Oklahoma House Passes Modernization Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Supporters of a government modernization bill passed by the Oklahoma House say it could save millions of dollars in government purchasing, licensing and payroll costs.

The legislation also calls for increased transparency and oversight for purchases with state credit cards.

The Oklahoma State Government Modernization Act of 2009 passed the House 60-37 Monday and now moves to the Senate. 

Under the bill, the director of Central Purchasing will be required to submit a list of all transactions to the Office of State Finance, which will post the information online.

Transaction details include the name of the purchasing agency, the amount and a description of items purchased.

The bill also requires officials to convert state payroll to a biweekly system. State workers are currently paid monthly.