ENGROSSED HOUSE
BILL NO. 1072	By:	Key, Cooksey, Proctor, Dorman and McMullen of the House

			     and

		Brogdon of the Senate

( elections - amending 26 O.S., Section 1-108 - formation of political parties - 		effective date )

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     AMENDATORY     26 O.S. 2001, Section 1-108, as last amended by Section 6, Chapter 53, O.S.L. 2004 (26 O.S. Supp. 2008, Section 1-108), is amended to read as follows:
Section 1-108.  A group of persons may form a recognized political party at any time except during the period between June 1 and November 15 of any even‑numbered year if the following procedure is observed:
1.  Notice of intent to form a recognized political party must be filed in writing with the Secretary of the State Election Board at any time except during the period between March 1 and November 15 of any even‑numbered year.
2.  After such notice is filed, petitions seeking recognition of a political party, in a form to be prescribed by the Secretary of the State Election Board, shall be filed with such Secretary, bearing the signatures of registered voters equal to at least five percent (5%) of the total votes cast in the last General Election either for Governor or for electors for President and Vice President.  Each page of such petitions must contain the names of registered voters from a single county.  Petitions may be circulated a maximum of one (1) year after notice is filed, provided that petitions shall be filed with such Secretary no later than May 1 of an even‑numbered year.  Such petitions shall not be circulated between May 1 and November 15 of any even‑numbered year.
3.  Within thirty (30) days after receipt of such petitions, the State Election Board shall determine the sufficiency of such petitions.  If such Board determines there are a sufficient number of valid signatures of registered voters, the party becomes recognized under the laws of the State of Oklahoma with all rights and obligations accruing thereto.
SECTION 2.  This act shall become effective November 1, 2009.
Passed the House of Representatives the 11th day of March, 2009.

	
Presiding Officer of the House of
	Representatives

Passed the Senate the ____ day of __________, 2009.

	
Presiding Officer of the Senate