Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, today issued the following statement after receiving word that Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) Trooper Vernon Brake, of Guthrie, was killed in an accident on Interstate 35. The driver of the other vehicle, and a four-year-old passenger were killed in the accident as well. "My heart goes out to the families of the deceased," Duel said. "Sadly, law enforcement and first responders know all too well the risks they are asked to face every day they wear a uniform and serve the public, but it never gets easier to deal with their loss. I'm thankful for the service of Trooper Brake, and I stand with many others in this community in telling his surviving wife and two children that we will be there for them when they need us. My condolences and prayers go out to the families of the other victims of this tragedy as well." OHP released that Trooper Brake was a graduate of the 56th OHP Academy in 2006, and proudly served the patrol for nearly 20 years, with a significant amount of time assigned to Troop S (commercial motor vehicle enforcement). After his graduation from the academy, he also served in Oklahoma and Logan Counties. Trooper Brake is survived by his wife and two children. OHP's Traffic Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation into the crash. Details are still emerging.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued the following statement after a federal judge declined to approve proposed settlement agreements in the long-running Illinois River Watershed poultry litigation:  "The Attorney General and his team worked to bring forward settlement agreements that would have provided a clearer path forward in this case. Those agreements reflected months of negotiation and an effort to bring stability to a situation that has remained unresolved for far too long.  With the court declining to move those agreements forward, the uncertainty surrounding this case continues, and it's being felt most by the families who rely on poultry production to make a living.  In eastern Oklahoma, poultry growers are family operations that have made significant investments and taken on real financial risk. Without long-term certainty, many of them are now facing difficult decisions about whether they can continue operating.   At this point, I believe it is appropriate to reevaluate the direction of this case. I am urging the Attorney General to consider withdrawing the lawsuit so we can prevent further economic strain on rural communities and avoid pushing more families to the brink."  The Illinois River Watershed litigation, originally filed in 2005, remains ongoing as the court considers next steps following its decision on the proposed agreements. -END- Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Senate Bill 640 by Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has passed the House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances Committee, which aims at addressing abandoned and improperly maintained medical marijuana grow operations. The measure would require licensed medical marijuana businesses to properly remove and dispose of surface trash, debris and waste tied to their operations. It also would mandate that commercial growers clean up sites within 30 days after a license is revoked, expired or becomes inactive. Failure to do so would classify the property as a public nuisance, allowing for abatement. "Over the interim, I had the opportunity to hear directly from landowners and law enforcement throughout our communities who spoke about the real challenges these abandoned grow sites are creating," Roe said. "We need to set clear expectations and make sure marijuana operators clean up after themselves so these properties do not become hazards." The measure would also establish fines for violations and gives the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority the authority to implement rules and enforcement measures. Roe, who serves as chair of the House Public Health Committee, said the amendment stems from extensive research and input gathered during an interim study. "We learned a lot through the interim study process, and it was clear that stronger standards were needed," Roe said. "This bill is about putting the responsibility where it belongs. It also would give the state tools to address bad actors while supporting responsible businesses that are doing things the right way to protect our land." The measure now moves to the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee for further consideration.