A compromise between the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Oklahoma Senate was reached on a bill to guard against federal overreach in Oklahoma.

House Bill 1236 establishes a constitutional process to exercise Oklahoma’s authorities as a state under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by reviewing federal actions for constitutionality and seeking judicial rulings to block unconstitutional federal actions from taking effect in Oklahoma.

Upon recommendation from the Legislature, the executive branch, through the attorney general, could review any federal executive order, federal agency rule or federal legislative action for constitutionality and seek judicial intervention when necessary to prevent unconstitutional federal overreach.

“We have given Oklahomans a bill that has some backbone,” said Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, Chairman of the House States’ Rights Committee. “One of the focuses of the House this session has been protecting our citizens from unconstitutional federal overreach and this bill helps do that. We have sent a clear message to the federal government that here in Oklahoma we are going to maintain the separation of powers prescribed in the Tenth Amendment, and we will not hesitate to act on unconstitutional federal actions.”