Open Government Initiative, Inc. will hold a press conference at the Oklahoma State Capitol to announce the ‘Stolen Government’ ballot measure which brings legislative reform to Oklahoma and ends killing bills without a hearing. Join the movement—Create a free account and pledge to sign our ballot measure petition today. Visit the ‘Stolen Government’ campaign page to learn more and to donate directly to this ballot initiative. Visit our Press & Media Center to opt into media updates via email or text.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Charles Key
Phone: (405) 787-9333
Email: charles@opengovernmentok.com
Website: opengovernmentok.com
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., September 10, 2025 — Open Government Initiative, Incorporated (OGII), a nonprofit corporation, will hold a press conference at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, in the second-floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol.
A determined coalition of civic leaders and concerned citizens has launched an effort to take back control of Oklahoma’s government from special interests and force more transparency into the legislative process. To further this effort, OGII will be filing an initiative petition on Friday, proposing guaranteed legislative hearing rights for all duly elected lawmakers and strict penalties for violations.
The measure would become Article V, Section 30A of the Oklahoma Constitution, titled “Legislative Bill Hearing Rights and Accountability Enforcement.” It aims to:
- Guarantee that every legislator may have at least three bills heard in committee annually.
- Require floor votes for bills that pass committee.
- Penalize violators with a $10,000 civil fine for the first offense.
- Mandate expulsion from the Legislature for a second offense.
- Prohibit legislative leadership from blocking bills without justification.
“Some things in politics never change,” said former Rep. Charles Key, who serves on the board of Open Government Initiative, Inc. “Regardless of which party is in control, some elected officials will always chase power and personal gain at the expense of the people. This amendment will stop that.”
OGII stands against legislative leaders that unilaterally block bills from even being heard, regardless of public support or merit.
“How can it be right to deny constituents their First Amendment rights to petition government and have their voices heard?” said Key. “It can’t be justified, and it must stop.”
Key also criticized the Legislature’s lack of transparency, where major decisions and leadership deals are often made behind closed doors, influenced by special interests.
“This isn’t about partisanship,” said Key. “It’s about open government, public accountability, and giving Oklahomans the voice they deserve in their own Legislature.”
PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS
Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Immediately following petition filing
Oklahoma State Capitol – Second-floor rotunda
Media are encouraged to attend. Interviews with campaign leadership are available upon request.
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: opengovernmentok.com
Media Contact:
Charles Key
(405) 787-9333
charles@opengovernmentok.com
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