Representative Lonnie Sims

R

Lonnie Sims represented the people of Oklahoma's 68th District.


representative

News & Announcements

May 28, 2024
Recent Posts

House Approves $50 Million Funding to Repair Arkansas River Levees

A measure dedicating $50 million toward modifications and upgrades along the Arkansas River passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives Tuesday. House Bill 2890 appropriates $50 million from the Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) Fund to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The monies would be used for upgrades to the levees along the Arkansas River and feeder waterways in Northeast Oklahoma. The measure was presented on the House floor by Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, who has worked on numerous pieces of legislation related to hazard mitigation. "The passage of House Bill 2890 marks a crucial step toward safeguarding our communities and assets from potential flood risks," Sims said. "By investing in these much-needed upgrades to the Arkansas River levees, we are not only protecting the lives and property of thousands of Oklahomans but also ensuring that we don't miss out on significant federal funds to enhance our infrastructure. This proactive approach is essential for the long-term safety and prosperity of Northeast Oklahoma." Sims has said previously that action was needed immediately to capitalize on a $137.4 million in federal matching funds to repair the levees along the Arkansas River in Tulsa County. The levee system has been ranked in the top 5% most at risk for failure by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It's estimated that approximately 10,000 people and over $2 billion in assets are protected by the Arkansas River levees. HB2890 passed the Joint Committee on Appropriations & Budget on Monday. Sims said presenting the measure on Memorial Day held a special significance as Oklahomans remembered the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Mingo Creek flood, which killed 14 people and caused over $180 million worth of property damage.  HB2890 passed the House 87-0 and now moves to the Senate for consideration. It would take effect on July 1 at the start of Fiscal Year 2025.

Apr 24, 2024
Recent Posts

House Sends Property Protection Bill to Governor

Legislation penalizing notaries public who fail to identify the person signing the document has been sent to the governor's desk.  Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, passed Senate Bill 556 through the Oklahoma House of Representatives Wednesday morning.  If signed into law, any notarial officer who fails to make a good faith effort to identify the person signing the document could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to $1,000, 10 days of imprisonment or both.  "It's incredibly important in legal proceedings to ensure that documents are signed by the right people," Sims said. "Unfortunately, due to Oklahoma's lax laws on this issue, it's surprisingly easy for someone to steal the title to your home. This measure will align us with other states and cut down on fraudulent activity within the state."  The bill was authored in the Senate by Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow.  “Ensuring the authenticity of legal documents is crucial for protecting Oklahomans from potential fraud," Haste said. "By holding notarial officers accountable for verifying signatures, we're aligning with national standards and strengthening our state against fraudulent activities.”  Sims and Haste worked with Tulsa County Clerk Michael Willis on the measure. Willis said they've found several cases of notarial officers who will notarize documents without following proper protocol, making them an accessory to fraud when a criminal is trying to steal property by filing a false deed. “This legislation is so important as we work to protect the rights of property owners in Oklahoma,” Willis said. “With deed and title fraud on the rise in our state, this will help us ensure we have recourse to go after notary officers who are negligent in their duties. I commend Representative Sims and Senator Haste for supporting our request with this and getting it across the finish line.”  Just last month in Oklahoma County, a woman was arrested after trying to steal a home by filing fraudulent paperwork. Authorities were alerted after the signature on the fraudulent paperwork did not match the homeowner's signature. SB556 passed the House 71-7 Wednesday and is now available to be signed into law by the governor. 

Apr 11, 2024
Recent Posts

Sims Passes Arkansas River Levee Support through House A&B

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Appropriations & Budget Committee has approved legislation aimed at bolstering the Arkansas River Levees through the establishment of a revolving fund managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.  Senate Bill 1391, carried in the House by Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, paves the way for the creation of the Arkansas River Levee Improvement Revolving Fund under the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. If signed into law, the $50 million fund would be used to improve the 20 miles of levees along the Arkansas River.  Levees, which are used to prevent the overflow of rivers, play an important role in maintaining safety infrastructure and protecting homes, businesses, and people.  Sims said prompt action is needed to capture the $137.4 million in federal matching funds to repair and replace the levees along the Arkansas River in Tulsa County, which have been ranked in the top 5% most at risk for failure in the United States by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "To quote one of my favorite movies, Apollo 13, 'failure is not an option,'" Sims said. "We have to capitalize on the opportunity now to repair and replace this critical infrastructure that is well beyond its engineering design life." An estimated 10,000 people and over $2 billion in assets are protected by these levees. "To put that in perspective, 87% of Oklahoma towns are less than 5,000 in population," Sims said. "So failure could very well be the equivalent of wiping two Oklahoma towns completely off the map." SB1391 passed the House Appropriations & Budget Committee 34-0. The bill, which was authored in the Senate by Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, is now eligible to be heard on the House floor.