OKLAHOMA CITY – Budget negotiations are still underway with about 10 days left in the legislative session. A major sticking point is that Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City) is staunchly opposed to any additional tax cuts above the state’s portion of the grocery tax, which was approved by Governor Kevin Stitt earlier in the session.
Legislative action in the state Senate last week included unanimous approval to appropriate $45 million to help counties devastated by recent tornadoes. The Senate gave final passage to House Bills 2912 and 2913 to help counties approved for Federal Emergency Management Assistance disaster aid. The governor approved both measures May 17.
HB 2912 creates a new revolving fund for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management to provide “advanced financial liquidity” to local governments, a Senate press release said. The Department of Emergency Management will be able to offer loans to local governments that will cover the costs of temporary housing and shelters, infrastructure repairs and other unexpected costs related to debris removal and recovery efforts. FEMA assistance requires a local 12.5% match in funds.
HB 2913 will provide $30 million to the new fund and $15 million to the State Emergency Fund to cover the match the state must put up in advance to qualify for FEMA disaster assistance.
“The Senate fast-tracked this relief funding to help Sulphur, Barnsdall, Marietta and other cities and towns recover and rebuild as quickly as possible,” Senate Majority Floor Leader Greg McCortney (R-Ada) said in the news release. To date, the counties of Carter, Hughes, Love, Murray, Okmulgee, Osage, Pontotoc and Washita have been approved for FEMA funds.
With the session closing on May 31, legislators are still working for passage of their bills before the f inal gavel. Sen. Jessica Garvin (R-Duncan) Three bills co-sponsored by Sen. Garvin were approved by the governor on May 15.
HB 2528 pertains to the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma and specifically addresses application, procedure, options, liability, expenses, references and deleting terms.
HB 3190 pertains to health insurance and the Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act. The bill specifically addresses disclosure and review of prior authorization, adverse determinations, consultations, reviewing physicians, utilization review entity, exceptions, retrospective denial, length of prior authorization, continuity of care, standard for transmission of authorization, failure to comply and severability.
HB 3035, which pertains the Allopathic Medical and Surgical Licensure and Supervision Act, specifically addresses licenses, investigator duties, physicians or surgeons, inactive status and executive director duties.
In addition, a bill a uthored by Garvin, addressing the police pension and retirement system, Senate Bill 102, w as sent to the governor on May 15. The measure will increase the minimum employee contribution for certain members and also increase the computation of certain monthly benefits. It also increases the employer contribution and updates statutory language.
Garvin also co-sponsored HB 1349, which will create the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Advisory Board. HB 1349 was sent to the governor’s desk on May 15 and is pending approval. The measure outlines who will be seated on the council.
Sen. Brent Howard (R-Altus) Two bills co-sponsored by Sen. Howard were approved by the governor on May 15.
HB 1547 pertains to conserving monies obtained for or on behalf of persons under 18 years of age in court proceedings or incompetent persons in court proceedings, and HB 3467, which pertains to establishing procedures for sealed bid auction for certain property and requiring execution and delivery of deeds by sheriff under certain circumstances.
Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle) A bill co-sponsored by Sen. Paxton pertaining to controlled dangerous substances, HB 3567, was approved by the governor on May 15. It specifically addresses adding to the list of Schedule I controlled substances, revocation or suspension of registrations, written orders and repealers. More than 20 pages of the bill are dedicated to definitions and Section II of the me asure addresses a lengthy specific list of opiates, opium derivatives, hallucinogenic substances and stimulants and depressants.
In addition, Paxton’s SB 1943, pertaining to the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, was sent to the governor’s desk on May 15. The measure also addresses specifying registration requirements and announcing the rules for certain fees by the director.