OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The chairman of the powerful House Appropriations and Budget Committee is defending himself from allegations of a conflict of interest because his daughter lobbies for the State Regents for Higher Education.

State Rep. Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville, said Thursday he sought a legal opinion from a House attorney before accepting the position last year as chairman of the committee.

Sears' daughter, Hollye Hunt, is the associate vice chancellor for governmental relations for the regents. Although not a registered lobbyist, Hunt works with lawmakers on various issues related to higher education. She held the position before Sears was named chairman of the budget panel.

State Rep. Mike Christian, R-Oklahoma City, sent an e-mail to House members late Wednesday alleging the situation is "an obvious conflict of interest."