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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.

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.

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.” 

A measure making Oklahoma's state employee management agency and the Chief Information Officer subject to the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act has been sent to the governor's desk.  House Bill 3057, authored by Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, would require all purchases of equipment, products and services within the Information Services Division of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) and the Chief Information Officer to be subject to the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act and the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974 without exception.  "Oklahomans demand transparency and accountability regarding the expenditure of their hard-earned tax dollars," Steagall said. "The abuse of certain exemptions provided for in current statute pertaining to the competitive bid process has to end, and with the passage of HB3057, the Legislature is taking steps to reign in a significant portion of such exploitation. As the author of the bill and concerned taxpayer, I will be working to amend additional statutes to close loopholes and eliminate exemptions used or designed to bypass the competitive bid process." HB3057 is authored in the Senate by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. "A government that can’t be trusted is a government that will lose citizen support," Weaver said. "How we conduct business must be above reproach and above board. As Senate author of HB 3057, I am grateful that we are taking action and adding a safety rail to guard against corrupt activities." The House passed HB3057 99-0 in March and, this week, the Senate passed it 37-0. HB3057 is now at the governor's desk and available to be signed into law. 

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. 

The Oklahoma House of Representatives today approved legislation to reduce criminal activity in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 1450, authored by Rep. John George, R-Newalla, lowers the felony threshold for theft from $1,000 to $500, defines organized retail crime, and sets penalties based on stolen property value. "Oklahoma urgently needs to implement practical legislation based on the recommendations of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force to address alarming crime rates," George said. "Senate Bill 1450, a direct result of the task force's efforts, not only holds violent offenders responsible but also addresses the problem of organized retail theft." George said Oklahoma increased the felony threshold on July 1, 2017, resulting in a substantial overall increase in crime rates. According to the National Retail Federation, more than 81% of business owners have reported a higher rate of violent theft-related offenses compared to previous years. Under the measure, individuals convicted of organized retail theft could reportedly be subject to up to five years in county jail. SB1450, if signed into law, would allow the Attorney General's Office to hire more agents to investigate organized retail crime, improving response time and bringing charges more quickly. The measure passed the House 65—14 and now returns to the Senate, where Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, is the author.

The Oklahoma Senate passed House Bill 1805 on Tuesday, a measure that will affect the retirement benefits of licensed emergency medical personnel employed by the state. The measure, authored by Rep. Neil Hays, designates licensed emergency medical personnel hired on or after November 1, 2023, as hazardous duty members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). "Emergency medical personnel are designated hazardous duty members of the retirement system under this legislation," Hays said. "The goal is to support emergency workers, ensuring they receive enhanced retirement benefits and increased contributions, which more accurately aligns with the hazardous nature of their occupation." Qualifying emergency medical personnel includes emergency medical responders, technicians and paramedics working for a participating OPERS employer. Under HB1805, hazardous duty members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) receive increased retirement and pension benefits than non-hazardous duty employees. Specifically, employees contribute 8% of their compensation toward their retirement benefits, while employers contribute at a higher rate of 16.5%. After completing 20 years of service, members can receive full, unreduced retirement benefits. Retirement benefits are calculated using a multiplier of 2.5% per year for the first 20 years of service and a 2% per year multiplier for service exceeding 20 years. Sen. Murdock, R-Felt, carried the measure in the Senate, which passed 41 – 0. It now moves to the Governor's desk for consideration.