12th Oklahoma Legislature

The 12th Oklahoma Legislature was the state legislative body that convened in Oklahoma City during 1929. Like other Oklahoma legislatures, it consisted of two chambers: the Oklahoma Senate and the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Its regular session ran from January 8 through March 30, 1929, followed by a special session called by Governor William J. Holloway that met from May 16 until July 5, 1929. The legislature is chiefly remembered for its confrontation with Governor Henry S. Johnston. During the regular session, members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives brought thirteen charges against Johnston. On January 21, 1929, the legislature suspended him from office, allowing Lieutenant Governor William J. Holloway to serve as acting governor. Johnston's impeachment trial began in February and concluded in March. He was convicted and removed on one charge, after which Holloway succeeded him as Oklahoma's eighth governor. The proceedings represented one of the most consequential uses of the legislature's constitutional oversight powers in the state's early history. The legislature also experienced a change in Senate membership at the beginning of its term. Harry D. Henry died on January 8, 1929, leaving the Fourth Senate District vacant. W. M. Williams was elected to fill that vacancy on January 29. The body's recorded leadership included C. S. Storms as president pro tempore of the Senate and James C. Nance as speaker of the House of Representatives. Following the regular session, Governor Holloway convened a special session on May 16. The special session remained in session until July 5 and addressed, among other matters, the proposed acquisition of toll bridges along Oklahoma's borders. The 12th Legislature therefore combined routine lawmaking and appropriations-related state administration with a high-profile constitutional conflict over executive conduct. It was succeeded by the 13th Oklahoma Legislature. As a historical legislative term rather than a continuing organization or commercial brand, it has no independent corporate ownership, product portfolio, commercial headquarters, or public-market listing.

The 12th Oklahoma Legislature was the twelfth convening of Oklahoma's state legislature. It met in Oklahoma City and was composed of the Oklahoma Senate and the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The regular session began on January 8, 1929, and ended on March 30. The session became historically significant because of its action against Governor Henry S. Johnston. House members submitted thirteen charges against him, and on January 21 the legislature suspended him from office. Lieutenant Governor William J. Holloway consequently assumed the role of acting governor. Johnston's impeachment trial opened in February and ended in March. The legislature impeached him on one charge, leading to his removal and Holloway's succession as the eighth governor of Oklahoma. The legislature also underwent a membership change in the Senate. Harry D. Henry died on the first day of the session, creating a vacancy in Senate District 4. W. M. Williams was elected to that seat on January 29. After the regular session, Holloway called the legislature back for a special session on May 16. That session continued until July 5 and included consideration of acquiring toll bridges located along Oklahoma's borders. The 12th Legislature was then followed by the 13th Oklahoma Legislature. Its historical significance rests primarily on the impeachment and removal of a sitting governor, together with the institutional response to executive succession and the infrastructure questions addressed during the special session.

• 1929

  Regular session convened

  [1]12th Oklahoma Legislatureen.wikipedia.org

  The Senate and House of Representatives convened in Oklahoma City on January 8, beginning the regular session of the 12th Oklahoma Legislature.

• 1929

  Vacancy in Senate District 4

  [1]12th Oklahoma Legislatureen.wikipedia.org

  Senator Harry D. Henry died on January 8, leaving Senate District 4 without a representative.

• 1929

  W. M. Williams elected to the Senate

  [1]12th Oklahoma Legislatureen.wikipedia.org

  W. M. Williams was elected on January 29 to fill the Senate District 4 vacancy.

• 1929

  Governor Johnston suspended

  [1]12th Oklahoma Legislatureen.wikipedia.org

  The legislature suspended Governor Henry S. Johnston on January 21 while impeachment proceedings were pursued.

• 1929

  Johnston removed through impeachment

  [1]12th Oklahoma Legislatureen.wikipedia.org

  After a trial held during February and March, Johnston was impeached on one charge and William J. Holloway succeeded him as governor.

• 1929

  Regular session adjourned

  [1]12th Oklahoma Legislatureen.wikipedia.org

  The regular session concluded on March 30.

• 1929

  Special session convened

  [1]12th Oklahoma Legislatureen.wikipedia.org

  Governor Holloway called a special session beginning May 16.

• 1929

  Special session adjourned

  [1]12th Oklahoma Legislatureen.wikipedia.org

  The special session ended on July 5 after consideration of acquiring toll bridges along Oklahoma's borders.

A historical term of Oklahoma's bicameral state legislature, responsible for lawmaking, executive oversight, impeachment proceedings, and consideration of state infrastructure matters during 1929.

• 1929

  Impeachment and removal of Governor Henry S. Johnston

  The House presented thirteen charges against Governor Henry S. Johnston. The legislature suspended him on January 21, conducted an impeachment trial during February and March, and removed him after finding him impeached on one charge.

  Source

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• 1929

  Suspension and impeachment of Governor JohnstonOther

  Background

  House members brought thirteen charges against Governor Henry S. Johnston during the regular session.

  Action taken

  The legislature suspended Johnston, held an impeachment trial, and impeached him on one charge.

  Aftermath

  Lieutenant Governor William J. Holloway first became acting governor and then succeeded Johnston as Oklahoma's eighth governor.

  Source

• 1929

  Special-session consideration of toll-bridge acquisitionStrategy

  Background

  Governor William J. Holloway called a special legislative session on May 16.

  Action taken

  The legislature considered resolving the acquisition of toll bridges along Oklahoma's borders.

  Aftermath

  The special session adjourned on July 5. The available reference does not specify the final financial terms or implementation details.

  Source

1. 112th Oklahoma Legislatureen.wikipedia.org