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The Governor has recently signed a measure allowing mutual insurers in the state to reorganize into converted stock insurers and establish mutual holding companies. Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa, authored House Bill 3090, which will streamline the transitioning of mutual insurance structures, fostering a more flexible and competitive insurance market. "This legislation represents a forward-looking approach to enhancing the structure and operations of mutual insurers," Tedford said. "It lays out a clear roadmap for modernization while preserving existing policies and members' interests." Under the measure, the conversion plan requires approval from the Insurance Commissioner and eligible members of the converting mutual insurer, with a decision by the commissioner expected within 60 days of submission. HB3090 also establishes guidelines for mutual holding companies, setting forth the required content of the conversion plan, review criteria, and regulatory frameworks. "Similar legislation is already in effect in 35 states," Tedford said. "This move will aid existing mutual insurers in their growth and competitiveness, enabling the state to attract more domiciled carriers." HB3090 will go into effect on Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Mark McBride, R-Moore, and Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, today celebrated the governor's signing of House Bill 3305, establishing the Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission. The act becomes effective Nov. 1. The Commission will consist of nine members with the purpose of advancing business and other mutually beneficial activities between Oklahoma and Ireland. The Commission is required to report any findings or recommendations to the governor and legislative leadership within one year of its first meeting and by Feb. 1 each year thereafter. "Many Oklahomans are of Irish descent or have close ties to the Emerald Isle," McBride said. "We've enjoyed a rich history of sharing resources and trust with this longtime trade partner and ally. The work of this Commission will increase and strengthen our partnerships in business, culture and goodwill." McBride, the House author of the measure, said it was important this move forward as a bipartisan effort. It was co-authored and carried in committee and on the House floor by Rep. Bennett. "I'm thrilled to see us one step closer to making the Commission a reality," Bennett said. "We've already received enthusiastic interest from Oklahomans in the private sector, as well as the support of our colleagues, and we look forward to utilizing the Irish Trade Commission to build on the strong economic and cultural ties that bind us with Ireland." Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, is the Senate author of the bill. The legislation was in collaboration with Mark Daly, chair of the Senate of Ireland. It matches efforts in other states to create similar trade commissions.  In committee, Bennett said that Ireland is home to 950 U.S. companies that use the island-nation as a jumping off point for the European trade market, which has 450 million consumers, and the United Kingdom market, which is 67 million consumers. Ireland is the ninth-largest investor in the United States' economy. Bennett also made reference to an existing relationship between the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma and the Irish that has existed since members of the Choctaw Nation sent aid to the Irish during that country's devastating potato famine in the 1840s. In 2017, a sculpture commemorating the gift was dedicated in Midleton in County Cork, Ireland. 

The Oklahoma House of Representatives recently honored Oklahoma State University's 1979 National Champion Livestock Judging team on the House floor. The team was introduced on the floor by Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, who was a member of the team while studying at OSU. Lowe introduced the team's coach, Dr. Bob Kropp, along with members Tom Kissee, Terry Richardson, Stan Comer, Bill Robertson and Bill Wilkins. The presentation was the opening event for the OSU Day celebration at the State Capitol on April 24th. "It was an honor to recognize these outstanding gentlemen and celebrate the 45th anniversary of our national championship," Lowe said. "These guys became lifelong friends, and Dr. Kropp has always been somebody that I've not only admired, but has become a mentor and friend. It was very special to celebrate this great team and the legacy of excellence in OSU's livestock judging teams." This year marks 45 years since Lowe's team took home the national championship. OSU first won a national championship in livestock judging in 1925 and, since then, has earned more championships than any other university in the country. 

Rep. John George, R-Newalla, on Thursday secured passage of legislation that will ensure a prompt and coordinated response from law enforcement in the event of a child abduction. Senate Bill 1407 would authorize the Department of Public Safety to establish and oversee the Oklahoma Child Abduction Response Teams (OCARTS) in collaboration with federal, state, tribal, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies, along with relevant social services entities. These teams would work collectively to rapidly respond to verified child abductions. "This legislation not only solidifies in statute the highly successful Oklahoma child abduction teams but also signifies a proactive approach to locating missing children quickly," George said. "The safety and well-being of our children are of utmost importance; we must mobilize every resource and effort available to ensure their safe and immediate return when they go missing." Under the measure, OCARTS will develop coordinated response plans for verified child abductions, ensuring efficient verification procedures, notifications, and outreach to local law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies will have the authority to utilize automated license plate readers to aid in coordinated responses to verified child abductions. SB1407 passed the House unanimously and now returns to the Senate, where its author is Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, on Thursday held a public meeting to discuss allegations of abuse in Oklahoma prisons. Humphrey chairs the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee. Speaking at the meeting were Bobby Cleveland, director of the Oklahoma Correctional Professionals; Emily Barnes with Hooked on Justice; Egypt, a child advocate for Let our Fathers Go; and multiple family members of individuals incarcerated in Oklahoma prisons. "I wanted to give loved ones and other advocates of change a chance to tell their stories in an open forum," Humphrey said. "I get calls every day about rapes, beatings, deaths and deplorable conditions in our state correction facilities. I'm asking everyone to document their experiences so we can present hard evidence and improve conditions for prisoners and staff." Humphrey for months has called for changes in Oklahoma Department of Corrections' facilities. He's held multiple meetings and sent letters and packets of documentation to DOC and other law enforcement oversight agencies asking for investigations of complaints. He's also called attention to several lawsuits filed against DOC involving inhuman treatment of prisoners as well as wrongful termination of employees. Speakers talked about all of the issues Humphrey mentioned as well as lack of access to medical care and mental health treatment among other issues. They are asking for greater accountability, transparency and meaningful reform. Humphrey said he'll continue to collect evidence and hold meetings until he sees improvements.

A measure granting landowners the right of first refusal in eminent domain sales has been sent to the Governor's desk. House Bill 3159, authored by Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, would give landowners the right of first refusal if the state or any person who acquired the land through eminent domain authority decides to sell the land. "If the state acquires land via eminent domain from a landowner and subsequently decides to sell it publicly, it's only fair that the original landowner has the right to repurchase the land before it is offered to anyone else," Roberts said. "Eminent domain shouldn't be used to transfer land from one private party to another." Before the state can publicly sell land acquired via eminent domain, the state must offer the land back to the original landowner or the first generation of heirs. If the landowner chooses to repurchase the land, the cost would be the lower of the current market value or the amount paid to the landowner when the land was taken. Roberts extends his appreciation to the Legislature for their support, to Senator Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, for carrying the measure in the Senate, and to Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, for her collaboration on the bill.  HB3159 passed the House 91 – 1 in March and passed the Senate 38 – 0 this week. It now heads to the Governor's desk for final consideration.

A few Oklahoma Republican legislators released the following statements in response to the Biden Administration's new Title IX protections for "gender identity." Earlier this month, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona announced the new Title IX rules. Under the new regulations, sex discrimination includes discrimination based on "gender identity" as well as sexual orientation. The regulations take effect Aug. 1. "We must prioritize the well-being of Oklahoma's children and explore all options to replace federal funds tied to Title IX," Maynard said. "Oklahoma has the money to replace federal funding in our schools, and we must consider all possible avenues to protect our children. We cannot allow the Biden Administration's radical policies to dictate education in Oklahoma." The issues for Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, and Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, who are against the changes revolve around the ideology behind gender identity and sexual orientation and the infringement upon spaces traditionally reserved for males and females, such as school bathrooms, locker rooms and sports teams, among others. "For three years, I have sounded the trumpet that not only is federal funding of state education unconstitutional but it is also a bad idea," Bullard said. "This is exactly why. The liberals have been threatening to defund our schools in cruel and unusual ways. The state of Oklahoma must have a plan on how we will replace these funds so we cannot be manipulated into doing that which we cannot morally do." The ultimate penalty for non-compliance with Title IX regulations is the withdrawal of federal funds. Therefore, the Republican legislators said, all options are on the table when it comes to protecting the innocence of Oklahoman children. "Given that Title IX regulations now include gender identity and sexual orientation, failure to comply may result in the withdrawal of federal funds," Banning said. "In protecting our values and supporting our children, we must oppose Biden, whose administration clearly contradicts Oklahoma's values." “We must stand by Oklahoma children and safeguard our state’s values,” Hamilton said. “Tying school funding to ideologies relating to gender identity and sexual orientation does not align with our values. I am confident our state can find innovative ways to replace federal funding to ensure our students are not subjected to these principles.” Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at schools and colleges that receive federal funds. This law has provided many girls and women opportunities to compete in sports and to earn scholarships to attend high schools and colleges.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt this week signed into law a bill that clarifies the rights and responsibilities of Oklahomans seeking to move into an assisted living center.  House Bill 3919 is authored by House Majority Leader Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City. "There are many respected referral agencies that work closely with prospective assisted living residents, but there is some ambiguity regarding residents' rights," West said. "This legislation is an attempt to provide clarification on the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved so that those choosing this living option can do so with confidence and knowledge."   West said the bill was a collaboration between the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association, which represents assisted living centers across the state, and A Place for Mom, which is the nation's top senior living referral agency. "This bill adds consumer protections for our constituents looking to move into assisted living, and it works to keep bad actors out of that space," West said. "It works to protect and create a healthy environment for residents and operators in Oklahoma." West worked with Reps. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, and Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, to secure a solution that is good for all Oklahomans.  Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, is the Senate author of the legislation. “As someone who built her career working in assisted living facilities, I know finding the perfect home for an aging family member can be a difficult and stressful experience,” Garvin said. “Although I am no longer in the industry, I believe House Bill 3919 will protect consumers by ensuring families aren’t charged unexpected fees when working with a referral agency to find the best nursing home or assisted living facility for their loved one.”  HB3919 builds upon West's prior work to help Oklahoma's aging population. In 2023, West's House Bill 1029XX – the Caring for Caregivers Act – was signed into law, making Oklahoma the first in the nation to adopt an expansive caregiver tax credit for those providing in-home care for a loved one. In 2021, West secured passage of House Bill 1887, which addressed the use of antipsychotic drugs for residents in assisted living and long-term care centers. 

Legislation addressing the social worker shortage in Oklahoma will take effect Nov. 1.  Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, authored House Bill 3015 to make Oklahoma more competitive with other states in the region for social workers.  The bill, which was signed into law Tuesday, revises the practicum requirement for licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers and licensed social workers with administration specialty from 2 years to 3,000 hours of postgraduate experience in the related field.  "There are too many social workers that are trained in Oklahoma but leave for other states to complete their supervision," Boatman said. "In restructuring the postgraduate experience requirements for social workers to make the process more straightforward, we can significantly help the recruitment and retention of social workers to our state. I hope this legislation helps strengthen Oklahoma's social work workforce and ensure the well-being of our communities."  HB3015 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan. “House Bill 3015 will make it easier for Oklahoma to recruit and retain qualified social workers by reducing the number of supervised work hours they must complete to obtain their license,” Garvin said. “This will eliminate some of the barriers that discourage talented professionals from pursuing these critical jobs while also bringing Oklahoma’s licensing requirements in line with the national standard.”