The second week of the legislative session proved as busy as the first.
I passed several of my bills in committee, and now they are eligible to be considered by their respective oversight committees.
House Bill 1561 would create the Foreign Adversary Divestment Act (FADA). This would require state-managed funds to no longer invest in foreign adversary nations, defined by the U.S. Secretary of State as a “country of particular concern.” Fund managers would have a period to divest away from these countries. This bill passed unanimously in the House Banking, Financial Services and Pensions Committee. Oklahoma dollars should not be going to countries where our dollars may be used to develop military technology or surveillance that could be used against the U.S.
Three of my bills passed in the House Civil Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 1562 would establish business courts in the state of Oklahoma. Complex business disputes would be filed in these business courts. The bill also requires that any judge who presides over these cases would have to meet certain requirements and specialize in this area of the law.
House Bill 1563 is a due process bill that would provide defendants in criminal cases with similar subpoena powers to defendants in civil cases.
House Bill 1564 would create an Expedited Actions Act. When amounts in controversy are less than $250,000, the plaintiffs could request an expedited action to streamline the process of discovery, limiting it to around 180 days. It also would limit the trial time.
House Bill 1565 would require each referral received by the DHS hotline alleging abuse or neglect towards a child to be immediately reported to the appropriate local law enforcement. This bill helps ensure that anyone who may be abusing children will be investigated immediately.
Also this past week, chambers of commerce from across the state gathered at the Capitol to show lawmakers and others what their communities have to offer in terms of business, recreation and other opportunities for residents and visitors. It was great to get to visit with Brittany Timmons and Jennifer Husmann of the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce during this event.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (405) 557-7350 or collin.duel@okhouse.gov if I can ever be of service to you.
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