Representative Rick West

Hi, I'm Rick West and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 3rd District.


representative

News & Announcements


Mar 27, 2024
Recent Posts

4-H Excused Absences Signed by Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Stitt on Tuesday signed House Bill 1006 into law, which will grant 4-H students an excused school absence when participating in an approved activity. The bill's author, Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, said he's pushed the legislation for the past four years as a way to provide fairness for students that participate in 4-H. "Students that participate in FFA and other school activities already get excused absences," West said. "Our 4-H students deserve the same consideration to not have their grades negatively affected when they participate in an activity that is recognized by the county 4-H facilitator." This will allow students to make up any missed work, West said. He said the request for the measure was from a constituent, but it has gained statewide support. The number of excused absences allowed is still subject to the attendance policy of the local school board. Students are not excused if they miss days during statewide assessments or during any period of time for which the student has been disciplined, suspended or expelled, if the terms of punishment would preclude them from participating in an educational field trip or extracurricular activity. 4-H is not offered through local school districts but is instead part of the Oklahoma State University Extension Program. FFA, by contrast, is offered through local school districts but overseen by the state Department of Career and Technology Education. That was part of the challenge West said he had to overcome in convincing other lawmakers to vote in favor of the bill. The measure passed the House in 2023 but only passed the Senate on March 19 this year. West praised his Senate author, Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, for getting the bill over the final hurdle and sent to the governor who quickly signed it into law. The bill will become effective 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die, in time for the next school year, West said. 



Mar 8, 2024
Recent Posts

Bill to Extend Tax-Free Vehicle Title Transfers to Grandchildren Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, this week won unanimous passage in the House of Representatives of a bill that would extend tax-free vehicle title transfers from grandparents to their grandchildren. Currently an excise tax is levied upon the transfer of legal ownership of any vehicle registered in Oklahoma. Exceptions include people who possess an agricultural exemption, and for title transfers between husband and wife and parent and child. House Bill 2973 would extend the exemption to grandparents transferring a title to a grandchild, including through family trusts. "This is a constituent request bill that would allow a grandparent to gift a car to a grandchild without the motor vehicle excise tax being due," West said.. We already do this for parents and children. It's common sense to extend this to grandparents." House members agreed with a vote of 83-0. HB2973 now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain. If signed into law, the act would become effective Nov. 1. 



Feb 23, 2024
Recent Posts

Reps. Smith and Rick West Hold Meetings with Rural Fire Coordinators

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. David Smith, R-Arpelar, and Rick West, R-Heavener, held a meeting Feb. 21 with 11 rural fire coordinators from across the state who voiced concerns about new mandatory training requirements from the state fire marshal in accordance with state statutes. The meeting was standing room only in Smith's Capitol office. "Volunteer rural firefighters are rural Oklahoma's first line of defense," Smith said. "They're upset because of some of the rumors they are hearing about what might be required of them going forward. It was important to us that we heard their concerns. Now, we are focused on helping facilitate discussions between the coordinators, fire chiefs and the state fire marshal so everyone can be on the same page about the new training requirements." Smith said the next meeting will include State Fire Marshal Keith Bryant as well as fire chiefs and rural fire coordinators from across the state. The meeting will be public for anyone that wishes to attend, space allowing. It is set for 10 a.m. March 13 in Room 450 in the state Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd. Smith and West also are discussing holding a potential interim study to examine incentives to help recruit and retain rural firefighters. "These are volunteer positions, but they are vital for the safety of all who live and work in rural Oklahoma," West said. "I'm glad we're going to be able to get everyone around the table to discuss ways to improve conditions for these volunteer firefighters and those they serve."