Marissa Murrow, a college student killed by a drunk driver, was the inspiration for legislation taking effect July 1. The measure requires event venue bartenders to undergo certain training.

Murrow, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma, was hit by a drunk driver in a head-on collision in October 2020. The driver had been overserved alcohol at a wedding venue. Her parents, Jeff and Kristy Murrow, worked with their lawmakers, Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, and Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, to develop legislation requiring certain training to help bartenders identify inebriation in customers.

Under House Bill 2369, bartenders working at event venues must complete the training, which will be provided by entities approved by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission.

"Marissa's story is a heartbreaking reminder that one irresponsible decision can change countless lives forever," Hill said. "Marissa's legacy is now one that will help prevent dangerous situations before someone gets behind the wheel. No family should have to endure the kind of heartbreak Jeff and Kristy Murrow have experienced, and I hope this law will spare other Oklahoma families from experiencing the same unimaginable loss."

"This legislation closes a dangerous loophole in our state's liquor laws by ensuring individuals serving alcohol at event venues hold the exact same standard and responsibility as traditional bartenders," Paxton said. "As a volunteer firefighter for 35 years, too many times I have had the unfortunate experience of working tragic auto accidents caused by drunk drivers. By implementing mandatory, in-person training, we can help stop the over-service of alcohol before a driver ever gets onto our roads. It was a privilege to work alongside Jeff and Kristy Murrow to turn their unimaginable family tragedy into a protective shield for all Oklahomans."

According to Victims of Impaired Drivers (VOID), an average of nine Oklahomans lose their lives each week to substance impaired driving.

The Marissa Murrow Act went into effect July 1. The ABLE Commission is hosting free, in-person training sessions for new Event Bartender licensees. More information may be found at oklahoma.gov/able-commission.