School Storm Shelter Measure Stalls in Oklahoma House Committee

The author of legislation asking voters to decide whether to fund storm shelters in public schools has failed to get it out of an Oklahoma House committee.

Democratic Rep. Joe Dorman of Rush Springs asked the House Rules Committee to authorize House Joint Resolution 1078 to advance to the House floor. But Dorman says only two of seven members – himself and fellow Democrat Kay Floyd of Oklahoma City – signed the directive. The other five members are Republicans.

Dorman sought signatures after the bill was not brought to a vote. Dorman needed the signatures of a majority of committee members to advance the measure.

Dorman is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor. The bill is similar to an initiative petition Dorman helped spearhead.