Ethics Commission restores established Guardian System to ensure lawful filing, transparency, & public access. The decision reflects the Commission’s responsibility to:
- Ensure immediate public access to campaign finance information during an active election season.
- Protect filers from compliance risks beyond their control, including no penalties for delayed filings.
- Act as a responsible steward of public funds appropriated by the Legislature.
- Avoid further delays where statutory obligations cannot be met.
The Commission will provide filing guidance and support directly to filers during this transition period.
- Generally, 3rd-Quarter Campaign Finance Reports will be due Jan. 30, while 4th-Quarter will still be due Jan. 31
Check out your Guardian account or ethics.ok.gov for updated Report Due Dates
“Lobbying” is generally referencing oral or written communications with regard to the passage, defeat, formulation, modification, interpretation, amendment, adoption, approval or veto of any legislation, rule, regulation, executive order or any other program, policy or position of state government. Lobbying must be on behalf of a lobbyist principal (a 3rd party) as defined by the Ethics rules. Typically, individuals who engage in lobbying activities for compensation on behalf of a 3rd party are required to register and file reports in Oklahoma. Individuals who are not compensated to lobby on behalf of a 3rd party, or that only advocate on their own behalf, are not lobbyists under the Ethics Rules.
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission welcomes the opportunity to provide Lobbyist, Lobbyist Principals, Legislative Liaisons, and/or associated groups continuing education on an overview of the Ethics Commission rules as well as examples of common scenarios. Please contact the Ethics Commission staff at ethics@ethics.ok.gov or (405) 521-3451 to coordinate a tailored training opportunity!
Please review the applicable guides under the “Resources” tab. You can also contact the Ethics Commission staff at (405) 521-3451 or ethics@ethics.ok.gov with any questions..
Occasional Oklahoma Ethics Commission updates and/or educational material are often provided via electronic notifications. To sign up for notifications please click here.
