Legislative Update

Human trafficking bill

January 30, 2020

Oklahoma ranks 28th in the nation for human trafficking, and Sen. Wayne Shaw, R-Grove, wants to better equip law enforcement officers to recognize the signs of this illegal practice and protect trafficking victims. Senate Bill 1569 would require the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) to establish training resources focused on human trafficking,…

Sen. Smalley resigns

January 30, 2020

State Sen. Jason Smalley announced he would resign office effective January 31. “After serving my country in the U.S. Marines for six years and eight years in an elective office, I believe it is the right time and opportunity to enter back into the business world,” said Smalley, R-Stroud. Smalley said he would be named…

New rental car rules

January 30, 2020

State Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, has filed legislation on regulation of the budding peer-to-peer rental car industry. Oklahoma, like many states, has seen the dramatic growth of car rental companies that allow customers to rent automobiles directly from owners and pay through a smartphone app. House Bill 3655 would: Require all automobiles rented on peer-to-peer…

628,000 able-bodied Oklahomans could get Medicaid?

January 30, 2020 Ray Carter

Many Oklahoma Republican politicians say they continue to oppose expansion of Oklahoma’s Medicaid program as allowed by the federal Affordable Care Act, better known as “Obamacare.” But at the same time, many of those officials say they are exploring other options. The expansion of Medicaid enacted in Indiana when Vice President Mike Pence was governor…

Sanctuary cities banned under proposed state bill

January 23, 2020

Sen. Nathan Dahm wants to crack down on the state’s sanctuary city policies. Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed Senate Bill 1459, which prohibits any municipality in Oklahoma to adopt a sanctuary policy. Under the bill, any city or town that enacts such a policy would be ineligible for state funding through agencies and grants. “In the…

‘Year of the Bible’ proposal gains lawmaker, businessmen support

January 23, 2020

Legislation filed by Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, would declare 2020 the “Year of the Bible.” Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 would recognize the unique contribution the Bible has made in shaping the United States, including that biblical teachings inspired civil government concepts found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The resolution also recognizes…

Make America Great and Keep America Great state license plates

January 23, 2020

Make America Great Again” and “Keep America Great” license plates may soon be cruising by in a lane near you. Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed Senate Bill 1384, which would create special “Make America Great Again” and “Keep America Great” Oklahoma license plates. Sen. Marty Quinn, R-Claremore, is co-author of the bill. “With…

Bill to ban traffic citation quotas

January 23, 2020

Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, filed a bill prohibiting law enforcement entities from enacting policies that require officers, justices or judges to meet traffic citation quotas. “It’s no secret that some jurisdictions may emphasize writing tickets at different times to try and generate more revenue,” Dahm said. “Our peace officers shouldn’t be pushed by their…

Gov. Stitt sets new record with pardons

January 23, 2020

Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed 62 commutations, 93 pardons and 23 paroles, bringing the total signed during his first year to 774 commutations, 290 pardons and 101 paroles. “This has been a historic year for criminal justice reform in Oklahoma,” said Stitt. “Under new leadership in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and at the Pardon and Parole…

End Death Penalty bill

January 23, 2020

State Rep. Jason Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City, filed House Bill 2876 which would remove the death penalty from among the options in Oklahoma for sentencing in capital cases. “I’m proud to be a part of the important progress we’ve made toward criminal justice reform,” Dunnington said. “Oklahomans are becoming more aware of the wasted costs of…