By SEAN MURPHY, Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Republican and Democratic members complained Wednesday that a $6.8 billion spending plan that cuts most state agencies' spending by about 5 percent has not been properly vetted and is likely unconstitutional.

Rank-and-file legislators were given few details ahead of votes in House and Senate committees shortly before midnight on the general appropriations bill that did not include a customary summary of the 56-page measure.

"This is a real disservice to the people of Oklahoma to do it this way," said Sen. David Holt, one of five Republicans who voted against the measure in committee. "This is not the way it should work."

The bill emerged late Tuesday after talks broke down between Republican leaders and House Democrats, whose votes would be needed to reach the supermajority threshold required in the constitution to pass the tax increases necessary to fund the measure. Instead, Republicans pushed forward with a $1.50-per-pack fee increase on cigarettes and a new 1.25 percent sales tax on vehicle purchases that would help generate funding to close an $878 million hole in the budget. The cigarette fee passed the Senate on Wednesday, while House members approved the vehicle tax.

The constitution also prohibits lawmakers from considering revenue measures in the final week of the session.

"I do not believe these bills are constitutionally compliant, and I'm hopeful the courts will overturn them," said Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie.

The general appropriations bill still must be approved by the full House and Senate and sent to Gov. Mary Fallin before Friday's deadline for adjournment. Fallin could veto the measure and force lawmakers to return for a special session, but signaled Wednesday she likely would sign it.

"It is not an ideal budget, but it avoids draconian cuts to our core services such as education, health and human services, and public safety," Fallin said. "Unfortunately it leaves many agencies facing cuts for the sixth year in a row."

The bill slashes funding for most state agencies by about 5 percent, although the budgets for public schools and prisons were held flat. A handful of agencies also received a slight boost in funding, including the Health Care Authority, Department of Human Services, Department of Public Safety and university hospitals.

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Online:

Senate Bill 860: http://bit.ly/2rhKkOP

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