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Legislative Update

Senate passes “Filmed In Oklahoma Act of 2021”

Tulsa Beacon

The full Senate has approved Senate Bill 608, the “Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021.”  The measure, by Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Finance, Revenue and Taxation Chair Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, establishes a $30 million cap on first-come, first-served rebates for TV and film…

Real help for the Real ID Act

Tulsa Beacon

The Oklahoma House gave final approval to a bill supporting tag agencies helping Oklahomans become REAL ID compliant. Senate Bill 1057 also adds renewal options of four and eight years. The bill was presented on the House floor by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee. “After reviewing and working through the complications that our tag agencies are…

Expanding rights for utility services

Tulsa Beacon

Other states are signing into law measures similar to one authored last year by House Speaker Pro Tempore Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa, which gives local property and business owners the right to connect to any utility legally operating in their area. Earlier this month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a similar measure into law and the…

Peaceful armed protests precede Biden’ coming

Tulsa Beacon

President Joe Biden on Monday proclaimed May 31, 2021, as “Day of Remembrance: 100 Years After the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.” Biden calls on the American people “to reflect on the deep roots of racial terror in our nation and recommit to the work of rooting out systemic racism across our country.” Black Wall Street…

Tulsa Race Riot/Massacre resolution is introduced

Tulsa Beacon

Cheyenne, Oklahoma – The Oklahoma Congressional Delegation introduced a resolution to accurately tell the history of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and recognize Oklahoma’s historically Black towns. Cosponsored by Representatives Frank Lucas, R-Oklahoma; Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma; Markwayne Mullin R-Oklahoma; and Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma; U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Oklahoma; introduced the resolution in the House. Senators…

John 3:16 Mission

John 3:16 Mission expansion includes space for women

Tulsa Beacon

The homeless problem in the United States and in Tulsa is growing and John 3:16 Mission, a Christian church, is expanding its facilities to accommodate that growing need. John 3:16 Mission just broke ground on an expansion project called The Refuge, located next to the former Chouteau Elementary school building which the mission previously purchased…

House backs Israel while Dems defend Palestinians

Tulsa Beacon

In light of the bombing of the Nation Israel by Hamas, the Oklahoma House of Representatives adopted a resolution stating members’ support of Israel. House Resolution 1037 is authored by Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore; House Speaker Pro Tempore Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa; and Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City. “As a Christian, I simply must…

New 2021-22 budget contains tax cuts

Tulsa Beacon

Republican leaders say the new budget maintains all state core service funding, provides tax relief to individuals and businesses, and makes targeted new investments in key priorities like education, economic development, health care and infrastructure. The agreement also replenishes more than $700 million in state reserve funds that were significantly reduced to offset pandemic-related revenue…

Elections to be delayed

Tulsa Beacon

Legislation was signed into law to delay elections this December, January and March that would interfere with ongoing redistricting efforts. Requested by the State Election Board Secretary, Senate Bill 347 prohibits municipalities and political subdivisions from holding an election on the second Tuesday of December 2021 or the second Tuesday of January or March 2022…

Redistricting approved

Tulsa Beacon

The Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate each in overwhelming votes approved new legislative district maps. By law, the Legislature must redraw its legislative and congressional district boundaries to reflect changes in population every 10 years immediately following the decennial Census. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, redistricting plans for legislative districts must be completed…