Oklahoma Governor Calls Special Session for Fisher Impeachment Investigation

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry announced that the state Legislature would meet in a special session so that the committee looking into alleged infractions by Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher can complete its investigation. Legislators are considering whether to bring articles of impeachment against Fisher.

According to the Associated Press, lawmakers will convene a special session before the regular session ends May 28. They would return if the panel recommends impeaching the commissioner.

The committee is investigating numerous complaints against Fisher.

The commissioner is facing criminal charges in Oklahoma County that include allegedly embezzling money raised in connection with an insurance education program and operating a charity illegally, among other things.

The investigating panel is also looking into the circumstances surrounding Fisher’s reported acceptance of $30,000 worth of artwork and office furniture received from entities with insurance department connections.

According to the House Media Division, the measure establishing the impeachment proceedings, HR 1040, noted that Fisher is also under investigation for paying Florida lawyer Norman Taplin more than $35,000 for “attorney fees and expenses.” Taplin was reportedly paid with a check Fisher wrote “from the account of an insurance company that was forced into conservatorship by the Insurance Commissioner.” The check was written two weeks after Fisher and Taplin “attended the Super Bowl together in New Orleans,” the resolution notes.