Business

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Tuesday passed a bill in committee that would allow professional storm chasers to obtain licensing through the state that will allow them special accommodations while they are tracking severe weather. House Bill 2426 passed the House Business Committee 9 to 0. It will now be eligible to be considered in the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development Oversight. "Tornadoes do a tremendous amount of damage in our state to families, homes, businesses and other structures," Fetgatter said. "Storm chasers provide an invaluable service in keeping the public informed about the track of a storm, often providing the first warning for people to take cover. This undoubtedly saves lives." Fetgatter said the bill is still a work in progress as he gains further input from stakeholders. It could be amended before its next committee hearing or before it comes to the House floor for a vote. He stressed, however, that nothing in the measure would change how storm chasers – even amateurs – are able to operate today. HB2426 would simply create an optional severe weather tracker license for those who are professionally employed by a media outlet or affiliated research program at specified universities. This would allow licensed storm trackers to be treated as emergency responders during severe weather events. The measure would authorize them to activate flashing emergency lights on their vehicles so they could proceed through red traffic lights and travel on closed roads and highways. Licenses would be issued by the Oklahoma Insurance Department with a fee not to exceed $500 and a renewal fee of $250. Fetgatter said last year, tornado sirens sounded in the cities of Okmulgee and Morris in his House district, but weather radar had picked up the storms too late, and residents already were in danger. Had it not been for the quick action of a local storm tracker, residents would not have known to take shelter, he said.  Fetgatter said he too has been known to chase storms in his pickup truck, and he's supportive of anyone exercising their right to do this. But he sees value in offering this professional license for those with verified experience. "We love storm chasing in Oklahoma. We've made movies about storm chasing in this state. Nothing in this bill will stop this most American of rights," Fetgatter said. "But we have to be able to give professional severe weather trackers the ability to chase storms without being impeded." 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, has filed legislation that would amend the Homemade Food Freedom Act to protect the private information of producers. House Bill 2975 would 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 would be voluntary. "Requiring homemade food producers to put their names, personal phone numbers and home addresses on their products presents a privacy risk," West said. "Under this amendment, they would still have to provide their personal information to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, allowing consumers an outlet to still voice any concerns. But the producer's personal information would be protected." 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 local stores. The products would still have to 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. If signed into law, the act would become effective Nov. 1. The bill will be eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 5.