Representative Neil Hays

R

District 13

Hi, I'm Neil Hays and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 13th District.

representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Apr 24, 2024
Recent Posts

Oklahoma Senate Approves House Bill 1805

The Oklahoma Senate passed House Bill 1805 on Tuesday, a measure that will affect the retirement benefits of licensed emergency medical personnel employed by the state. The measure, authored by Rep. Neil Hays, designates licensed emergency medical personnel hired on or after November 1, 2023, as hazardous duty members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). "Emergency medical personnel are designated hazardous duty members of the retirement system under this legislation," Hays said. "The goal is to support emergency workers, ensuring they receive enhanced retirement benefits and increased contributions, which more accurately aligns with the hazardous nature of their occupation." Qualifying emergency medical personnel includes emergency medical responders, technicians and paramedics working for a participating OPERS employer. Under HB1805, hazardous duty members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) receive increased retirement and pension benefits than non-hazardous duty employees. Specifically, employees contribute 8% of their compensation toward their retirement benefits, while employers contribute at a higher rate of 16.5%. After completing 20 years of service, members can receive full, unreduced retirement benefits. Retirement benefits are calculated using a multiplier of 2.5% per year for the first 20 years of service and a 2% per year multiplier for service exceeding 20 years. Sen. Murdock, R-Felt, carried the measure in the Senate, which passed 41 – 0. It now moves to the Governor's desk for consideration.

Apr 17, 2024
Recent Posts

Hays Passes Bill Allowing Responsible Beverage Sampling for Licensed Employees

Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, secured passage of a bill that would allow employees at establishments that sell wine, beer, and liquor to sample the products if they are over 21. Senate Bill 2001 defines "Straw Testing" as allowing licensed employees aged 21 or older to evaluate beverage quality responsibly through minimal alcohol consumption. It would also lower the registration fee for brand-label spirits from $375 to $75 for those producing less than 53 gallons a year. "Restaurants were told they had been misinterpreting the law," Hays said. "As it stands, Oklahoma law does not allow servers to take a straw test sample of the drinks they are about to serve customers. The goal here is to clarify that language and allow these businesses to provide the level of service their customers have come to expect."  Hays emphasized that SB2001 has defined regulations, such as on-premises sampling under licensee supervision, and emphasizes that alcohol tasting is voluntary, not obligatory, for employees. Several lawmakers and industry stakeholders worked together to develop SB2001, which modernizes alcohol regulations and supports industry growth, Hays said. SB2001 passed the House 69 – 20.

Mar 14, 2024
Recent Posts

House Approves Bill to Discourage Illegal Immigration

Today, the Oklahoma House of Representatives approved a bill aimed at reducing the number of individuals entering our state illegally. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, authored House Bill 3071, which would prohibit state revenue from being used to provide benefits to illegal immigrants unless the costs are related to education, jailing, or transporting an illegal immigrant to an out-of-state destination. "With porous borders and ineffective federal policies, every state in the United States is, in effect, a border state," Hays said. "The proposed legislation will act as a preemptive measure to deter people from entering Oklahoma illegally." HB3071 would allow for exceptions to be made for law enforcement agencies or personnel investigating incidents of domestic violence or human trafficking. It would ensure that victim service programs certified by the Office of the Attorney General to provide domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking services to a person are not restricted if the services are required under federal law. The measure would apply to all state agencies, public or private entities, meaning they must enact policies to ensure compliance or risk losing funding through state taxes. Hays said that this legislation does not prohibit providing services to illegal individuals. However, if someone offers these services knowingly, they would not qualify for state tax appropriation. HB3071 passed the House 71—17 and now moves to the Senate for consideration. The Senate author is Sen. Bullard, R-Durant.