Suvarna Garge (Editor)

15th Oklahoma Legislature

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President of the Senate:
  
James E. Berry (D)

Speaker of the House:
  
Leon C. Phillips (D)

President Pro Tem of the Senate:
  
Claud Briggs (D)

15th Oklahoma Legislature

Composition:
  
Senate 43      1      House 112      7      1

The Fifteenth Oklahoma Legislature was a meeting of the legislative branch of the government of Oklahoma, composed of the Oklahoma Senate and the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The state legislature met from January 8 to April 30, 1935, during the term of Governor E.W. Marland. Marland influenced the selection of Leon C. Phillips for Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Phillips had been an opponent of Governor William H. Murray's proposals. Phillips also opposed many of Marland's proposals.

Contents

Dates of session

  • Regular session: January 8-April 30, 1935

    • Previous: 14th Legislature • Next: 16th Legislature

    Major events

  • Three state questions related to old age pensions were presented to voters in September 1935. Only State Question 214, which authorized pensions, social security, and a welfare commission, were approved by voters. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled State Question 214 was illegal in February 1936.
  • On July 7, 1936, State Question 225, which established a welfare program, and State Question 226, which created assistance for the aged, blind, crippled children, and dependent children, were approved by voters.
  • In August 1936 the Oklahoma Department of Public Welfare was established, which administered the old age assistance program and other welfare programs.

    • Senate

    As Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, James E. Berry served as the President of the Senate, serving as the presiding officer in ceremonial instances. President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate Claud Briggs served as the member-elected leader of the state senate.

    House of Representatives

    The Oklahoma Democratic Party held 112 of the 120 seats in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1935, allowing them to select the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Leon C. Phillips served in the role in 1935 and Merton Munson served as Speaker Pro Tempore.

    Senate

  • Table based on state almanac.

    • House of Representatives

  • Table based on government database.

    • References

    15th Oklahoma Legislature Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA