State goes digital with car titles, liens
Oklahoma is now the 25th state in the nation to enact legislation allowing the use of electronic titles and liens for vehicles, boats, trailers and farm equipment.
Senate Bill 998, authored by Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, and Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, was approved by Gov. Kevin Stitt and takes effect Nov. 1, 2021.
“The pandemic has shown us how much business can be done electronically, but one item that slows the process down and adds cost is how we handle titles in Oklahoma,” Standridge said. “By allowing this digital transformation, we’re making the process more convenient for consumers and businesses, saving time and money.”
SB 998 directs the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) to implement a program providing for the electronic storage and filing of motor vehicle certificates of title and allow a lienholder to perfect, assign and release a lien on a motor vehicle digitally in lieu of submission and maintenance of paper documents. The OTC will consult with stakeholders, including representatives of the Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association, the Oklahoma Tag Agents Coalition, the Oklahoma Bankers Association and the Oklahoma Credit Union Association in the development of the program.
The bill directs the OTC to contract with vendors who have previous experience with electronic titling and the development of software to manage the program, which will allow for digital signatures. Under the new law, participation is voluntary.
Under SB 998, the new digital title and lien program will be up and running by July 1, 2022.
Delivery services won’t face burdensome regulations
The Oklahoma Courier Application Services Act was signed by the governor on Monday, ensuring individuals involved in local delivery services will not be regulated like the trucking industry by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
Senate Bill 999, authored by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, will provide an exemption from regulations designed for for-hire motor carriers. These will no longer apply to light property carriers that utilize digital platforms for local deliveries like Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Door Dash and Amazon Flex.
Under the measure, vehicles at or under 8,000 pounds and with a maximum of two axles will qualify as light property carrier vehicles. Qualifying companies participating in local delivery will be required to have a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for drivers, and those drivers must provide a valid driver’s license; proof of vehicle registration; and minimum age requirements.
“Delivery services like Uber Eats, Door Dash, Grub Hub and even Amazon Flex have exploded in popularity over the past year, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bergstrom said. “This measure ensures these delivery companies can safely operate in our state without over-regulation, but with consumer protections as well. It’s a win-win for Oklahomans and these companies who provide an in-demand service in the digital age. This ensures that Oklahomans will have these types of opportunities to supplement their income.”
The measure will go into effect on Nov. 1.
Senate recognizes May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
The Senate approved a resolution May 13 recognizing May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
Senate Resolution 20 was authored by Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd. Leaders and members of the Asia Society of Oklahoma, Asian District Cultural Association, and Taiwanese Association of Oklahoma were present for the reading of the resolution.
“Nearly 3 percent of all Oklahomans are Asian American or Pacific Islander, with origins in Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, Vietnam, Hawaii, Guam, Samoa and other Pacific Islands,” said Floyd, D-Oklahoma City. “They’re making important contributions in our business communities, science and technology, medicine, education, the arts and much more. Our state is richer for their presence here in countless ways.”
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated in May because the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States in May of 1843, and the first transcontinental railroad was completed in May of 1869 with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrants. Today, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is a diverse population, comprised of over 45 distinct ethnicities and more than 100 language dialects.
Floyd represents much of Oklahoma City’s Asian District, created in the 1970s by Vietnamese immigrants, and known for its Asian fusion cuisine and businesses.
– Comprised by Tim Farley, Southwest Ledger