Representative Carl Newton

Hi, I'm Carl Newton and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 58th District.


representative

News & Announcements


May 19, 2023
Recent Posts

Farm Driving Permit Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, this week thanked the governor for signing into law a bill that will allow teens as young as 14 years old who live or work on a family farm to be eligible for a driving permit to go directly to or from home, work or school. House Bill 1962 becomes effective Nov. 1, which will allow Service Oklahoma time to prepare the new permit. "Those who run family farms work from dawn to dusk to raise food and other crops to provide for families across the nation," Newton said. "Allowing these responsible teens to be a more effective part in meeting the needs on the farm by using their driving skills in work around the farm or driving to school will be a major benefit for family farms. I've already heard from a number of constituents that this will help them tremendously, and I'm very pleased to be able to offer them this added benefit."  Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, was the principal Senate author of the bill. “Many children from rural communities begin working on their family farm at a very young age," Jech said. "By the time they are teenagers, they are well-versed in agricultural practices and ready to take on larger roles on the operation. The farm permits and licenses available under House Bill 1962 will aid these teens in their work on their own farms and ranches, as well as make it easier for them to work at other local operations. I’d like to extend my appreciation to Representative Newton for his work on this legislation, as well as Governor Stitt supporting our state’s young agriculturists and entrepreneurs by signing it into law." Newton pointed out the neighboring state of Kansas has had this legislation in place for over 60 years and has found it beneficial. Newton also issued the reminder to teens that this is a special permit to help their farm families. It is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Applicants must pass all driving requirements as any other licensed driver. The measure also specifies restrictions for teens operating a motor vehicle while in possession of a farm permit as well as penalties for those who violate the terms of the new law, including the potential revocation of their driving privileges.



Feb 22, 2023
Recent Posts

Newton Passes Farm Freedom Bills in Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton advanced two pieces of legislation out of House Committees on Tuesday that would expand freedoms and protections for state farmers and ranchers. House Bill 1962 would allow any person age 14 to 16 who lives or is employed on a farm to apply for a farm permit authorizing them to operate any Class D motor vehicle while going directly to or from work or school. The only passengers allowed in the vehicle would be licensed drivers or siblings. The bill passed the House Public Safety Committee unanimously. House Bill 1966 would allow a person that already has a commercial license to apply pesticides to do so to their own property without having to reapply for a private license, while other uses would still require licensing, examination and other fees to be paid to the State Board of Agriculture. Further, the measure also reorganizes areas of existing law. The bill passed in the House Agriculture Committee. "Our farming communities are really hurting, and they need these expanded freedoms to be able to provide the food and other crops that we count so necessary to daily life," Newton said. Regarding the farm permit, he said this is a practice that has been in place for 60 years and has worked well in a neighboring state. Newton said the issue of pesticide drift needed clarification after the proliferation of marijuana growing operations in the state. This legislation specifies who is licensed to apply commercial pesticides and what damages may be assessed for harm to others' crops, but it also preserves personal liberty for our farmers. Both bills now are eligible to be considered by the full House.



Sep 28, 2022

Youth Services Could Benefit from ARPA Funds

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Association of Youth Services (OAYS) is expected to receive almost $30.7 million to help provide for capital needs and updates across the system pending approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding legislation to be presented in this week's special legislative session. Reps. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, and Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene have a project in their districts that will directly benefit from the funding if approved. Western Plains Youth & Family Services in Woodward would receive $915,100 to create a flexible indoor/outdoor space to expand the organization's services while increasing safety precautions for clients and staff. This multipurpose space will comply with pandemic recommendations of open air ventilation and social distancing and will be easy to sanitize for safer interactions. An upgraded air filtration system and new flooring will further protect clients and staff from the spread of viruses and diseases. ""The purpose behind funding many of these facilities like the one in Woodward is that they have not received significant capital investments in decades,"" the lawmakers said in a joint statement. ""With changing needs in society, many of these buildings need new features, expanded spaces, and different capabilities to meet the needs of the youth of today. We're grateful that this center that serves so many in our House districts is set to receive this needed funding and that many youth across the state will benefit as well."" Oklahoma Association of Youth Services works with member agencies to improve the overall health and well-being of Oklahoma children and families through advocacy, training, and technical assistance, with a focus on providing needs to help stabilize youth in extreme circumstances. The appropriation was approved by House and Senate Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding based on the recommendation of the Health and Human Services Working group. The request will be presented in the form of legislation when the Legislature reconvenes Sept. 29 in the Second Extraordinary Session of the 58th Legislature. The session was called for the purpose of expending ARPA and other funds to projects that will result in the greatest benefit to the state.