Legislative Update

Pugh bills would protect veterans’ benefits and create special court diversion program

February 9, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, has filed legislation to ensure Oklahoma’s approximately 290,000 veterans get their rightful military benefits, including those earned through combat, from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). He’s also authored a measure to create a special court diversion program for veterans in trouble with the law who are…

Bill to provide tax exemption to certain nonprofit hospitals

February 9, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed Senate Bill 304 to add nonprofit hospitals to the list of entities that receive sales tax exemptions for goods and services. “In rural communities, hospitals provide essential medical services, and provide critically needed jobs in the area,” Burns said. “Unfortunately, many community hospitals have had to…

Legislators, Pro-Life Organizations Defend Oklahoma’s Abortion Laws

February 9, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today a bicameral group of legislators, together with numerous pro-life organizations, released the following statement in support of Oklahoma’s current abortion laws. “Oklahoma is blessed to have the most comprehensive laws in the country to protect our unborn babies. We intend to defend our current laws as they stand, with the only…

Gov. Stitt opposes revised definition of Waters of the United States

February 9, 2023

Governor Kevin Stitt joined 24 governors in sending a letter to President Biden expressing opposition to a rule regarding the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the revised definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The governors signed and sent the following letter. Dear President Biden, We write in opposition to your rule regarding the…

Bill to amend Parents’ Bill of Rights

February 2, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, has filed Senate Bill 131, which amends the Parents’ Bill of Rights. SB 131 authorizes parents to file a civil action against a person or governmental entity for a violation of the Parents’ Bill of Rights. “Updating this measure furthers parents’ involvement in their child’s education and requires…

Bill to eliminate squatter’s rights

February 2, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed Senate Bill 456, which would eliminate the ability to claim any portion of a landowner’s property by adverse possession or “squatting”. “While squatting has always been an issue, we saw a huge uptick in recent years as buildings were vacated during the pandemic,” Burns said. “This…

Trio of measures related to Oklahoma state parks

February 2, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, has filed three pieces of legislation related to state parks and their operations. Under Senate Bill 673, entrance fees could only be charged for travel trailers and recreational vehicles and could not exceed $8. Those fees would be used by the state parks where they are collected. “The…

Legislation to require mental health wellness training for first responders

February 2, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Julie Daniels has filed Senate Bill 379 to require eight hours of mental and behavioral health wellness training as part of peace officer certification. Daniels, R-Bartlesville, also proposes including such training as part of an officer’s annual continuing education requirement. “Municipal, county and state taxpayers invest significant resources in our first…

Bill to Prohibit Abuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements

February 2, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, this week filed a bill to prohibit the abuse of non-disclosure agreements, providing greater transparency in government. House Bill 1378 would require businesses of any kind seeking state or local incentives to fully disclose who they are and what they do and also would prevent government officials from…

Coleman files bill to grant greater local control over marijuana businesses

February 2, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, has authored legislation to give municipalities more control over allowing marijuana grow operations within their city limits. Senate Bill 801 would allow cities and towns to modify their standard planning and zoning procedures to determine or forbid certain zones or districts for the operation of new marijuana-licensed…