Tag: House Bill

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…

Number of volunteer firefighters rises

November 14, 2019

House Majority Leader Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher, said close to 500 new volunteer firefighters have joined rural fire departments four years after he ran legislation that eliminated the age limit for new volunteers. He expects to see an even greater increase with the passage of another law, too. House Bill 2005, authored by Sanders, took effect…

Law puts cameras on school buses

November 14, 2019

A bill allowing law enforcement use cameras on school buses to track down drivers who illegally pass stopped buses went into effect Nov. 1. House Bill 1926, by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, and Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, requires a minimum ticket of $100 for drivers who break this law. The law also requires 75% of…

Oklahoma sets a national record with prisoner release

November 7, 2019

Democrats want more out Gov. Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board set a new national record by commuting 527 state inmates in a single day and allowing their release. The board considered 814 inmates’ cases during the special meeting which was held the first day HB 1269 took effect. The 2019 law…

New law brings changes to car tags, Raises for state workers

July 11, 2019

Eighty-six new state laws went into effect July 1 in, including changes in car tags that could effect everyone in the state. Under a new law, Oklahoma motorists will keep their license plates when selling their vehicles. Registering a newly purchased car with the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) differs whether someone is purchasing the vehicle…

Workers Comp reform bill passes

June 13, 2019

The Oklahoma Senate approved legislation that preserves and strengthens landmark workers’ compensation reforms adopted in 2013. House Bill 2367 passed unanimously and now goes to the governor’s desk for consideration. Senator Julie Daniels, Senate Judiciary Committee chair, is the Senate author of the bill and said HB 2367 clarifies and secures the reforms while addressing…

Editorial: Democrats and homosexual bills

May 30, 2019

Democrats in the House of Representatives passed a bill to give special rights to anyone who claims to be a homosexual. Ironically calling it the “Equality Act,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her minions crafted this bill to create new civil rights for homosexuals and make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of “sexual orientation…

Bill for Veterans Registry

May 23, 2019

Legislation providing for greater inclusiveness of Oklahoma military personnel and veterans in the Oklahoma Veterans Registry was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt in late April. The Oklahoma Veterans Registry is a voluntary registry of all Oklahoma residents serving on active duty or in the Oklahoma National Guard, as well as all honorably discharged…

Military airspace bill

May 23, 2019

A bill clarifying confusing language regarding the protection of military airspace and training routes was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday. House Bill 2118 was authored by Rep. Charles Ortega, R-Altus, who said the legislation is the continuation of efforts to protect military airspace after legislation passed during the 2018 session left…

Non-violent felons bill

May 23, 2019

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law a bill that could help non-violent offenders with felony convictions find high-paying jobs. House Bill 1373, by state Rep. Zack Taylor, known as “Fresh Start Act,” will allow people with felonies on their records the opportunity to still seek occupational licensing for certain professions as long as the crimes…