SCOTT ADKINS CONSULTING, INC. Government Affairs and Political Strategies
Coalition of Tulsa Area Governments Legislative Report
March 26, 2021
Overview
Legislature Reaches Spring Break Redistricting Input Deadline Nears
The first session of the 58th Oklahoma Legislature concluded its seventh week last Wednesday, symbolizing the halfway point for bills to reach their final fate. The previous two weeks consisted of heavy floor activity as legislators raced to advance bills from their chamber of origin by the March 11 deadline. Last week was very light at the Capitol due to it being spring break for most Oklahoma schools. The cross chamber committee process continues as Senate bills passed off the floor will now be heard in House committees and vice versa. Legislators have until April 8 to advance opposite chamber bills from committee.
Public submission of legislative district maps for the ongoing state legislative redistricting process are due by 5pm Sunday, April 4. The public can submit both Senate and House maps by following the redistricting guidelines available at oksenate.gov and okhouse.gov. The Oklahoma Legislature is required to redraw legislative boundaries every ten years after completion of the Census. The legislature is also required to redraw congressional districts with all new boundaries beginning in the 2022 election cycle. Senator Lonnie Paxton (SD 23) and Rep. Ryan Martinez (HD 39) are the chairmen of their respective chambers’ redistricting committees.
Coalition Issues 2021
INITIATE
1. Bicycle Safety Improvements – HB 1770 – by Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R – Okeene and Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. ASSIGNED TO SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. AWAITING ACTION. Amends existing laws to provide for greater safety for people traveling by bicycle.
2. Clarify Scrap Metal Dealers Act - HB 1001 – by Rep. Carol Bush, R – Tulsa and Sen. Chuck Hall, R - Perry. ASSIGNED TO SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE. AWAITING ACTION. Eliminate confusion regarding definitions and regulated metals to increase ease of enforcement.
SUPPORT
Public Safety Protection Districts – SB 838 – by Rep. Jadine Nollan, R-Sand Springs and Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. ASSIGNED TO HOUSE GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE. AWAITING ACTION.
Business and Public Meeting Disruption – SB 403 – by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore and Rep. Robert Manger, R-OKC. ASSIGNED TO HOUSE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE. AWAITING ACTION.
OPPOSE
Local Health Department Board - HB 2504 – by Rep. Chris Kannady, R-OKC and Sen. Paul Rosino, R-OKC. ASSIGNED TO SENATE GENERAL GOVERNMENT AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES.
WINNING
Open Meetings Law – SB 1031 – by Sen. Greg Treat, R – OKC and Rep. Jon Echols, R- OKC. APPROVED BY GOVERNOR 2-10-21. Clarify and reinstate certain temporary provisions of the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act.