Legislative Update

Oklahoma’s ESG law gets Blackrock’s notice

May 18, 2023 Ray Carter

Under Oklahoma law, investment companies that politically boycott oil-and-gas investments are now prohibited from receiving state contracts to manage hundreds of millions of dollars in state pension funds. That has grabbed the attention of one of the companies barred from handling those funds. This week, officials with Blackrock, Inc., met with Gov. Kevin Stitt to…

Religious freedom bill signed into law

May 11, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed Senate Bill 404, clarifying Oklahoma law to prevent discrimination against religious entities. Sen. Julie Daniels is the Senate principal author of the measure, and House Floor Leader Jon Echols is the House principal author. Daniels said Oklahoma is one of 23 states that has enacted a state-level…

Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Bill Signed into Law

May 11, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today expressed thanks to Gov. Kevin Stitt for his signing into law a measure that would help victims of domestic violence as they establish new residences. House Bill 2242 would require public utilities and municipally owned utility providers to waive the initial credit and deposit requirements for documented…

Bill becomes law banning gender transition for children under 18

May 4, 2023

Governor Kevin Stitt signed SB 613 into law today banning all irreversible gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies for children under the age of 18. “Last year, I called for a statewide ban on all irreversible gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies on minors so I am thrilled to sign this into law today and…

Education plans abound, no consensus as deadline looms

April 27, 2023

After the apparent stalemate of the Senate and House education plans, with no resolution being in sight, other parties are putting up their ideas for education. The Democrats of the Oklahoma House and Senate have submitted a plan for consideration as well as Governor Stitt. Democratic leaders in both chambers say there is a better…

State Election Board Elects New Officers

April 20, 2023

(Oklahoma City) – State Election Board members met Monday, April 3 to elect a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Heather Mahieu Cline (Oklahoma City) was elected the Chairman of the Board and Dr. Tim Mauldin (Norman) was elected Vice-Chairman. The Board also welcomed new member Mignon Lambley (Hooker). The Board consists of three members and two…

Abortion ruling puts focus on state judicial appointments

April 6, 2023

A recent ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which controversially declared that the Oklahoma Constitution provides a right to abortion under certain circumstances despite the constitution containing no language regarding abortion, is prompting renewed focus on how Oklahoma justices and judges are selected and appointed. “I want judicial reform for a myriad of reasons,” said…

Senate Approves Historic Education Funding Package

April 6, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Senate today gave passage to its historic $700 million education package. Senators voted overwhelmingly on both measures 40 – to – 7 on House Bill 1935 and 46 – to – 2 on House Bill 2775, approving the single largest appropriations increase to education in state history, sending it…

Measure Could Allow Installment Payments on Property Tax

April 6, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation allowing county treasurers to provide the opportunity for residents to prepay ad valorem taxes is heading to the Senate. Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, said senior citizens and other Oklahomans living on a fixed income deserve flexibility and options to pay their property tax. “Property taxes are the only tax Oklahomans can’t…

House Passes Legislation that Would Compensate Teachers for Additional Students

April 6, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House on Tuesday passed a bill that would grant additional compensation to elementary school teachers whose classrooms exceed size limits. House Bill 2009 is authored by Rep. Dean Davis, R-Broken Arrow. “When a teacher is asked to teach additional students, they are taking on more responsibilities,” Davis said. “They should be…