State Representative Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie) says the Saturday session demonstrates the need for the legislature to approve House Bill 1039 which starts the process of creating C-SPAN style televised coverage of legislative meetings.
"I think a Saturday legislative session is a fantastic idea. However, it would be an unnecessary idea if we televised legislative proceedings. Instead of requiring constituents to make the trip to Oklahoma City to view their government in action, we could allow them to track it from the comfort of home," Murphey said.
Murphey’s legislation requires telecast content to be made available to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) and all Oklahoma licensed television operators. He believes that with the additional delivery capacity provided to telecasters by digital service, a large number of Oklahoma homes will have access to coverage.
Murphey modeled his legislation on what other states have done to broadcast government proceedings. "I think it is important for Oklahomans to have the same access to their state government,” he said.
Murphey said that many members of his district will be unable to attend the special Saturday session because they will be attending the 89ers Parade, the largest celebration of the 1889 land run which is held in Guthrie in April of each year. "If HB 1039 were to be adopted, those who could not attend the session would likely be able to watch a replay of legislative proceedings on television," Murphey said.
HB 1039 awaits consideration from the House General Government and Transportation Committee.
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