News

Legislation updating regulations of Oklahoma's public pools and spas for the first time since the 1970s has been approved by the governor. Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, was contacted by two constituents who own an apartment building in Ardmore after they faced numerous barriers of red tape while renovating the building's public pool last summer. She proposed House Bill 4035 to eliminate those outdated regulations. "Tourism is the third largest entity in Oklahoma, and House Bill 4035 will allow for more streamlined updates to Oklahoma's public pools and resorts all over the state," said Townley, who chairs the House Tourism Committee. "All of Oklahoma deserves to have beautiful resorts and parks that attract their visitors to stay and enjoy with their families. I'm glad this measure has been signed quickly to help the process become less burdensome." "We spent the months between February and August 2024 attempting to get the Oklahoma State Department of Health to issue a permit to build the replacement pool," the constituent, Frank Feiock, said. "In desperation, we contacted Representative Tammy Townley of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Tammy made a few calls to the appropriate officials and got the pool permit process moving again. Not only that, Tammy introduced new legislation to update the pool permit process." Under HB4035, the State Dept. of Health will oversee the regulations of public pools and spas, but exemptions exist for pools in private residences or managed by a Homeowner's Association. The State Commissioner of Health can establish safety rules, fees and penalties for non-compliance. Construction permits and operation licenses cost $50.00 for municipalities with a population of 5,000 or less. Public pool owners must use designated forms for permits, adhere to safety codes, possess an annual license, and allow inspections. HB4035 was authored in the Senate by Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow. "This legislation updates outdated and burdensome language which allows the Oklahoma Department of Health to properly regulate public pools without unnecessary red tape," Haste said. HB4035 was signed into law April 22 and takes effect Nov. 1.

Legislation removing the requirement for businesses to check IDs before serving alcohol has been signed into law by the governor. Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, authored House Bill 3571 to allow businesses to use their discretion on whether or not to check IDs while ensuring businesses are still held responsible if they serve alcohol to minors. “I authored House Bill 3571 after a friend of mine, who recently turned 90, was denied a beer because he didn't have his ID,” Manger said. “Odell's Law would remove the cumbersome requirement to check somebody’s ID before selling them alcohol, allowing people over the legal drinking age to purchase alcohol even if they've forgotten their ID or don’t wish to show it. HB3571 does not prohibit a company policy that requires ID verification. This is common sense legislation.” HB3571 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. “I appreciate the governor for signing this common sense legislation that allows businesses to use their discretion regarding ID checks while maintaining responsibility for preventing underage alcohol sales," Weaver said. "This bill not only streamlines operations but also ensures that Oklahomans who are clearly of legal drinking age are not unnecessarily inconvenienced. It was a pleasure to work with Representative Manger on this practical policy that reflects our state’s pro-business values for citizens and establishments alike." Odell's Law will take effect on November 1. 

The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved a concurrent resolution Thursday recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Senate Concurrent Resolution 23, which was carried in the House by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, recognizes the economic and cultural impact of the nearly 3% of Oklahomans have Asian or Pacific Islander heritage. "As the child of Korean immigrants, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month resonates deeply as an opportunity to honor our shared heritage and the challenges Asian people continue to face," Pae said. "In recognizing AAPI Heritage Month, we honor the histories, resilience, and contributions of Asian Americans that have enriched our state and nation." "As the first Asian American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature, I am proud to be a co-author of this resolution celebrating AAPI-owned businesses, history, and culture all throughout the month of May," said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. "As a little girl growing up in Oklahoma, I needed to see someone like me doing what I am doing, so it is important to me that we acknowledge and elevate the impact the Asian American community has on Oklahoma and across the United States. I am grateful to my legislative colleagues who join us in honoring our heritage and culture." "I’m honored to work with my AAPI Caucus colleagues on this resolution recognizing the importance of AAPI individuals,” said Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City. “It emphasizes the need to have diverse voices at the table and promotes better understanding of cultures and their impact on Oklahoma. I encourage those who can, to take advantage of events that take place this month to further appreciation, understanding, and celebration of AAPI people.” AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in May 1843. SCR23 was authored in the Senate by Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City.  “The immigrants who have created Asian/Pacific American communities here in Oklahoma City and throughout the state, some of whom arrived generations ago, others more recently, have made Oklahoma a more culturally interesting and economically vibrant place for all our citizens,” Floyd said. “We’re grateful for their presence, engagement and contributions to Oklahoma.” Having been adopted by both the House and Senate, SCR23 will be filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.

The Governor has recently signed a measure allowing mutual insurers in the state to reorganize into converted stock insurers and establish mutual holding companies. Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa, authored House Bill 3090, which will streamline the transitioning of mutual insurance structures, fostering a more flexible and competitive insurance market. "This legislation represents a forward-looking approach to enhancing the structure and operations of mutual insurers," Tedford said. "It lays out a clear roadmap for modernization while preserving existing policies and members' interests." Under the measure, the conversion plan requires approval from the Insurance Commissioner and eligible members of the converting mutual insurer, with a decision by the commissioner expected within 60 days of submission. HB3090 also establishes guidelines for mutual holding companies, setting forth the required content of the conversion plan, review criteria, and regulatory frameworks. "Similar legislation is already in effect in 35 states," Tedford said. "This move will aid existing mutual insurers in their growth and competitiveness, enabling the state to attract more domiciled carriers." HB3090 will go into effect on Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Landowner’s Bill of Rights, or HB 3159, was signed into law. The bill gives landowners the right of first refusal if the land is ever sold by the state or anyone who received the land through the use of eminent domain authority.  Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, were the bill’s House authors. “This bill is a big win for the people of East Norman,” Menz said. “I was proud to collaborate across the aisle to get this done for the people of Oklahoma. Government should be a place where everybody is included, and nobody gets left behind.” Roberts extends his appreciation to the Legislature for their support, to Senator Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, for carrying the measure in the Senate, and to Menz, for her collaboration on the bill.  “If the state acquires land via eminent domain from a landowner and subsequently decides to sell it publicly, it's only fair that the original landowner has the right to repurchase the land before it is offered to anyone else," Roberts said. "Eminent domain shouldn't be used to transfer land from one private party to another.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Mark McBride, R-Moore, and Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, today celebrated the governor's signing of House Bill 3305, establishing the Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission. The act becomes effective Nov. 1. The Commission will consist of nine members with the purpose of advancing business and other mutually beneficial activities between Oklahoma and Ireland. The Commission is required to report any findings or recommendations to the governor and legislative leadership within one year of its first meeting and by Feb. 1 each year thereafter. "Many Oklahomans are of Irish descent or have close ties to the Emerald Isle," McBride said. "We've enjoyed a rich history of sharing resources and trust with this longtime trade partner and ally. The work of this Commission will increase and strengthen our partnerships in business, culture and goodwill." McBride, the House author of the measure, said it was important this move forward as a bipartisan effort. It was co-authored and carried in committee and on the House floor by Rep. Bennett. "I'm thrilled to see us one step closer to making the Commission a reality," Bennett said. "We've already received enthusiastic interest from Oklahomans in the private sector, as well as the support of our colleagues, and we look forward to utilizing the Irish Trade Commission to build on the strong economic and cultural ties that bind us with Ireland." Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, is the Senate author of the bill. The legislation was in collaboration with Mark Daly, chair of the Senate of Ireland. It matches efforts in other states to create similar trade commissions.  In committee, Bennett said that Ireland is home to 950 U.S. companies that use the island-nation as a jumping off point for the European trade market, which has 450 million consumers, and the United Kingdom market, which is 67 million consumers. Ireland is the ninth-largest investor in the United States' economy. Bennett also made reference to an existing relationship between the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma and the Irish that has existed since members of the Choctaw Nation sent aid to the Irish during that country's devastating potato famine in the 1840s. In 2017, a sculpture commemorating the gift was dedicated in Midleton in County Cork, Ireland. 

The Oklahoma House of Representatives recently honored Oklahoma State University's 1979 National Champion Livestock Judging team on the House floor. The team was introduced on the floor by Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, who was a member of the team while studying at OSU. Lowe introduced the team's coach, Dr. Bob Kropp, along with members Tom Kissee, Terry Richardson, Stan Comer, Bill Robertson and Bill Wilkins. The presentation was the opening event for the OSU Day celebration at the State Capitol on April 24th. "It was an honor to recognize these outstanding gentlemen and celebrate the 45th anniversary of our national championship," Lowe said. "These guys became lifelong friends, and Dr. Kropp has always been somebody that I've not only admired, but has become a mentor and friend. It was very special to celebrate this great team and the legacy of excellence in OSU's livestock judging teams." This year marks 45 years since Lowe's team took home the national championship. OSU first won a national championship in livestock judging in 1925 and, since then, has earned more championships than any other university in the country. 

Rep. John George, R-Newalla, on Thursday secured passage of legislation that will ensure a prompt and coordinated response from law enforcement in the event of a child abduction. Senate Bill 1407 would authorize the Department of Public Safety to establish and oversee the Oklahoma Child Abduction Response Teams (OCARTS) in collaboration with federal, state, tribal, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies, along with relevant social services entities. These teams would work collectively to rapidly respond to verified child abductions. "This legislation not only solidifies in statute the highly successful Oklahoma child abduction teams but also signifies a proactive approach to locating missing children quickly," George said. "The safety and well-being of our children are of utmost importance; we must mobilize every resource and effort available to ensure their safe and immediate return when they go missing." Under the measure, OCARTS will develop coordinated response plans for verified child abductions, ensuring efficient verification procedures, notifications, and outreach to local law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies will have the authority to utilize automated license plate readers to aid in coordinated responses to verified child abductions. SB1407 passed the House unanimously and now returns to the Senate, where its author is Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, on Thursday held a public meeting to discuss allegations of abuse in Oklahoma prisons. Humphrey chairs the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee. Speaking at the meeting were Bobby Cleveland, director of the Oklahoma Correctional Professionals; Emily Barnes with Hooked on Justice; Egypt, a child advocate for Let our Fathers Go; and multiple family members of individuals incarcerated in Oklahoma prisons. "I wanted to give loved ones and other advocates of change a chance to tell their stories in an open forum," Humphrey said. "I get calls every day about rapes, beatings, deaths and deplorable conditions in our state correction facilities. I'm asking everyone to document their experiences so we can present hard evidence and improve conditions for prisoners and staff." Humphrey for months has called for changes in Oklahoma Department of Corrections' facilities. He's held multiple meetings and sent letters and packets of documentation to DOC and other law enforcement oversight agencies asking for investigations of complaints. He's also called attention to several lawsuits filed against DOC involving inhuman treatment of prisoners as well as wrongful termination of employees. Speakers talked about all of the issues Humphrey mentioned as well as lack of access to medical care and mental health treatment among other issues. They are asking for greater accountability, transparency and meaningful reform. Humphrey said he'll continue to collect evidence and hold meetings until he sees improvements.