James Allen Williamson

James Allen Williamson (born May 27, 1951) is an American attorney and Republican politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Williamson served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1980 to 1986 and in the Oklahoma Senate from 1996 to 2008. From 1998 to 2002 he served as Assistant Republican Floor Leader, and then as Floor Leader from 2003 to 2004.

He is currently serving on President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate Brian Bingman's leadership staff as senior policy advisor and legal counsel.

Early life and career Williamson was born May 27, 1951, in Fort Riley, Kansas. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa, but was defeated in the primary. During the 2007 session, Williamson was the lead sponsor of three major pieces of legislation: a bill banning state funds from being used at state facilities for the promotion or use in abortions, an immigration reform bill, and a lawsuit reform bill. All eventually became law except the lawsuit reform bill, which was vetoed.

Williamson authored Oklahoma's ban on gay marriage.

Later life Williamson was hired to serve on President pro tempore of the Oklahoma Senate Brian Bingman's leadership staff as senior policy advisor and legal counsel in 2010.

Notable relatives He is related to former State Representative Allen Williamson, who served in the House from 1966 to 1974 and was honored with the dedication of a bridge named after him in Payne County.