Opinion ID: 2520223
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Council of Bond Oversight

Text: ¶ 8 Pursuant to 62 O.S.2001, § 695.9 of the Oklahoma Bond Oversight and Reform Act, 62 O.S.2001, §§ 695.1, et seq., any obligation proposed to be issued by a state governmental entity must be approved by the Executive Bond Oversight Commission and the Legislative Bond Oversight Commission. However, in Application of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, 2002 OK 74, 64 P.3d 546, we considered whether legislator/membership of the Legislative Bond Oversight Commission is repugnant to the state constitution. We determined that the legislator/membership of the Legislative Bond Oversight Commission contravened the separation of powers provision in the Okla. Const., art. 4, § 1. ¶ 9 In light of this ruling in Application of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, supra ., the Council of Bond Oversight was established and the power and duties of the Executive and Legislative Bond Oversight Commissions devolved upon the Council pursuant to 62 O.S.2001, § 695.11A. The duties of the Council of Bond Oversight include reviewing obligations proposed to be issued by state entities for compliance with applicable laws and determining whether the purposes of the obligations are for the furtherance and accomplishment of authorized and proper public functions. 62 O.S.2001, § 695.8. The Council of Bond Oversight consists of five nonlegislative members. 62 O.S.2001, § 695.11A. The Director of State Finance is a member. [11] Of the other four members, one is appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate; one is appointed by the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives; and two are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Oklahoma Senate. ¶ 10 Protestant Jerry Fent challenges the authority of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to make appointments to the Council of Bond Oversight. Fent argues that the Council fulfills an executive function and appointment of its members, even nonlegislative persons, by legislators encroaches upon the executive department of government. Fent's challenge is directed to the appointment authority and not the qualifications of the sitting members of the Council of Bond Oversight.