Representative Mike Dobrinski

R

District 59

Hi, I'm Mike Dobrinski and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 59th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

May 3, 2023
Recent Posts

Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Bill Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today expressed thanks to Gov. Kevin Stitt for his signing into law a measure that would help victims of domestic violence as they establish new residences.   House Bill 2242 would require public utilities and municipally owned utility providers to waive the initial credit and deposit requirements for documented victims of domestic violence.   Dobrinski said the measure was a constituent request modeled after a plan proposal by the City of Edmond.   "We must do everything we can to ensure the protection of domestic violence victims," Dobrinski said. "Easing the burden of these up-front fees when victims are trying to get somewhere safe away from their abusers will help. I'm gratified to provide this assistance to those who are vulnerable."   Documentation for victims can include an existing protective order, a statement from law enforcement personnel, a statement of a designated representative of a certified domestic violence shelter or certified domestic violence program pursuant to state statute.   Dobrinski thanked Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, who authored the legislation in the Senate.   “Given the prevalence of domestic violence in our state and the fact that more women are killed by men than in any other state, we must do all we can to get these victims away from their abusers as quickly as possible and into a safe space,” Pugh said. “This bill will ensure victims don’t stay in a dangerous situation simply because they have bad or no credit or lack the money for a housing deposit. No one’s life is worth that, and I’m glad this protection is now law in Oklahoma.”   An emergency clause in the bill makes it immediately effective. 

Apr 26, 2023
Recent Posts

Micronesian CDL Bill Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today passed legislation in the House that would allow Micronesian residents in Oklahoma to obtain a non-domiciled commercial driver's license (CDL) or commercial learner's permit. The licenses were previously only available to temporary agricultural workers and foreign exchange agriculture students. Dobrinski said Senate Bill 682 has support from government, industry and private businesses who are hoping to see this much needed change signed into law. "The Micronesian People are unique in their citizenship status dating back to the Compact of Free Association in the Reagan administration," Dobrinski explained. "They are dependable, hard-working productive employees who could help alleviate the driver shortage in our transportation industry." The Compact of Free Association provides access to many U.S. domestic programs. In 2018 the REAL ID Act was amended to make the Micronesian people eligible for the identification card. Dobrinski said the language in SB 682 is a collaboration with Service Oklahoma to allow these Micronesian citizens to obtain a CDL in Oklahoma like in the more than 20 other states that have approved this type of license. Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, is the Senate author of the bill. “Senate Bill 682 was one of my top legislative priorities for this year’s session and I appreciate Rep. Dobrinski’s hard work to make this a reality,” Pederson said. “Micronesian Day on Wednesday will be even more special as we will get to celebrate this bill being one step closer to becoming law.” In addition to the Micronesian population, any person with a valid immigration status in Oklahoma would be able to obtain this type of CDL, according to Service Oklahoma. Several CDL drivers were impacted when the law changed in 2015, and this would allow those individuals to return to the workforce. Currently there are approximately 40 non-domiciled CDL holders in the state of Oklahoma; 10-15 CDLs are issued per year. These licenses are valid for 180 days The amendments under SB 682 are consistent with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The measure passed the House with a vote of 79-9. It now returns to the Senate before being sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law.

Apr 18, 2023
Recent Posts

Oklahoma New Motor Vehicle Commission Legislation Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, on Monday unanimously passed legislation in the House designed to modernize Oklahoma's automobile franchise laws in the state. Senate Bill 593, which passed the House with a vote of 97-0, is the culmination of several years' work by the Oklahoma Auto Dealers Association and their members. After failing to pass out of the House last year, the group worked closely with General Motors last fall to update statutes to strengthen the relationship between manufacturers and their franchised dealers in Oklahoma. The effort was very focused and now affords our dealers the strongest support of any state in the country, Dobrinski said. “As a former franchised auto dealer in Oklahoma I know the challenges faced by these family-owned businesses in this state, particularly in a rural areas," Dobrinski said. "Senate Bill 593 allows dealers to work with our manufacturers to better serve our customers without the heavy hand the factories have exhibited in recent years. We hope this can help ensure the preservation of business opportunities throughout all corners of our state, not just in the urban metro markets.” Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, is the principal author of the legislation. “The automobile dealers in Oklahoma make a difference in the quality of life for literally thousands of Oklahomans," Thompson sad. "They provide good paying jobs. They are the backbone of providing reliable vehicles and service to enable Oklahomans to travel to work, family events, doctor visits and recreational get-a-ways. This bill paves the way with a firm understanding and foundation for future growth Auto Dealers in Oklahoma to continue to provide outstanding service.” Peter L. Hodges Sr., president of the Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association, added, “On behalf of the nearly 300 new automobile dealers in Oklahoma, we would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to Representative Mike Dobrinski and Senator Roger Thompson for authoring this bill to passage in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate. This bill adds protection in changing times for consumers and modernizes the law that governs the relationship between the franchised new automobile dealers and their auto manufacturers. We would also like to thank the auto manufacturers who worked with our team for many months on this important piece of legislation.” SB 593 has been sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law.