Rep. Duel: I voted yes on the Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act

We had a busy week hearing 163 measures on the House floor.

My first bill, House Bill 2737, passed on the House floor on Wednesday. It expands second amendment rights in Oklahoma and removes the prohibition on carrying ammunition and firearms larger than .45 caliber. 

This week I voted yes on the Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act, House Bill 1030, authored by Rep. Josh West. It would require consumer consent before personal data collected can be shared by major technology companies operating in the state.

Oklahoma needs to catch up in this matter as other states have already passed similar legislation or are considering it to protect their constituents.

This legislation aims to acknowledge Oklahomans’ Constitutional rights to privacy and establishes that gathering personal data without knowledge or consent is a privacy violation. It passed the House on vote of a 84-11. 

This week State Question 820 failed, which would’ve created a state law legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for persons 21 or older. The votes against recreational marijuana were overwhelming in nearly every county in the state, but seen more in the rural areas.

I believe this sends a clear message to the Legislature that we must continue to better regulate the existing marijuana industry in Oklahoma.

On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Youth Expo officially started. OYE is the world’s largest junior livestock show. Every March, more than 7,000 4-H and FFA members bring more than 13,000 head of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and ag mechanics projects to Oklahoma City to exhibit.

Good luck to all the hard-working FFA and 4-H students from around the state!

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 [email protected].