We’re continuing to work toward our next deadline, April 27, to complete floor votes on House bills approved by Senate committees. I’m principal Senate author on several House bills that I expect to be heard in the coming days.One of my bills that has already been heard is House Bill 1596. This bill authorizes the creation of official advanced funds (OAF) for the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission. This money will be used by ABLE agents for undercover operations to obtain critical evidence in cases of alleged violation of state laws.HB 2165 is a bill that will soon head to the floor for a vote. Last session, the legislature passed HB 3315 which changed the penalty for a person 21 or under in possession of tobacco from a $100 to $200 fine, to simply having to complete an education or tobacco use cessation program. The bill also removed the ability for cities to enact ordinances penalizing conduct under this section. HB 2165 would restore authority to municipalities to enact and enforce ordinances related to tobacco and vape products. Additionally, it specifies the tobacco use cessation program can now be approved by the court as opposed to needing ABLE and the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s approval. This will result in better outcomes in enforcement and rehabilitation of those in violation.Another important bill awaiting a floor vote is HB 1543. This bill is aimed at combating inflation by changing how loans can be adjusted using the consumer price index. Right now, Oklahomans everywhere are feeling the effects of high inflation from not only the pandemic, but the irresponsible spending in Washington. This bill would be a step towards providing some relief for Oklahoma families.Wednesday was Oklahoma State University Day at the Capitol, and I couldn’t have been happier to celebrate such a decorated institution that dates all the way back to 1890. OSU is a big part of getting Oklahoma students into high-paying STEM fields and setting them up for success in those industries. Across five campuses, OSU serves 33,500 students and prepares them to enter many of Oklahoma’s key industries including agriculture, aerospace, energy, and health. OSU is a nationally ranked Tier one research university, and the largest university system in the state.That same day, the Senate approved a transformational piece of legislation that will create the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medicine Authority (OSUVMA), aimed at rebranding, rebuilding, and ...
