Legislative Update

Released prisoner bill

April 7, 2022

A bipartisan measure to remove barriers to employment for Oklahomans released from prison passed the House, 82-10. HB3002, by Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-OKC, and Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, amends the requirements and qualifications for five occupational licenses. The licensure changes involve the Oklahoma scrap metal dealers, the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, motor vehicle dealers,…

Jury exemptions bills

April 7, 2022

The Senate Judiciary Committee gave approval to HB2972, a measure that would make it easier for Oklahomans to access a medical exemption for jury duty. Authored by Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, the legislation would add physician assistants (PA) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) to the list of approved medical personnel authorized to provide a…

Jenks property owners are upset over zoning changes

April 7, 2022

Property owners in and around historic Downtown Jenks are upset at plans by Jenks City Government to change the zoning to restrict what can be built and limit categories of commercial growth. The Jenks City Planning Director has said that the aim of the plan is to keep the historic aspect of downtown Jenks and…

Texas-style ‘heartbeat bill’ advances in the OK House

March 31, 2022

The Oklahoma House passed HB4327, by Rep. Wendi Stearman, R-Collinsville, which allows private civil lawsuits to be filed against any person who knowingly performs or attempts to perform an abortion except in cases of medical emergency to save the life of the mother. Stearman said, “This bill will induce compliance as no abortion provider will…

Protecting home gardens

March 31, 2022

The House passed HB2927, by Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, that grants people the right to grow personal gardens regardless of where they live or any potential future government action that might seek to restrict such freedom. It prohibits local governments from regulating gardens on residential properties. The measure does not preclude local governments from regulating…

Bills to curb marijuana

March 31, 2022

Five bills to further regulate marijuana were advanced this month. “Since the passage of State Question 788, the Legislature has worked diligently to implement medical marijuana responsibly, as the people wanted, while being proactive to address unforeseen issues,” Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, said. These bills include: HB3019 allows medical marijuana packaging to be clear in…

Tax breaks for veterans

March 31, 2022

The House passed HB3693 which would grant Oklahoma veterans a full tax exemption on retirement benefits they receive as a result of their service. Under the legislation, veterans would receive a 100% tax exemption on their retirement benefits, beginning Jan. 1, 2023. Currently, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces receive tax exemptions for up to…

Freezing valuations at 65

March 31, 2022

The House passed House Joint Resolution 1047 by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, that would freeze the assessed value of a home when it comes to ad valorem taxes for Oklahomans when they reach the age of 65. Manger said, “By freezing this valuation, Oklahomans 65 and older can more properly budget their fixed incomes…

Caregivers’ tax breaks

March 31, 2022

The House passed HB3371 by Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, that would grant an income tax credit for caregivers. It would create an income tax credit equal to half of the expenses of providing care for an older loved who is certified to need help with at least two activities of daily living. The non-refundable…

Daylight savings bill

March 31, 2022

The House passed HB3146 that would authorize a vote of the people on a proposal that could permanently end Daylight Savings Time in Oklahoma. Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, said Oklahomans would vote on a statutory amendment that if approved would lock the clock on Central Standard Time in Oklahoma and do away with the twice-yearly…