Legislation creating an online jobs center through the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) has been sent to the governor's desk. House Bill 3595, authored by Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, would allow the agency to require claimants to take a skills test, create an account and add a resume to the online platform. "House Bill 3595 presents an opportunity to streamline job matching, empower job seekers and close the hiring gap in Oklahoma," Hill said. "Through this measure, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission can better connect individuals with employment opportunities while ensuring accountability in the unemployment benefits system. This legislation marks a proactive step towards a more efficient and effective job market for all Oklahomans." Under the bill, OESC could also require claimants to apply to a minimum number of jobs. Failure to apply or participate would result in the termination of benefits for a full period of unemployment. Additionally, OESC must verify the eligibility of claims filed and may cross-check various state and national databases to verify eligibility. The measure was authored in the Senate by Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson. "With this measure we are modernizing our approach to anti-fraud measures that will benefit Oklahoma employees without burdening claimants," Alvord said. "In fact, the anti-fraud measures in this bill have been recommended by both republican and democrat administrators. HB 3595 strengthens job search opportunities for individuals applying for and receiving unemployment benefits and contains robust protections to stop waste, fraud, and abuse." If signed into law, HB3595 would take effect Nov. 1.
Oklahoma could soon become a frontrunner in digital currency legislation after the Oklahoma House of Representatives sent House Bill 3594 to the governor's desk on Wednesday. The bill was introduced by state Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, and outlines landmark regulations of blockchain applications, which allows transparent information sharing within a business network. Blockchain technology is common in cryptocurrency, as well as other industries. "House Bill 3594 lays a foundation for protecting individuals' rights to their digital assets," Hill said. "By providing clarity and protection now, we can ensure free market practices remain the guiding principles in this burgeoning industry." HB3594 outlines actions that the state and local governments are prohibited from doing to hinder the use of digital assets for purchases, commercial asset mining, home asset mining, staking or operating nodes on a blockchain network. Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, carried the bill in the Senate. "Oklahoma currently has no laws addressing or regulating bitcoin and blockchain, but I hope that’s about to change," Coleman said. "House Bill 3594 will put our state on the forefront of the exploding digital asset industry by ensuring our residents have a right to use cryptocurrency for legal transactions." If signed into law, HB3594 would take effect Nov. 1.
Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, today celebrated the signing of Alanda's Law, House Bill 2478, which expedites the legal process for victims of domestic abuse seeking temporary relief in custody cases. Under HB2478, courts are required to schedule a hearing on temporary custody orders within 10 days of a domestic abuse victim filing a request for temporary custody orders unless both parties mutually agree to waive this timeline. Harris said this provision specifically applies in cases where the application contains allegations of domestic abuse and either an emergency temporary protective order is already in place against the accused party or the accused has been criminally charged with domestic abuse. "For victims of domestic violence, the timing of a judge's availability should not be a barrier," Harris said. "It is crucial to ensure that domestic violence victims appear timely before a judge to expedite the decision-making process." The measure will require the court to issue a ruling on the matter versus arbitrarily scheduling another hearing for a later date, enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of legal proceedings in these critical situations. "Often, children are involved in these situations," Harris said. "It is imperative that judges swiftly act to ensure families avoid unnecessary heartache during an already traumatic time." Harris named HB2478 Alanda's Law after Alanda Bradshaw, a victim of domestic abuse, in honor of her memory and her beautiful daughter. He said the sustained abuse Alanda endured tragically contributed to her premature passing. "I hope this legislation will honor Alanda and other victims of domestic abuse," Harris said. "The most dangerous moment for a domestic violence victim is when they try to leave their abuser. Alanda's Law protects victims and their families during this critical time." HB2478 will go into effect on Nov. 1.