Legislative Update

State relaxes rules for facilities’ visits

March 18, 2021

After a year of a partial shutdown in Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt and Health Commissioner Lance Frye said last week that an easing of the Chinese coronavirus pandemic will allow a relaxation for visitation to long-term care facilities. The state is updating its visitation guidelines to allow visitors who have completed state-certified essential care training…

Nearly half of Tulsa students are flunking in at least one class

March 11, 2021 Ray Carter

For almost a year now, several major Oklahoma school districts have not provided full-time, in-person instruction to students. Parents and state officials alike have wondered how that is impacting academic progress. A midyear report recently released by Tulsa Public Schools provides the answer in that district. Nearly every other student in Tulsa schools was recently…

Pot tax revenue rises 100%; total revenue drops slightly

March 11, 2021

State revenues overall are down slightly compared to last February but sales tax receipts are up by almost 8 percent, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel said. Collections from all sources in February 2021 were $950.8 million, down by $6 million, or 0.6 percent, from February 2020. Since March of last year, monthly gross revenue has been…

Bill: Abortionists would lose licenses

March 4, 2021

The House Public Health Committee passed legislation directing the Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision and the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners to revoke the licenses of physicians who perform abortions. House Bill 1102, authored by Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, would revoke the license for at least one year. The bill provides an exception for…

Student transfer bill

March 4, 2021

The House passed bills that would allow Oklahoma students to transfer between public school districts at any time and that change the school funding formula to make money follow the student and curb the number of non-existing – or ghost – students currently allowed in the system. “Open transfer ensures equity regardless of geography by…

Censorship lawsuits?

March 4, 2021

A measure allowing social media users to sue for damages against any social media website that censors a user’s political or religious speech was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. State Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, authored Senate Bill 383 to eliminate selective censorship of opinion on social media and to ensure free speech is treated…

Retired teacher return

March 4, 2021

Hundreds of Oklahoma teaching positions are empty, and a 2017 statute allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom with no limitations on earnings expired June 30, 2020. The Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 267 to extend the earnings exemption through 2024. Senate Education Committee Vice Chairman, Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee,…

Filling a Senate vacancy

March 4, 2021

The House approved legislation outlining the process to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate if the need arises. House Bill 2173, authored by Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, would allow the governor to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate with a temporary appointment until an election can occur. He started developing the legislation last…

2nd Amendment Sanctuary

March 4, 2021

The Senate Public Safety Committee approved Senate Bill 631, authored by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, that would make Oklahoma a Second Amendment sanctuary state. The bill would preempt any future legislation, rules or ordinances by the federal government, state agency or political subdivision in Oklahoma from infringing on citizens’ Second Amendment rights. It would also…

Police video release bill

March 4, 2021

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a measure to prohibit law enforcement agencies from releasing audio or video showing an officer dying in the line of duty unless a court rules the material should be released in specific cases. Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, is principal author of Senate Bill 968. Haste said his legislation has…