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OKLAHOMA CITY — Proponents of legislation to break up the judicial district that includes Tulsa and Pawnee counties described it as a “voting rights bill” to a House of Representatives committee Tuesday.

Rep. Kevin Calvey, R-Oklahoma City, said House Bill 2416 “helps restore … the full voting rights of citizens of Pawnee County” who, he said, are disenfranchised because they cannot vote on all the district judges in the 14th Judicial District, which includes Tulsa and Pawnee counties.

Others, however, questioned the timing of the legislation, and Osage District Judge John Kane said the proposed realignment of Osage and Pawnee counties into the 10th Judicial District would create the heaviest per-judge workload in the state.

“What we need here is an interim study,” Kane said. “I’m asking you to please tap the brakes and get all the facts before you act.

“The Supreme Court has superintendent powers over all the courts of Oklahoma, and this was not their request. This is not their plan. … I think it would be helpful if you’re going to change the judicial branch you consult with (the Supreme Court).”