Home Stretch

As we near the final month of session the intensity continues to build as it usually does this time of year. We are close to a decent budget; we are still waiting for the income tax number. We don’t know what percent reduction we will see and that will have a great deal to do with the final budget numbers. We are probably a week or so out from being able to talk with any accuracy on that subject but here are some highlights of some bills that have been approved by the House in the last week or so. Lawmakers Target Drug Crime Legislation approved by the House this week would allow a larger group of law enforcement officials to participate in anti-drug efforts. Senate Bill 1544 exempts state officers who are also reserve special agents for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control from the prohibition against dual office holding. As a result, the legislation would allow a county officer to be dual commissioned his employer and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, giving local authorities greater ability to be involved in anti-drug efforts. Senate Bill 1544 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 65-22 vote today and now goes to the Governor’s desk to sign. House Approves Improved Data Gathering Legislation that would help lawmakers with appropriation and policy decisions was approved unanimously this week by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Titled the Oklahoma Program Performance Budgeting and Accountability Act, Senate Bill 1451 would require state agency strategic plans to include an analysis of the appropriated level needed to achieve certain listed measures for each of the five fiscal years of the plan. The legislation will now return to the Senate. If House amendments are approved, it will continue onto the governor’s desk. House Approves Bill to Increase Career Tech Opportunities Legislation that would help increase trade-specific industry certifications was approved unanimously by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Senate Bill 1056 would allow technology center school districts to establish pilot programs to increase the number of students obtaining trade-specific industry certifications. The districts would be able to spend general funds to cover the costs of trade-specific industry certification examinations and licenses related to the program of study. The legislation now proceeds to the governor’s desk. Severe weather liability policy in development House lawmakers are developing a comprehensive liability protection policy for Oklahomans who offer shelter to others during severe weather. House Bill 2296, which would offer liability protection to mobile home park owners who allow residents to seek shelter in their offices during severe weather, was recently vetoed by Gov. Mary Fallin, who cited concerns about possible unintended consequences. To address the governor’s concerns, House lawmakers are working on a more comprehensive liability protection policy that will be included in an amended version of House Bill 2419. The amended version of HB 2419 will offer liability protection to any individual who offers shelter to another during severe weather rather than offering protection only to mobile home park owners. The proposed compromise measure will offer more protection to more people. If you would like to contact me at the Capitol please feel free to call 1-800-522-8502 or email me at donarmes@okhouse.gov And here’s a little something to think about as you go down the road: One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.~ Sidney Howard.