State office-seekers criminal records, increased transparency aim of Oklahoma Senate Bill 287

OKLAHOMA CITY - A Oklahoma Senate bill that would force the state's political candidates to disclose any criminal history was unanimously approved Monday. 

Currently, applicants for public office are not required to declare past criminal convictions, felony or misdemeanor, or even any present outstanding warrants.

Under Senate Bill 287, the declaration of candidacy form would require office-seekers to disclose that information. 

READ THE BILL (http://bit.ly/10xw1P5)

" ... If you are running for office, the form doesn’t ask much more than a candidate’s name, address, age and what office they’re seeking," said Susan Paddack, D-Ada. "I think the public has a right know if that candidate has been in trouble with the law.”

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.