The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday approved legislation restricting online access to pornography for people under the age of 18. Senate Bill 1959, which is authored in the House by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, holds commercial entities accountable for knowingly distributing obscene material or material promoting child pornography on the internet. "Right now, pornography is easily accessible to kids of all ages through practically any device that has internet access," Hasenbeck said. "With Senate Bill 1959, we can close the current loopholes that grant children access to inappropriate materials." It mandates that such entities must compensate individuals for damages and provide mechanisms for subscribers to block access to harmful content. Additionally, entities employing reasonable age verification methods are exempt from liability. SB1959 also allows the Attorney General to seek injunctions against non-compliant entities. The measure is authored by Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson. "This legislation is something I am very proud to have authored," Alvord said. "This bill has been carried by my colleague Rep. Toni Hasenbeck in the House. Her support and true concern for passing this child protection bill has been truly impressive. There have been many talented people working behind the scenes to make this happen." The measure passed the House 79-13 and now moves to the governor's desk for consideration. If signed into law, SB1959 would take effect Nov. 1.
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.