Oklahoma

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond released opinions that disallowed the holding of multiple government roles by Turnpike Authority Executive Director Tim Gatz and upheld the constitutionality of a 2023 law that altered the turnpike's governance structure.

The elimination of the 4.5% tax will cost the state about $400 million annually.

Texas bond volume climbed 22.5% to lead the nation in a year when issuance in the eight-state Southwest region increased by only 0.6%.

Oklahoma is on a roll, notching its third positive rating outlook since July with the latest move coming from Fitch Ratings.

The push for bills to punish companies, including municipal bond underwriters, for their fossil fuel or firearm policies continues in Arizona and Oklahoma.

The chamber is once again refusing Gov. Kevin Stitt's call to pass an income tax cut during a special session.

The Republican governor is trying once again to focus lawmakers' attention on cutting income taxes during a special session set to begin Jan. 29.

As double-digit revenue growth comes to an end, Southwest governors are crafting budgets to deal with the new normal.

A 2023 state law gave legislative leaders four appointments to the six-member turnpike board as lawmakers sought to reform the agency in the wake of a controversial, bond-financed expansion project.

The case, which was refiled last week without federal claims from an earlier lawsuit, will have its first hearing in January.