The state questions: A final review

By Patrick B. McGuigan

Published: 01-Nov-2010

There are eleven statewide propositions on Oklahoma’s November 2 statewide ballot. Ten of the state questions are referred (placed on the ballot by the Legislature), while one is a citizen initiative.

In these thumbnail sketches, CapitolBeatOK provides a broad review of the propositions, in numeric order. Each question is linked back to the original news report on the proposition. Also featured is a twelfth report on a duly-qualified proposition (State Question 753) which was removed because its provisions passed into statutory law before the end of the 2010 legislative session. 

Advocates of State Question 744 press for dramatic boost in per pupil funding

Oklahoma’s State Question 744 originated as Initiative Petition No. 391. The initiative proponents on the original petitions were listed as Charles Edward Pack, II, of Tahlequah, Richard D. George of Waynoka and Dr. Lisa B. Connery of Norman.

State Question 746: Voter ID measure on November ballot

When Oklahomans consider State Question 746 on the November ballot, they will decide if voters should have to present proof of identity before casting a ballot in future elections.

Secondary statewide office terms to be limited if S.Q. 747 prevails

Under State Question 747, the citizens of Oklahoma can establish term limits for all statewide elected officials.  If passed, the measure would limit the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, Labor Commissioner, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and State Auditor to serving no more than two four-year terms in office. Members of the Corporation Commission, who serve six-year terms, would also be limited to two terms.

S.Q. 748 could enlarge apportionment commission, impact races

Under State Question 748, citizens will have the opportunity to change the state’s redistricting “back up plan” if the Legislature ever fails to reach an agreement in a timely manner.

State Question 750 eases initiative petition requirements

If enacted by voters, State Question 750 would establish a consistent signature requirement benchmark for placing questions on the statewide ballot in Oklahoma’s initiative petition process. In combination with significant federal decisions, passage of the referred ballot question this year would continue a recent trend easing initiative and referendum strictures in the Sooner State.

State Question 751 would designate English official language

If voters approve State Question 751, they will amend the Oklahoma Constitution to make English the official language of state government.

State Question 752 modifies judicial selection, nomination process

One of the lower-profile issues going before voters this fall is State Question 752, which would allow Oklahomans to amend the state Constitution to modify the state’s judicial nominating process.

The one that got away: State Question 753 fades from the scene

Although the number of state questions on the November ballot is the largest seen in years, the list could have been longer. [NOTE: This proposition was removed from the ballot.]

State Question 754: Antidote to S.Q. 744?

State Question 754 could be described as the “anti-State Question 744,” because it allows voters, potentially, to negate the other state question (if it passes).

State Question 755 would ban use of foreign judicial rulings

State Question 755 would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to explicitly state that judicial rulings based in or drawn from foreign precedents have no bearing on Oklahoma state court decisions. While the provision would apply to all non-domestic legal precedents, its impact on “Sharia” law is attracting the most attention.

S.Q. 756: Voters will have health care ‘opt out’ amendment in November

The continued political repercussions of the new federal health care law (commonly referred to as “ObamaCare”) will reach the statewide ballot in Oklahoma this November.

Bipartisan surge: S.Q. 757 could boost annual ‘Rainy Day’ deposit

With State Question 757, voters can amend the Oklahoma Constitution to allow an amount equal to 15 percent of the previous year’s general revenue certification to be deposited into the Constitutional Reserve Fund, also known as the “Rainy Day Fund.”