Representative Cynthia Roe

R

District 42

Hi, I'm Cynthia Roe and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 42nd District.


representative

News & Announcements

Mar 14, 2023
Recent Posts

Roe Passes Underage Anti-Tobacco, Vaping Bill

Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has secured passage of legislation addressing tobacco and vape usage in people under 21. In 2022, the Legislature approved legislation eliminating municipal enforcement and ordinances related to underage tobacco use and possession. After working with the Oklahoma Municipal League, Roe filed House Bill 2165 to returns authority to municipalities to enact and enforce ordinances related to tobacco and vape products. Oklahoma's current age minimum to purchase tobacco is 21, and if HB2165 becomes law, anyone under 21 who purchases or attempts to purchase tobacco must complete a tobacco education program approved by the court. Violators would be required to complete an education or tobacco use cessation program or community service as ordered by the court. "The use of tobacco, nicotine and vapor products in our young people is a serious epidemic, and many of Oklahoma's underage users are not considering the long-term health risks associated with ingesting these products," Roe said. "It's my hope that this measure will help educate our young people about the dangers of these products and ultimately save lives." Roe said her measure has a companion bill in the Senate, Senate Bill 462, which would require all municipal judges to go through a mandatory certification program that will address issues like dealing with underage tobacco and vaping use. Following a 71-16 vote in the House, HB2165 heads to the Senate.

Mar 10, 2023
Recent Posts

Roe Passes Mental Health, Healthcare Workers Bills

OKLAHOMA CITY –  Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, advanced two bills in the House of Representatives. On Wednesday, Roe passed House Bill 2157, the "Shannon Hanchett Act," which would recommend at least 20% of active-duty law enforcement officers to train in crisis intervention. It would also require that an officer must document the reasoning behind not getting a mental health evaluation done on an individual who appears to be or states that such person is mentally ill, alcohol-dependent, or drug-dependent. HB2157 is named after Shannon Hanchett, a small business owner known as the "Cookie Queen" to her Norman neighbors. She passed away in Dec. 2022 after spending 12 days in jail following an arrest while suffering a mental health crisis. Hanchett grew up in Roe's House district. "I am saddened by the need for this bill, but honored to run it in remembrance of Shannon's legacy," Roe said. "This bill ensures officers have the skill set and understanding to engage with individuals suffering from a mental health illness and get them the appropriate treatment when needed." The bill encourages all law enforcement officers to complete crisis intervention training. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service will offer the 40-hour training program at no cost to our state's law enforcement agencies. HB2157 also directs ODMHSAS, if law enforcement requests, to conduct a mental health evaluation within 24 hours. If the assessment determines a transfer to a mental health facility best suits the individual's needs, that transfer must be done within 24 hours. If they cannot locate a secure bed in a mental health facility, ODMHSAS will reimburse county jails the costs of housing that individual until a bed is found. The Shannon Hanchett Act was approved by the House 92-0. House Bill 2154, approved Thursday, would expand statutory language initially passed in 2020 to protect all staff and contractors working within a healthcare facility from aggravated assault and battery. "In recent years, we've seen an increase in the number of healthcare providers being assaulted for doing their job," Roe said. "Collecting this data will allow hospitals to identify the types of assaults occurring and, in return, create security policies that better protect their employees." HB 2154, as amended, prohibits assault on any medical care providers, other employees, or independent contractors working in or for a health care facility and performing medical care duties. The measure requires that medical facilities report assault data to the Department of Health by January 31 of the following year. Reports are to withhold the identities of both the victim and the assailant. The Department of Health is authorized to publish the data on its website annually. It passed the House 86-0. Both pieces of legislation now move to the Senate to await committee assignment.