Legislative Update

Homestead exemption bill

March 4, 2021

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Appropriations & Budget Committee passed legislation by Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, to update the statutory income qualifier to claim an additional homestead exemption. The qualifier has not been raised since 1997. House Bill 1009 increases the statutory income qualifier to claim an additional homestead exemption from $20,000 to $25,000. The additional homestead…

Added riot restrictions

March 4, 2021

A bill to clarify and strengthen penalties for those who commit crimes during violent riots is now on its way to the full Senate. Senate Bill 806, creating the Oklahoma Citizens’ Protection Act, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, was approved on Wednesday by the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Peaceful protest is a right under our Constitution,…

Help for firefighters, cops

March 4, 2021

A bill that will increase the amount of death benefits for any firefighter, paid or volunteer, or law enforcement officer who is in the pension system and passes away, was referred for an actuarial analysis by a vote of 8-0 in the House Banking Committee. The actuarial analysis will determine the fiscal impact of the…

Candidate accountability

March 4, 2021

The Senate Rules Committee approved Senate Bill 253, authored by Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, which would modify declaration of candidacy forms for citizens seeking to hold public office. The measure would require candidates to provide the date they registered as a voter of the political party they are running for as well as his or…

Ransomware protections

March 4, 2021

A bill to protect businesses from being attacked by ransomware has unanimously passed the House Judiciary-Criminal committee with a vote of 8-0. House Bill 1759, authored by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, updates language in the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act to better reflect modern technology and subsequent threats to computer security through updated definitions and penalties….

Available budget figures rise to $9.64 billion this session

February 25, 2021

The Oklahoma State Board of Equalization (BOE) certified $9.64 billion for the Fiscal Year 2022 budget – and increase compared to the $8.46 billion initially certified by the board in December. “This speaks well of the economy in Oklahoma,” said Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, R-Okemah. “Small business owners have been innovative, diligent, and persistent…

Immigration cooperation

February 25, 2021

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Public Safety Committee approved legislation to require law enforcement in Oklahoma to comply with federal immigration agencies. House Bill 2774, by State Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Orlando, directs all sheriffs, jailers and deputies to comply with any request made in an immigration detainer request provided by the federal government. The bill…

No to Medicaid contract

February 25, 2021

Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, supports a request for an injunction against Medicaid managed care contract. The Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) and other health organizations asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to issue the injunction. “The Oklahoma State Medical Association contends the Oklahoma Health Care Authority went outside its authority and circumvented the legislature in implementing…

Visitation bill

February 25, 2021

State Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, ushered a bill through committee that will protect the rights of long-term care residents, allowing them visits by friends and family members and care by outside health care providers. House Bill 2566 ensures visitation and health care serves contracted through the long-term care facilities are provided in a safe manner…

Students transfers

February 25, 2021

Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, won committee passage of a bill that would allow Oklahoma students to transfer between public school districts at any time during the school year. House Bill 2074, known as the Open Transfer Act of 2021, would cap the number of open transfers per student at two per year. It would also…