Legislative Update

Gambling compact negotiations between Stitt/tribes stalled

November 21, 2019 Ray Carter

Gov. Kevin Stitt said state-tribal negotiations over casino compacts have reached an impasse, but said he remains committed to an improved agreement that will require state casino operators to pay market rates for monopoly gambling rights. “What does the casino industry pay in other states?” Stitt said. “What is market? That’s the fairest way to…

Lawmakers ponder more prison release strategies

November 14, 2019

State Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane. detailed his plan to dramatically reduce the incarceration rate in Oklahoma and to create a new parole system. Humphrey’s interim study, Restructuring the Oklahoma Criminal Justice System, was held before the House Public Safety Committee, which he chairs. “This plan would provide increased supervision and improve outcomes for those released…

New gun law is not the Wild West

November 14, 2019

Rep. Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Kim David, R-Porter, said implementation of House Bill 2597, known as Constitutional Carry, won’t turn Oklahoma into the “Wild West.” “Most Oklahomans won’t notice a difference after the enactment of constitutional carry,” said David, Senate Majority Floor Leader. “Some are using scare tactics and warning Oklahoma will turn…

Safer driving bill

November 14, 2019

Sen. Ron Sharp has filed legislation to try to outlaw the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving unless it is with hands-free technology. Senate Bill 1088 would expand the Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Keith Burch Act of 2015 to try to decrease the number of distracted drivers on Oklahoma roads. “Currently, texting while…

Port assistance

November 14, 2019

State Reps. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson, Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa, and Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, held an interim study to review critical maintenance issues of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS), the impact of the system on surrounding communities, and current and future economic growth plans. “The reliability of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas Navigation System Channel is…

17.5-year-olds can preregister to vote

November 7, 2019

Oklahoma citizens will be able to pre-register to vote when they turn 17.5 years old thanks to a new law that went into effect on November 1. Sen. Jason Smalley, R-Stroud, and Rep. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, authored Senate Bill 496 this past session to make it easier for young voters to remember to get registered…

Smoking in the workplace study

November 7, 2019

House Speaker Pro Tempore Harold Wright, R-Weatherford, has scheduled an interim study to examine modernization to the Smoking in Public Places and Indoor Workplaces Act as a way to address second-hand smoke exposure in Oklahoma. The House Health Services and Long-Term Care Committee’s study is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in Room 432-A…

Lawmakers tour Pryor Schools

November 7, 2019

State Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, helped welcome other lawmakers to Pryor Public Schools in his House District 8 this morning to get a closer look at the district’s successful workforce development programs offered to students from elementary to high school. “Pryor Schools is doing a fantastic job of preparing students not just for higher levels…

More oversight for state agencies

November 7, 2019

House Speaker Charles McCall has launched a new initiative to increase legislative oversight and assess the performance of agency governing boards. “The Legislature has been too deferential and hands-off with these governing boards for most of state history, and the House is going to change that,” said McCall, R-Atoka. McCall is assigning House committees to…

Survey: Pastors weren’t overly prepared for retirement

November 7, 2019 Aaron Earls

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Most retirement age pastors and missionaries say their current life is close to ideal, but some who have entered retirement say they could’ve been better prepared. In a survey sponsored by Shepherd’s Fold Ministries, Nashville-based LifeWay Research asked 2,451 pastors, ministers and missionaries who were retired or at least 67 years old…