From The Associated Press, 3/2/05:
http://www.enidnews.com/story.asp?story_id=84045
Enid politician basis for bill to end pay for jailed legislators
The Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY --
A legislator locked up for a misdemeanor would be denied his state
paycheck under a measure passed Tuesday by the Oklahoma Senate.
Sen. Jay Paul Gumm’s proposal was approved on a 46-0 vote.
Gumm, D-Durant, said he wanted to close a loophole that allowed former
Rep. Mike O’Neal, R-Enid, to receive his legislative salary while in
jail for 30 days on a charge of outraging public decency.
O’Neal originally was charged with a felony count of sexual battery
after a woman said the lawmaker grabbed her buttocks in a motel lounge
and made vulgar remarks.
That charge was reduced to a misdemeanor in a plea agreement, and
O’Neal received a five-year deferred sentence.
Gumm’s measure seeks a vote of the people on a constitutional
amendment to bar state pay for lawmakers in jail on a misdemeanor.
If a legislator is acquitted on the charge, his salary would be
restored.
The bill, Senate Joint Resolution 5, now goes to the House for action.
_______________________________________________________
The "Family Values" Party strikes again.
Harry
.
|
