Senators take oath of office

Friends, family and supporters looked on as newly elected and reelected members of the Oklahoma State Senate took the oath of office on Tuesday in the Senate chamber. Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, President of the Senate, presided over the ceremony. The oath was administered by the Honorable John Reif, Chief Justice-Elect of the Supreme Court.

New members taking the oath of office were Marty Quinn, R-Claremore; Joseph Silk, R-Broken Bow; Roger Thompson, R-Okemah; Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma City; Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher; Jason Smalley, R-Stroud; Ervin Yen, R-Oklahoma City; Jack Fry, R-Midwest City; and Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City. Anastasia Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, was sworn in during an earlier ceremony. Quinn, Floyd, Pittman and Smalley have previously served in the House of Representatives.

Returning members who were sworn in on Tuesday included Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa; Mike Schulz, R-Altus; Mark Allen, R-Spiro; Randy Bass, D-Lawton; Josh Brecheen, R-Coalgate; Rick Brinkley, R-Owasso; Bill Brown, R-Broken Arrow; Kim David, R-Porter; Eddie Fields, R-Wynona; AJ Griffin, R-Guthrie; Ralph Shortey, R-Oklahoma City; Frank Simpson, R-Springer; and Anthony Sykes; R-Moore. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City, and John Sparks, D-Norman, took the oath of office in an earlier ceremony.

Returning members were able to file legislation for the 2015 session beginning November 17, while new members can begin filing bills on November 19. The deadline for requesting bills is December 12. January 22 is the deadline for introducing legislation to be heard in the 2015 session.

The full Senate will officially convene for an organizational day on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, and the First Session of the 55th Legislature reconvenes on Monday, February 2.

The Senate website has streaming video from all committee rooms and the chamber. Legislation, the Senate Journal, biographical information on members, high resolution photos, committee and floor agendas, votes and press releases can also be accessed at www.oksenate.gov.