This week, I was fortunate to have members from Leadership Guthrie visit me at the Capitol. This is a fantastic program for emerging leaders from all sectors to learn more about the local Guthrie community and how they can interact with state government.
I also have some constituents from Edmond. On Monday, we recognized a large group of people for Edmond Day at the Capitol.
It’s always great to have visitors from our House district come to learn more about the legislative process or just to discuss local concerns.
We also recognized agricultural producers from across the state on Ag Day at the Capitol on Tuesday. Wednesday, we welcomed students who are members of 4-H. This is a phenomenal organization that helps prepare youth for future careers and leadership opportunities. It’s always nice to see the next generation step forward.
This week, we wrapped up committee work in the both the House and the Senate. We now have until May 8 to complete voting on bills from the opposite chamber.
In the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee, I passed Senate Bill 250 which clarifies how tips, gratuities, meals or lodging would be counted toward meeting the minimum wage requirements within the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act. Under this bill, every employee would still make minimum wage – even if it increases in the state – including the minimum federal cash requirement. But this allows the free market to work as intended with employers and employees – not the government – determining individual agreements on what constitutes as fair compensation.
At the same time, two of my House bills passed in Senate committees this week.
House Bill 1563 would allow the same due process for discoverable materials for criminal defendants as civil litigants enjoy. This includes timelier access to body, vehicle-mounted and traffic camera videos, law enforcement incident reports and field sobriety tests.
House Bill 1565 would require referrals received by the Department of Human Services (DHS) hotline alleging abuse or neglect towards a child to be immediately reported to the appropriate local law enforcement entity. Criminal investigations could then occur simultaneously to DHS investigations, so children can be better protected.
I have two additional bills that previously passed committee and are awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.
House Bill 1566, would establish the Oklahoma Elder Exploitation and Abuse Act. This would create a cause of action for civil damages that a family member or a similarly situated individual can bring on behalf of an elderly or incapacitated person if there is exploitation, abuse or neglect.
House Bill 2836 would protect veterans from unfair third-party fees when they are seeking help with their disability benefits.
With committee deadlines passed, work will increase on the House floor. At the same time, we’re continuing work on our state budget. I will have updates on that process soon.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (405) 557-7350 or [email protected] if I can ever be of service to you.
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