This year’s legislative session is well underway, and we’re now approaching our first deadline of the year. By February 29th, we must have completed committee work on bills we plan to have considered by the full Senate. Hundreds of bills have been passed out of their respective committees thus far, and a handful have been approved on the floor.We’re also working through appropriations measures under the Senate’s new budget transparency plan. We expect to have the Senate’s proposed budget completed next month, so we will continue working in the full Appropriations Committee and the various subcommittees to put together a comprehensive plan before we begin negotiations with the House.With tax cuts at the forefront of most legislative discussions this session, we are pleased with the Oklahoma Board of Equalization’s estimates reporting a positive trend for the revenue available for government services this year. The Senate will continue working towards our goal of cutting the state portion of the grocery sales tax to provide immediate relief to Oklahomans.With record inflation across the country, Oklahomans have seen a 4% price increase in grocery costs over the past year. The governor has already committed to signing any measure aimed at reducing taxes, so now is the time for my colleagues and I to come together to get it across the finish line.The status of sports betting is another prevailing topic. Little has changed since last session on the matter. Rep. Ken Luttrell and I continue to be supportive of this economic development measure and stand ready with House Bill 1027 until all involved parties are able to come to an agreement.Another of my measures aims to crack down on minors purchasing alcohol at self-checkout lanes. Senate Bill 1866 has been approved in committee and is on its way to the Senate floor. This legislation will prohibit the sale of alcohol at self-checkout lanes in hopes that it will impede minors who fail to scan bottles to evade ID verification and prevent them from being put in dangerous situations.Your comments and concerns are of the utmost importance to myself and my office, so as always please feel free to reach out via email at Bill.Coleman@oksenate.gov or call (405) 521-5581.
