The House has a fundamental responsibility to protect the safety of Oklahoman children, which is why I support House Bill 2177, authored by Rep. Kevin West and Rep. Jim Olsen.
House Bill 2177 would make it illegal to perform sex-assignment surgeries on youth or provide cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers for children.
There are multiple activities that children are prohibited from participating in until they have reached an age defined by statute, even with parental consent. For example, gambling and purchasing alcohol or cigarettes are all prohibited for kids, regardless of parental permission.
Children cannot fully grasp the impact of their choices, so why are we allowing them to make these life-altering decisions? These life-changing decisions need to be left to those who are at or above 18 years old and have mentally, emotionally and physically matured enough to know the lasting consequences of their actions.
Exceptions are provided under the bill to allow treatment for medical disorders.
Now, I want to talk about two of my bills that passed in committee this week.
House Bill 2740 passed out of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Controlled Substance Committee. The bill requires that reports on property and intoxicating liquors seized from raids on violators of the state’s prohibitory liquor or gambling laws be delivered to the Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement (ABLE) Commission. The report was previously delivered to the county’s sheriff. The measure also directs ABLE to store the seized alcoholic beverages.
House Bill 2741 passed out of the Judiciary Civil Committee. The Oklahoma Elder, Exploitation and Abuse Act establishes a civil action for incapacitated persons and vulnerable adults against those who neglect, exploit, or abuse them.
I am thankful and honored that the constituents of House District 31 have entrusted me with the responsibility of serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-557-7350 or collin.duel@okhouse.gov.
Rep. Collin Duel, a Republican, serves District 31 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Logan and Oklahoma counties.
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