Senate bills that passed the Senate chamber have now moved to the House to first be considered in policy committees before moving to oversight and then the floor.
I’m currently carrying four Senate bills through this process.
Several are of particular concern for public safety.
Senate Bill 630 strengthens Oklahoma’s rape statutes to ensure justice for victims and accountability for offenders. This legislation expands the definition of rape to close legal loopholes that have allowed predators to evade prosecution. It specifically addresses cases where authority figures in the school system abuse their positions of trust, ensuring that no one is above the law when it comes to protecting minors. This legislation is a critical step toward ensuring that those who prey on the vulnerable face the full consequences of their actions.
Another matter of public safety is addressed in Senate Bill 552, which seeks to protect Oklahoma’s bioscience and research assets from being exploited by hostile foreign governments. Oklahoma must remain vigilant in protecting our state’s security and ensuring that taxpayer dollars do not support entities that pose a risk to our nation. If the U.S. government designates a biotechnology company to be one of concern due to its close association with hostile foreign governments, any Oklahoma state agency that receives federal or state funds would be prohibited from using the company’s equipment or services. The agency also would not be allowed to use a company that contracts with such an entity. Foreign adversaries have made clear their intent to exploit sensitive biological data, and we cannot allow Oklahoma’s institutions to be vulnerable to such risks.
The two remaining bills seek to clarify existing statute.
Senate Bill 200 delineates the steps a representative of an estate must take when transferring an inheritance to a minor child whose parents or guardians cannot be located. This clarification specifies where and how funds shall be deposited and released to the inheritor. This has been referred to the House Civil Judiciary Committee.
Senate Bill 250 upholds free-market principles by specifying for employees and employers that tips, gratuities, meals or lodging can be counted toward meeting the minimum wage requirement, particularly if Oklahoma’s minimum wage ever exceeds the federal standard.. Oklahoma prospers when the free market—not government mandates—determines economic outcomes. By preventing unnecessary government interference in employer-employee wage agreements, we protect small businesses, encourage job growth, and keep Oklahoma’s economy competitive.
Initial policy and subcommittee work continues through April 10. Once bills pass this initial step, they are eligible to be considered in oversight committees or full Appropriations & Budget. That work will conclude April 24. We’ll then have until May 8 to consider Senate bills on the House floor.
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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