Political Participation Bill Passed by House

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Journal Record Staff Reporter State employees will be allowed to make contributions to a political action committee by payroll deduction and serve as officers of political parties if Gov. David Walters signs Senate Bill 165, passed 63-36 Thursday by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Lawmakers failed to approve the emergency clause of the bill, principally co-authored by Sen. Larry Dickerson, D-Poteau, and Rep. Dwayne Steidley, D-Claremore. The clause needed 68 votes to pass and only got 57. It would have made the bill effective immediately upon the governor's signature. As it is, the measure would become effective 90 days following session's …