Oklahoma lawmaker to file legislation restoring powers to tourism commission

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson announced that he's preparing legislation that would restore powers to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission.

His legislation would include the ability to hire and fire the agency’s executive director and restoring oversight of contracts and financial expenditures.

“Our responsibility is to the citizens of Oklahoma – the taxpayers who are footing the bills at Tourism,” Thompson said. “My legislation will restore important oversight powers previously assigned to that agency’s commission, providing a critical check and balance in how taxpayer dollars are used.”

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Thompson said a measure approved in 2018 transferred most of the powers held by the commission to the executive director, and making the commission an advisory panel only.

Thompson added the ability to hire and fire the executive director was given to the governor. It also removed the requirement for the commission to meet at least quarterly.

Since the law went into effect in 2019, Thompson said the commission has only met three times, most recently in January 2020.

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Thompson said the findings of a report by the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency on spending by the agency, including dealings with Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen, have shown why restoring the commission’s authority is vital.

"The legislation I’m writing will put guardrails back in place, restore the oversight powers of the commission, and help ensure greater scrutiny of the use of public resources," he said.

Thompson said his legislation will be ready for the 2023 legislative session.