Legislation aimed at modernizing data retention practices across Oklahoma has been signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt. House Bill 3643, authored by Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, increases government efficiency by clarifying that records not regulated by the Records Management Act may be destroyed without the approval of the State Records Administrator. "The signing of House Bill 3643 reaffirms Oklahoma's commitment to embracing innovation in government operations," Boatman said. "These changes are aligned with the best practices of today, ensuring that Oklahoma remains at the forefront of information management. I appreciate the support of the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature as we work together to make Oklahoma government as efficient as possible." “As Governor, I want to support any legislation that modernizes government and saves taxpayer dollars, which is why I proudly signed HB 3643,” Stitt said. “I’m grateful to Representative Boatman and Senator Jech for sending this bill to my desk.” HB3643 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher. “These improvements to our state recordkeeping systems will maximize efficiency and increase security by prioritizing essential records and ensuring those are stored properly," Jech said. "In addition, this legislation will eliminate the need to store non-essential files as it’s not practical or cost-effective. I appreciate my legislative colleagues for their support of this measure, as well as the governor for signing this into law, marking a significant step towards modernizing our government operations and better serving the needs of Oklahomans." Additionally, the bill also addresses the storage location of certain documents. HB3643 takes effect Nov. 1.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today appealed directly to members of Oklahoma's media, asking them to review his documentation detailing what he alleges is money laundering by the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council (DAC). "I believe you in the media are missing one of the largest stories of your career," Humphrey said. "I am asking you to review the investigation packet I have attached." Humphrey goes on to detail that in the case Stice v. Mashburn, an appellate court determined the $40 fee the DAC collects for probation fees must be used for the actual act of supervision. "I checked with a well-known attorney, who advised this means the $40 fee must be used solely for supervision, and DAs must provide the actual act of supervision," Humphrey said. Humphrey said after the ruling, a bill was filed to create a $40 prosecution fee to give district attorneys a legal method to collect money from offenders, but he said that is not being done. "I have provided thousands of entries by district attorneys to verify that DAs continue to collect $55 million in supervision fees, and yet I've found no documentation showing the money was spent on actual supervision as ordered by the appellate court," Humphrey said, adding that it seems logical to conclude DAs are not actually providing supervision. "Consequently, it seems evident that DAs are engaged in massive fraud in the state of Oklahoma and are deceitfully profiting," he said. "I submit that $55 million have been collected by DAs under the deception and breach of confidence perpetrated for profit or dishonest gain." Humphrey has sent several letters to the attorney general asking for a review of his investigative packet. Humphrey said his investigation found that the $55 million was moved through several government accounts. "This money traveled through the accounts of the district attorney, the District Attorneys Council, to the Oklahoma State Treasurer and then returned to the District Attorneys Council," Humphrey said. "Therefore, it truly appears DAs have intentionally moved $55 million of funds received by what appears to be fraud through several accounts to conceal the use of funds. It certainly appears to be money laundering to avoid the court order." "The question remains: what legal action could be taken on what appears to be one of largest frauds and possible money laundering schemes perpetrated on the state of Oklahoma"? Humphrey asked.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday signed into law legislation that amends the Homemade Food Freedom Act to protect the private information of producers. House Bill 2975, authored by Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, and Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, will allow producers of homemade food products to obtain a registration number to affix to their product labels instead of the current requirement that they list their name, phone number and the physical address where the food is produced on all products sold. The $15 registration fee is voluntary. "This is for the safety of the people that make food for sale in their homes," West said. "The government should have record of a producer's personal information in case there needs to be some recourse for a product sold, but the general public does not need a seller's private phone number or physical address. This also should help cut down on identity theft or fraud." West said the idea for the legislation came from a constituent that makes and sells homemade food products at local outlets such as farmers markets and area stores. Homemade food products for sale or distribution must still adhere to a list of safety guidelines. The product label must still list ingredients, including common allergens, as well as notice that they were produced in a private residence that is exempt from government licensing and inspection. The act takes effect Nov. 1.