E 50TH O KLAH O M A LEGISLATU RE:
SECTIO N 1. The Legislature hereby disapproves the revision to subsection (a) of O AC 600:10-1-16 which states:
“, but a supervisory appraiser m ay not supervise m ore than three (3) trainee appraisers at one tim e.”
SECTIO N 2. The Legislature hereby disapproves paragraph 3 of subsection (a) of O AC 600:10-1-16 which states:
“(3) Supervisory appraisers having responsibility for m ore than three (3) trainee appraisers on the effective date of this rule m ay keep
those relationships intact, but m ay not undertake additional supervisory responsibilities until such tim e as this action will not violate
the three (3) trainee lim itation im posed above.”
SECTIO N 3. The Legislature hereby disapproves paragraph 5 of subsection (e) of O AC 600:10-1-16, which states:
“(5) State Licensed appraisers with supervisor-trainee relationships in place on the effective date of this rule m ay keep those
relationships intact, but m ay not undertake additional supervisory responsibilities until such tim e as they have upgraded to State
Certified General or State Certified Residential Appraiser.”
SECTIO N 4. The Legislature hereby directs the O klahom a Real Estate Appraiser Board to develop a program which
provides for progress m onitoring, supervising certified appraiser qualifications, and supervision and oversight requirem ents for
supervising appraisers, in com pliance with the requirem ents of the Trainee Real Property Appraiser Q ualification Criteria effective
January 1, 2008, of the Appraiser Q ualifications Board of The Appraisal Foundation.
SECTIO N 5. The Secretary of State is hereby directed to distribute copies of this resolution to the Governor, the O klahom a
Real Estate Appraiser Board, and the Editor of “The O klahom a Register”.
SECTIO N 6. It being im m ediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an em ergency is
hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
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JOINT RESOLUTION
OKLAHOMA SILVER
EXAMPLE
HAIRED LEGISLATURE OPPORTUNITY FUND
State government - “Oklahoma Opportunity Fund” – codification - emergency
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 11 of
Title 74, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. There is hereby created in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Office of the Governor to be
designated the “Oklahoma Opportunity Fund”. The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year
limitations, and shall consist of:
1. Any amounts appropriated by the legislature for the fund pursuant to purposes described by this section;
2. Interest earned on the investment of money in the fund; and
3. Gifts, grants, and other donations received for the fund. All monies accruing to the credit of the fund are
hereby appropriated and may be budgeted and expended by the Office of the Governor for purposes of economic
development, infrastructure development, community development, job training programs, and business incentives.
Expenditures from the fund shall be made upon warrants issued by the State Treasurer against claims filed as
prescribed by law with the Director of State Finance for approval and payment.
B. The Governor may authorize the State Treasurer to utilize monies in the fund on a temporary basis for cash
management purposes.
C. The Office of the Governor shall administer the Opportunity Fund. The governor may, on behalf of the
state, award by grant, or by entering into a contract, money in the fund. The governor may award money in the fund
by grant or by contract only with the express written prior approval of the Incentive Approval Committee established
pursuant to Section 3603 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
D. Before awarding a grant under subsection C of this section, the Governor shall enter into a written
agreement with the entity to be awarded the grant or contract specifying that:
1. if all or any portion of the amount of the grant or contract is used to build a capital improvement:
a. the state retains a lien or other interest in the capital improvement in proportion to the grant
or contract amount awarded for the capital improvement, and
b. the recipient of the grant or contract shall, if the capital improvement is sold:
(1) repay to the state the grant money used to pay for the capital improvement, with
interest at the rate and according to the other terms provided by the agreement;
(2) share with the state a proportionate amount of any profit realized from the sale;
and
2. If, as of a date certain provided in the agreement, the grant or contract recipient has not used grant money
awarded under this section for the purposes for which the grant or contract was intended, the recipient shall repay that
amount and any related interest to the state at the agreed rate and on the agreed terms.
SECTION 2. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an
emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its
passage and approval.
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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
OKLAHOMA SILVER
EXAMPLE
HAIRED LEGISLATURE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
AS INTRODUCED
A Concurrent Resolution recognizing Conservation Districts in the State of

Oklahoma; designating Conservation Day at the State Capitol; and directing
distribution.
W HEREAS, the care and proper management of our natural resources are essential to the quality of
life and the future of all Oklahomans as well as to Oklahoma’s economy; and
W HEREAS, Conservation Districts are the primary local natural resource connection for the citizens
of Oklahoma; and
W HEREAS, Conservation Districts provide the delivery system for a number of critical
conservation programs including upstream flood control, soil and water conservation cost-share, abandoned
mine land reclamation, nonpoint source water quality, and student and adult conservation education; and
W HEREAS, the Oklahoma Legislature recognizes the important work that Conservation Districts
perform for the State of Oklahoma.
NOW , THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
1ST SESSION OF THE 50TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE SENATE CONCURRING
THEREIN:
THAT the Oklahoma Legislature extends its sincere appreciation to Oklahoma’s 88 Conservation
Districts for their efforts.
THAT the Oklahoma Legislature hereby proclaims March 29, 2005, as “Conservation Day” at the

State Capitol.
1
SIMPLE RESOLUTION
OKLAHOMA SILVER
EXAMPLE
HAIRED LEGISLATURE PERSON
AS INTRODUCED
A Resolution praising Carrie Underwood for winning the title of

American Idol; acknowledging her talent and her indomitable Oklahoma
spirit; and directing distribution.
WHEREAS, the sweet music of a beautiful voice echoed from the Ouachita National
Forest to Black Mesa State Park and from the Grand Lake O'The Cherokees to Quartz Mountain
State Park as Carrie Underwood won the title of American Idol; and
WHEREAS, this special woman had a vision for her future, a vision that propelled her
into prosperity by using her God-given talents to benefit herself and the State of Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, the State of Oklahoma blazed like a wildfire out of control from Kenton to
Tom and from Quapaw to Hollis as Carrie Underwood became Oklahoma's country music
singing sweetheart; and
WHERE AS, Carrie Underwood singing "Inside Your Heaven" rocketed her from one of
Oklahoma's treasures to a national treasure and a star that brings tears of joy to your eyes and a
dance to your step.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 50TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives commends Carrie Underwood for her
astounding win on American Idol.
THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives rejoices with her and praises her on her
beautiful voice that is numbered among one of Oklahoma's treasures.
THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to Carrie Underwood and her grandfather,
Carl Shatswell.
50-1-7655 TM 05/26/05

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SIMPLE RESOLUTION
OKLAHOMA SILVER EXAMPLE
HAIRED LEGISLATURE SILVER ALERT
WARNING
A Resolution stating the need for implementation of an early warning system program
known as a Silver Alert for senior citizens; and directing distribution.
W HEREAS, many senior citizens of Oklahoma who suffer from various physical or mental health conditions
may be at risk of endangering their health and life when outside of their familiar surroundings; and
W HEREAS, in the case of a senior citizen who has wandered away from his or her home and become
disoriented with his or her surroundings, the first few hours are critical in finding the senior citizen; and
W HEREAS, to aid in the identification and location of the senior citizen, an early warning system program
known as a “Silver Alert” may be developed to help locate missing senior citizens; and
W HEREAS, a “Silver Alert” early warning system program should be a coordinated effort among the
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement agencies, and media officials; and
W HEREAS, it is important to the health, safety, and welfare of all senior citizens of the State of Oklahoma to
ensure that the early warning system program is implemented statewide.
NOW , THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 2ND

SESSION OF THE 50TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
THAT the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies and
media officials, is encouraged to implement a statewide early warning system program known as a “Silver Alert”.
THAT copies of this resolution be sent to the Commissioner of Public Safety, the Executive Director of the
Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police and the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association.
Adopted by the House of Representatives the 28th day of March, 2006.
OSHL 2401 N.W. 23rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73107

4
OKLAHOMA SILVER HOW TO WRITE
A BILL
HAIRED LEGISLATURE
INSTRUCTIONS
These questions are not exhaustive, but they do point out the importance of
careful research before a bill is drafted or introduced.
1. W hat problem is it that the legislation will solve? Or possibly cause?
2. Are there any other problems that the legislation will create? W hat do I want to outcome to be?
3. W hat agencies, groups, or other parties need and will support the legislation?
4. How can I enlist the support of such outside groups? W hich legislators will support the legislation? How will
the Chair and members of the standing committee react to the legislation?
5. W ho will oppose the legislation? Are there any opportunities to compromise with them in order to negate or
neutralize their opposition? If so, should the compromises be incorporated in the introduced bill or used as
concessions to opposing parties?
6. Are there any constitutional problems associated with the legislation?
7. Can I clearly estimate the fiscal impacts of the bill to the state and affected parties if there are any? W ho will be
expected to bear any associated costs or receive benefits? Can I identify a funding source to pay the associated
costs? Are these associated benefits that might outweigh the cost? Include fiscal impact study if you do one.
8. Are the enforcement provisions of the bill clear enough? If passed, will the parties responsible for the
administration or enforcement of the law be likely and able to do so? Did you visit with them?
9. Are there any potential unintended consequences of the bill that may be overlooked?
10. Is the language clear and the parts of the bill logical? W ill it make a good law?
11. Am I willing to expend the time and energy to help see this bill through the legislative process?
12. Are there other states that have attempted to act on the same issue? W hat alternative approaches have they
used? W hat reasons are there for or against these alternatives?
13. Should I consider dividing the legislation into several bills? Or would it be advisable to pass the legislation over
several years?
Be ready to provide a copy of all research information to the First Vice President if your Bill or Resolution is
voted to be one of our top five priorities.
Put your ideas and thoughts on the paper in sentences and paragraphs. Don’t try to make it a bill – there are people
hired to do that. Just brainstorm and put it down. You may have just come up with a bill winning idea!

5
BILL EXAMPLE
OKLAHOMA SILVER
WATER RESOURCES
HAIRED LEGISLATURE BOARD
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board; making an appropriation; stating
purpose; requiring budgeting in certain categories and amounts; requiring certain performance
measures; providing for duties and compensation of employees; limiting salary of the Executive
Director; providing budgetary limitations; and providing an effective date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

SECTION
1.. There is hereby appropriated to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board from any monies not otherwise appropriated
from the General Revenue Fund of the State Treasury for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, the sum of _______________
Dollars ($0.00) or so much thereof as may be necessary to perform the duties imposed upon the Oklahoma Water Resources
Board by law.
SECTION 1.. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board shall budget all funds in
the following categories and amounts:
Category Appropriation Total
Administrative Services
$0.00
$0.00
Water Quality Programs
0.00
0.00
Planning and Management
0.00
0.00
Office of the Secretary of the Environment
0.00
0.00
TOTAL $0.00
$0.00
The agency shall develop outcome-based performance measures for each budget category.
SECTION 2.. The duties and compensation of employees, not otherwise prescribed by law, necessary to perform the
duties imposed upon the Oklahoma Water Resources Board by law shall be set by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. The
salary of the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board shall not exceed _____________ Dollars ($0.00) per
annum, payable monthly for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2007, shall be subject to the following budgetary limitations on full-time-equivalent employees and expenditures
6
excluding expenditures for capital and special projects, except as may be authorized pursuant to the provisions of Section 3603
of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes:
Budgetary Limitation Amount
Full-time-equivalent Employees
0.0
Lease-Purchase Agreements
$0.00
SECTION 3.. This act shall become effective September 1, 2006.
50-2-2641 AD 3/15/2010 6:45:11 pm

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OKLAHOMA SILVER INTRODUCTION OF
HAIRED LEGISLATURE RESOLUTION
Committee Committee Chair:
:
Submitted by:
Print Name Signature AAA
Year:
House: Do Pass Do Pass. as Amended Do Not Pass
Senate: Do Pass Do Pass. as Amended Do Not Pass
Subject Matter:
Whereas,
Whereas,
Whereas,
Now, be it therefore resolved by the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature:

THAT
THAT
THAT
OSHL 2401 N.W . 23rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Form#209 A Voice For Older Oklahomans 06/22/2006
8
OKLAHOMA SILVER INTRODUCTION
HAIRED LEGISLATURE OF BILL
Committee Committee Chair:
:
Submitted by:
Print Name Signature AAA
Year:
House: Do Pass Do Pass. as Amended Do Not Pass
Senate: Do Pass Do Pass. as Amended Do Not Pass
Heading, Title, Body or Subject:
What do you want to happen as a result of this bill:
OSHL 2401 N.W . 23rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Form#210 A Voice For Older Oklahomans 06/22/2006
9
OKLAHOMA SILVER LEGISLATIVE
HAIRED LEGISLATURE COMMITTEE
CHOICE
AAA Committee Chair
Representative Alternate
Senator Alternate
(Please check one)
Alternates and/or Associates are encouraged to attend committee meetings, but

they do not vote unless the Representative or Senator is unable to serve.
COMMITTEES
Commerce and Consumer Protection

st nd rd
Indicate your 1 , 2 , 3 ,
Finance and Taxation
th
and 4 choices on the
General Legislation
lines provided.
Health, Education and Social Services
Would you be willing to serve as committee chairman? Yes No

Please complete and return the first working day after the election to your AAA Office.
Name:
Address:
Phone: FAX # :
E-mail:
O SH L 2401 N .W . 23rd St. O klahom a City, O K 73107

Form #211 A Voice For Older O klahom a 06/22/2006
10
DIRECTORY OF LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION AT THE CAPITOL
BASEMENT
B-8 State Law Library
B-23 House Mail Room
House Journal
Calendar of the day
THIRD FLOOR
310 Bill Distribution
House and Senate Bills- you must know the Bill number.
311 Senate Mail Room
Legislative Calendar Senate Journal
Lists: House and Senate Members Calendar of the Day
FOURTH FLOOR
430 Press Room
Hall: West Wall Bulletin Board - House Committee Meetings
House Special Meetings
East Wall Bulletin Board - Senate Committee Meetings
Senate Special Meetings
TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR INFORMATION ON LEGISLATION
House Offices (405) 521-2711 or 800 522-8502
Senate Offices (405) 524-0126 or 800 865-6490
BILL STATUS
1. Call your own Representative or Senator, or
2. Call Author of Bill, or
3. Call Chair of Committee if scheduled for Committee action.
HOW TO GET E-MAIL ADDRESSES OF YOUR REPRESENTATIVE OR

SENATOR
Representatives: www.lsb.state.ok.us. Go down to House Members and click.
There you will have all the Representatives, E-Mail address, District and Party.
Senate: www.lsb.state.ok.us. Go over to Senate Members then down to Printable

Directory. This opens to Senate Contact Information, where there is a lot of
contact information .

Form #212 A Voice For Older Oklahomans 06/22 2006
11
Instructions for Navigating
the Oklahoma Legislative Web Page
Ø Go to www.lsb.state.ok.us/,which brings you to the Oklahoma legislative page.
Ø Click on the House Home Page, which takes you to the House of Representatives page. (Also,
you can get there by using www.okhouse.gov/)
Ø At the left of the screen in the black area, place the mouse pointer on legislation. A gray box will
appear to the right. Click on house votes.
Ø A screen will appear that lists house votes for different years. Click on the one you wish to
examine.
Ø A list of bills by numbers and actions will appear. Select the action you wish to check. By
clicking here, you will be given a list of those who voted for or against a bill.
Ø At the bottom of this screen, you will see small black boxes. Select Senate by clicking on it. Or
you may get to the Senate Home Page by going to www.oksenate.gov/
Ø At the Senate Home Page, under spotlights, you will see the words Senate Floor votes
underlined. Click here. (You may also get to votes by using the drop down box at the top left.)
Ø The bills are listed by number. By clicking on action of the bill you wish to examine, you will
get to a list of those voting for the bill and those voting against.
Ø To return to the House Home Page, go to www.okhouse.gov or back to www.lsb.state.ok.us/
LaNell Daniel
Programs Supervisor
(405) 522-3073
lanell.daniel@okdhs.org

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OSH LEGISLATURE ELECTION RULES AND PROCEDURES
Election Year
1. The statewide OSH Legislature election is a bi-ennial event held every two
years in even numbered years and shall be held on the last working Friday of
March of each election year.
Election Eligibility
1. To be eligible for election to the OSH Legislature, the candidate must be:
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Ø At least 60 years of age as of March 1, of the election year.

Ø A resident of Oklahoma and should be a registered voter in the state of
Oklahoma, and
Ø Perform other OSH Legislator Duties as outlined on pages 16-17.
2. Candidates may not be paid employees in an aging program or project. See

Term of Office and Questions/Answers about terms for OSH Legislators who wish
to run for an additional term on page 48.
Filing for Office
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1. To become a candidate for the OSH Legislature, the individual shall pay the
$17.50 Filing Fee and shall secure the signatures of twenty-five (25) senior citizens
on the Nomination Petition from their OSH Legislature District. See Voter
Qualifications on page 51.An incumbent does not need a Nomination Petition since
there is one on file. The filing Fee is required for incumbents. The completed
Nomination Petition, plus the Filing Fee must be received by the appropriate Area
Agency of Aging (AAA) not later than 4:00 p.m. on the last working day of
February. Instructions are on the form. The Nomination Petition is kept by the
AAA and the Filing Fee is sent to the OSHLAA Treasurer by the AAA.
Committee Choice Forms
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1. The Committee Choice Forms must be obtained by the OSH Legislature

candidate at the AAA when the Filing Fee is paid. The Forms are due back to the
AAA on the first working day after the election. The AAA shall mail the Forms to
the Legislative Officer(s) by the second working Friday in April.
Number OF OSH Legislature Senate and House Districts
1. The structure of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature (OSH Legislature) is

modeled after the Oklahoma State Legislature. Each planning and service area of
the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) is entitled to two Silver Haired Senators. The
number of Silver Haired Representatives is based on the over 60 population in the
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area. There will be a total of 22 Silver Haired Senators and 46 Silver Haired
Representatives. There may also be an Alternate and Associate for each position in
the House and Senate. Silver Haired Districts do not coincide with Oklahoma
Legislative or Congressional Districts. Maps of the Silver Haired Senate and House
districts are attached.
Election Policies and Procedure
1. The election plan including polling places in each OSH Senate and House
District and the names of poll officials will be the responsibility of the AAA.
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2. The AAA will arrange the election of the OSH Legislature. The candidate for
each OSH Legislature Office receiving the highest number of votes cast shall be
declared elected. If two or more candidates are running for an office the candidate
receiving the second highest vote shall be declared the Alternate. When only one
Nominating Petition has been filed for an OSH Legislature District, an
election shall not be held for that district.
3. In the event the elected Oklahoma Silver Haired Senator or Representative is

unable to take office or serve and if there is not an Alternate for the Office an
Associate may be appointed to serve in the Office by the AAA. See OSH
Legislature Associate Appointment pages 7-8.
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4. In the event the is vote is tied, the AAA will decide first and second places by a
coin toss in the presence of the candidates for the position in question.
5. The AAA Director or Designee’ shall certify in writing the names of the elected
members of the OSH Legislature and Alternate Positions to the OSHLAA
Secretary. Such notification shall be sent by E-Mail or regular mail within five (5)
working days after the election. The following information shall be included:
name, mailing address, Legislature Chamber and District Number, number of
consecutive terms served, OSHLAA status, telephone number(s), fax number-if
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available- and E-Mail address. The Secretary shall notify the rest of the OSHLAA
and OSH Legislature Officers.
6. In the event of disputed election results, the determination of which candidate is

elected will be made by the AAA or the OSHLAA Executive Committee as
appropriate.
Voter Qualifications:
1. To be eligible to sign a Nomination Petition or to vote in elections for the

Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature, an individual shall:
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Ø Be at least 60 years of age by the election date;

Ø Be a resident of Oklahoma and should be a registered voter in the State of
Oklahoma;
Ø Sign a Voter Register Form at the time of voting; and
Ø Live in the same AAA and district as the candidate.
2. No person may sign more than one Nomination Petition for a candidate in an
OSH Legislature Senate District and more than one Nomination Petition for a
candidate in an OSH Legislature House of Representatives District. When a person
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signs a Nomination Petition, it does not obligate that person to vote for the
candidate whose petition they sign.
Withdrawal of Candidacy
1. The final date for withdrawal of candidacy for the OSH Legislature is 4:00 p.m.
on the last working day of the first full week of March. Such withdrawal must be
made in writing to the AA A.
Contesting an Election
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1. The sole criteria for contesting an election in any district shall be the following:
1. Voter fraud
2. Voting procedure which includes lack of privacy, lack of ballots, and
improper display of campaign materials.
2. Anyone wishing to contest a district election result must submit such protest in
writing to the AAA not later than the last working day of the first full week of
April. Such protest must list and substantiate reason(s) for questioning the district
election result. If the local AAA cannot make a determination, the OSHLAA
Executive Committee will be notified by the AAA and the determination made by
the OSHLAA Executive Committee shall be final.
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OSH Legislature Term of Office
1. The term of office shall begin when the OSH Legislators are sworn in at the
Legislative Session and shall end when the newly elected or incumbent Legislators
are sworn in at the next Legislative Session. OSH Legislators may serve up to three
consecutive terms, but they are eligible to serve in the Legislature again after one
(1) two-year term out of office.
2. In the spirit of sharing the educational experience of serving in the OHS

Legislature, and yet recognizing the need for continuity from one Legislative
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Session to the next, the OSHLAA Executive Committee has formulated the
following policy concerning terms of office for the OSH Legislature.
3. A person may be elected to serve in either Chamber or in both Chambers in the

OSH Legislature for three (3) consecutive terms. Each term is for two (2) years.
Once a person has served three (3) consecutive terms, that person must not serve
for one term in order to become eligible to serve again. Serving as an alternate to
the OSHL does not count against a person’s eligibility.
Questions/Answers about Terms for OSH Legislators
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Question: How many times can I be elected to the OSH Legislature?

Answer: A person can be elected for three consecutive terms.
Question: Can I serve only in the OSH Legislature Senate or the OSH
Legislature House of Representatives?
Answer: A person can serve three consecutive terms in any of the following
combinations: (1 term = 2 years)
Ø 3 terms in the OSH Legislature Senate
Ø 3 terms in the OSH Legislature House; or
Ø Any combination of the above.
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Question: After serving three consecutive terms, can I serve in for the OSH
Legislature again?
Answer: Yes, you will be eligible for another three consecutive terms after you
have not served for one term.
OSH Legislature Nomination Rules
1. Nomination for a Legislature Position will be obtained by Nomination

Petition. An incumbent shall not be required to file a Nomination Petition to
run for re-election. When an OSH Legislator has been out of office for one
(1) term, a Nomination Petition is required.
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2. The Nomination Petition must be obtained by the prospective Nominee. The

Nominee must be 60 years of age or older, as of March 1 of the election
year, and should be a registered voter in Oklahoma. It is the Nominee’s
responsibility to secure the required number of signatures.
3. The Nomination Petition must be an original. No copies will be accepted.
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4. The signatures on the Nomination Petition must be obtained within the OSH
Legislative Senate or House District in which the candidate wishes to run.
5. Twenty-five (25) signatures are required to obtain the Nomination for a

position in the OSH Legislature. These signatures must be from individuals
who are 60 years of age or older. They should be registered voters in
Oklahoma. A member of the candidate’s family may also sign the
Nomination Petition.
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6. Nominees may run for a seat in the OSH Legislature House or Senate. They
must decide which OSH Legislature Chamber they wish to run for prior to
the Nomination Petition process.
7. All candidates who have been nominated must plan to commit themselves to
serve a full two year term. Commitment includes attending AAA Meetings
and Legislative Sessions, visiting locations where seniors gather and
advocating for senior issues to public officials and the general public. See
OSH Legislator Duties pages 16-17.
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8. Once a Nomination Petition is secured, candidates are expected to campaign

in their district as much as possible.
9. The AAA will accept the Nomination Petitions and provide election ballots
that include a list of names of all official candidates.
10.Nomination Petitions are due in the AAA Office no later than the last
working Friday of February. See Filing for Office Page 45.
12.Those not eligible to obtain a Nomination Petition and run for the OSH
Legislature are:
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A. Aging Project Personnel including any staff person employed in an

Aging Program or Project,
B. Any person who has served for three consecutive terms in the OSH
Legislature. See Terms of Office under Election Rules and Procedures.
If you have any questions, please contact your local AAA OSH Legislature Liaison
at the number listed below.
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AREAWIDE Aging Agency, Inc.405-942-8500

ASCOG AAA800-658-1466
COEDD AAA800-375-8255
EODD AAA918-682-7891
GGED AAA800-482-4594
KEDDO AAA800-722-8180
NODA AAA800-749-1149
OEDA AAA800-658-2844
SODA AAA580-920-1388
SWODA AAA800-627-4882
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TULSA AAA918-596-7688
Procedures and Duties for Polling Place Officials
1. Polling Places will be open from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m., on the last working
Friday of March. Any person in line at the polling place at 1:00 p.m. shall be
allowed to vote.
2. There shall be no soliciting of votes, display of campaign signs, or literature

within the building where the Polling Place is located.
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3. Each candidate has the option of assigning one poll watcher for the entire
period or for a specified time when the Polling Place is open.
4. No individual may cast more than one vote for a candidate for the OSH
Legislature Senate and for one candidate for the OSH Legislature House of
Representatives during the election. Candidates are eligible to vote in the election.
Duties of Poll Officials
1. Two poll officials will be assigned to each polling place. These are usually
volunteers who attend the Senior Center or Nutrition Site.
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2. One Poll Official shall be assigned to serve as Judge. The Judge’s

responsibility is to record voters on the Sign-in Register. Be sure the voters sign
the OSH Legislature Voter Register Form before the ballot is cast.
3. The other Poll Official is the Clerk. The Clerk’s responsibility is to distribute
the ballots, pens and pencils. If a ballot is spoiled, the Clerk shall write Void on it,
and return it with unused ballots.
4. If a person’s right to vote is questioned or challenged, the Judge and Clerk shall
confer out of hearing of others in the polling place to decide the person’s
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eligibility. If they are unable to make a determination, they shall call their AAA.
See Voter Qualifications below.
5. At 1:00 p.m. when the final vote has been cast the Judge and Clerk shall put the
Sign-In Register and unused ballots in the manila envelope which is provided and
give the envelope and the Ballot Box to the Vote Supervisor, Nutrition Site
Director or Center Coordinator.
6. The election results and election packet shall be transmitted by the Vote
Supervisor, Nutrition Site Director or Center Coordinator to the AAA no later than
4:00 P. M. of the election day.
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Voter Qualifications
1. To be eligible to vote in the elections for the Oklahoma Silver Haired

Legislature an individual must:
Ø Be at least 60 years of age on the date of the election,

Ø Be a resident of the State of Oklahoma and
Ø Should be a registered voter in the State of Oklahoma
Equipment Provided by the Polling Place
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1. Table and two chairs. The table is to be used for the Sign-In Registration and
for distribution of ballots. The chairs are for the two poll officials.
2. Table for the ballot box. This should be placed near the table where the poll
officials are seated.
3. Voting area for marking ballots. The area should assure some degree of
privacy for the voter.
4. Pens and or pencils for marking ballots.
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5. Two "Vote Here" signs. One sign is to be affixed to the outside of the
building or door in which the polling place is located. The other sign is to be
placed on the table or on the wall immediately behind the table where the poll
officials are located.
Material Provided for the Polling Place by the AAA:
1. Ballots with the names of the appropriate candidates for the Silver Haired
Senate and House Districts will be delivered to the polling places not later than
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8:30 a.m., on the last working Friday in March of the election year. The AAA shall
make arrangements with the Poll Officials to maintain the privacy of the ballots.
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OKLAHOMA SILVER
Candidate HAIRED LEGISLATURE
(Please print clearly)
Name NOMINATION PETITION
Date___________
Address
City Zip SENATE
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I the undersigned wish to place the name of in nomination

for the 2006 Silver Haired Legislature in Senate District # . I certify that I
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Am aware of the criteria that in order to sign this petition, I am a resident of the
State of Oklahoma and that I am 60 years of age or older and that I should be a
registered voter.
PRINT NAME SIGNATURE ADDRESS
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OKLAHOMA SILVER
HAIRED LEGISLATURE
NOMINATION PETITION
Date___________
HOUSE
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Candidate
(Please print clearly)
Name
Address
City Zip
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I the undersigned wish to place the name of in nomination

for the 2006 Silver Haired Legislature in Senate District # I certify that I
am aware of the criteria that in order to sign this petition, I am a resident of the
State of Oklahoma and that I am 60 years of age or older and that I should be a
registered voter.
1.
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OKLAHOMA SILVER HAIRED LEGISLATURE
POLLING SITE
Nutrition Site/Senior Center
Address
Contact Person
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POLLING SITE VOLUNTEERS:
NameAddressPhone No.
1.
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2.

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VOTE
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HERE
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Oklahoma
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Silver Haired
Legislature
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OSH LEGISLATURE
ELECTION VOTER SIGNATURE REGISTER
District ____________ Polling Site ____________
Each voter must personally write his/her signature on this voting Signature
Register. If voter cannot write, he/she should make his/her mark and the Judge or
Clerk should print the name beside the voter’s mark.
Signature of Voter Address
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VOTING BALLOT
SENATE
District
Please % mark your selection for one candidate:
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Jane Doe
Sam Smith
Mary Jones Sample
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VOTING BALLOT
SENATE
District
Jane Doe
Sam Smith Sample

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Mary Jones
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VOTING BALLOT
SENATE
District
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VOTING BALLOT
SENATE
District
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VOTING BALLOT
House of Representatives
District
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Jane Doe
Sam Smith
Mary Jones Sample
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VOTING BALLOT
House of Representatives
District
Jane Doe
Sam Smith Sample

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Mary Jones

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VOTING BALLOT
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
District
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VOTING BALLOT
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
District
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OKLAHOMA SILVER HAIRED

SENATE DISTRICTS
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OKLAHOMA SILVER HAIRED

HOUSE DISTRICTS
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AREA AGENCY ON AGING (AAA)

DISTRICTS
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1. GGED (Grand Gateway Economic Development District)

2. EODD (Eastern Oklahoma Development District)
3. KEDDO (Kiamichi Economic Development District)
4. SODA (Southern Oklahoma Development District)
5. COEDD (Central Oklahoma Economic Development District)
6. INCOG (Indian Nations Council of Governments)

7. NODA (Northern Oklahoma Development Authority)
8. ACOG (Association of Central Oklahoma Governments)
9. ASCOG (Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments)
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10. SWODA (South Western Oklahoma Development Authority)

11. OEDA (Oklahoma Economic Development Association)

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OSH LEGISLATURE

OSHLAA/OSH LEGISLATURE OFFICERS 5

First Vice President Speaker Pro Tempore

Second Vice President Senate

Secretary Floor Leader

OSH Legislature Liaison Policy/Training/Election Manual

1. The General Policies, OSH Legislature Training Guidelines, OSH Legislator

Media Interviews and Articles

2. If an OSH Legislator or OSHLAA Member has a Media interview or written

OSHLAA/OSH Legislator Eligibility

1. An elected Member of the OSH Legislature and an Appointee to the OSH

OSH Legislature Officers Election

1. Following the election of OSH Legislature Officers in the Legislative Session

OSH Legislator Appointment

2. When an appointment is made by the AAA Director or Designee’, the

OSH Legislature Associate Appointment

1. The involvement of OSH Legislators, members of the OSHLAA not serving in

3. If the Elected OSH Legislator, Alternate or appointed Alternate is unable to

1. An elected or appointed Member of the OSH Legislature shall be eligible for

AAA Representative/Alternate Term of Office to Executive Committee

1. The AAA Director or Designee’ is encouraged to recommend to the OSHLAA

Hotel Room Reservations, Banquet and Catered Lunches

1. To take advantage of the tax exempt law the OSH Legislature/OSHLAA

AAA Meetings and Election of Officers

Change in the Number of OSH Legislature Representatives in the AAA

AAA Representative Appointment to the Executive Committee Notice

1. The AAA Director or Designee’ shall recommend OSHLAA Member(s) to be

Membership Change Notice

1. When an OSH Legislature Member, Alternate, Associate or OSHLAA Member

Notice of a Member’s Death

OSH Legislature Appointment Notice

OSH Legislature Election Result Notice

History of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature

The Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature (OSH Legislature) was established in

It is a body of volunteer advocates elected by older citizens in accordance with

Ø Living Wills (Advanced Directives),

The OSHLAA Membership consists of Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature (OSH

A second purpose of the OSHLAA is to encourage OSH Legislators to aid and

OSH Legislature Officers Eligibility and Election

OSH Legislature Officer Duties

OSH Legislator Duties

These duties include but are not limited to the following:

OSH Legislators have a unique opportunity to attend conferences and meetings

Commitment to serve in the OSH Legislative Session is essential. Be active in the

OSH LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURES

Roll Call Vote

The Oklahoma Attorney General Opinion 02-42 on page 38 in the Oklahoma

Bills and Resolutions

Committee Action and Committee Chairs

All Bills/Resolutions receiving a Do Pass or Do Pass as Amended in the Joint

Prioritized Bill/Resolution List

1. Recognition from the Chair - When a Member desires to speak to the

3. Response From the Senator or Representative - "Mr.” or “Madam

"I RISE TO"

Ø "Inquire of the Senator- Representative _______________.

Procedures for Presiding Chamber Officers

5. Leave the Chair -

10.Immediate Notification of the Other Chamber – Each Chamber shall

Debate on Each Bill/Resolution - Debate on each Bill/Resolution is limited to

2. Speaking in Debate - When any Member is to speak during debate or deliver

5. Amendments - During the each Chamber’s Assembly, only two amendments

Common Forms of Motion

1. Laying on the Table - In legislative parlance, Laying On the Table usually