OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Lay, R-Jenks, celebrated the passage of House Bill 2147 , a legislative step aimed at strengthening local governments’ ability to enforce building and safety codes across Oklahoma’s cities and towns. “House Bill 2147 equips our cities with the authority they need to tackle problem properties head-on,” Lay said. “Neglected buildings threaten public health and drag down nearby property values. This bill creates a clear, consistent system for placing and enforcing liens, giving municipalities real power to uphold building and safety standards.” The bill grants municipalities the ability to respond decisively to code violations, helping reduce fire hazards, unsafe structures and public health risks. It ensures repeat offenders cannot simply ignore code enforcement officers without consequence. HB2147 also establishes a transparent legal process, requiring notice, hearings and strict timelines. This consistency improves fairness for property owners and helps cities avoid costly litigation. “When properties are left to decay, the whole neighborhood feels it — home values drop and investment stalls,” Lay said. “This legislation helps cities clear out long-standing eyesores so communities can move forward and attract new growth.” The measure includes safeguards to protect property owners’ due process rights, ensuring enforcement remains fair and measured. “With HB2147 now law, our cities have the structure they need to take responsible action while respecting property rights,” Lay concluded. “As it takes effect, we must ensure it's implemented carefully and fairly — so it truly serves as a valuable tool to help communities protect what matters most.” HB2147 will take effect Nov. 1 and applies to all municipalities, with an exception for owner-occupied properties.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Two measures reforming Oklahoma's fines and fees systems have been signed into law. Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, authored House Bill 1460 and House Bill 1462 . The measures arose from an interim study held in October to understand the current scope of fees that can be charged to Oklahomans through the criminal justice system. The study highlighted how these fees impact individuals and families, the fees' intended use and the collection rate of fees. HB1460 eliminates several fees across Oklahoma’s justice system, as well as strengthens the court fee waiver process. HB1462 directs courts to prioritize payments for restitution to the victim when sentencing. West said these fees disproportionately affect people with limited financial means, leading to some collection rates as low as 25%. Many of these fees cost the state more to collect than they bring in, leaving departments that received little revenue from these fees with an unstable revenue source. "When we refuse to remove these substantial barriers, we continue to punish people well after they've served their time," West said. "These measures will change the lives of Oklahomans and give those who may be struggling a helping hand to break generational cycles. Without the burden of overwhelming fees, people will be better equipped to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society." "Our justice system should never be a trapdoor that keeps people down.," Gollihare said. "With these changes, we’re removing needless financial burdens and making it clear that the focus is on real accountability and giving folks the opportunity to get back on track. This is a win for victims, a win for families, and a win for Oklahoma." Both bills were signed May 28 and take effect Nov. 1.
The Honorable J. Kevin Stitt, We are writing to express our profound disappointment over your veto of House Bill 1389. Your veto critically limits life-saving care for Oklahoma women. HB 1389 would have expanded access to critical, potentially life-saving breast cancer screenings—screenings that medical experts recommend and help with early detection when treatment is cheaper and more impactful. This screening is intended for cases of breast cancer that are harder to detect due to dense fibrous breast tissue; while not suitable for everyone, individuals in this category face a higher risk of their cancer going undetected until it is larger or has already begun to spread. The bill was authored by a colleague currently battling breast cancer herself. HB 1389 was a bipartisan effort that passed the House 95-0. It included contrast-enhanced mammograms and molecular breast imaging in the definition of diagnostic breast cancer exams and required insurance coverage for supplemental screenings based on personal and family medical history. These screenings are not experimental. They are recommended by experts and widely recognized as essential tools in the early detection of breast cancer, which saves lives. Your veto is disheartening to patients, doctors, families and the very values we all hold dear in our great state. The Legislature passed HB 1389 with overwhelming, bipartisan support. We celebrate the override that took place on Thursday and we will continue to fight for the women and families who need these protections. Tammy West Toni Hasenbeck Cyndi Munson Melissa Provenzano Trish Ranson Stacy Jo Adams Meloyde Blancett Denise Crosswhite-Hader Emily Gise Ellyn Hefner Michelle McCane Annie Menz Nicole Miller Ajay Pittman Ellen Pogemiller Cynthia Roe Suzanne Schreiber Marilyn Stark Tammy Townley Brenda Stanley Mary Boren Jo Anna Dossett Christi Gillespie Regina Goodwin Carri Hicks Julia Kirk Ally Seifried Kristen Thompson