Health and Human Services Oversight

A measure named after a college student killed by a drunk driver has been passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Marissa Murrow was a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma when she was hit by a drunk driver in a head-on collision in October 2020. The driver had been overserved alcohol at a wedding venue. Marissa's parents, Jeff and Kristy Murrow, have been working with Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, to help prevent similar incidents. Hill, who represents the Murrows' hometown of Mustang, filed House Bill 2369 , which would require bartenders serving alcohol at event venues to hold a separate license. "This bill is not just about policy; it’s about protecting children and families and ensuring that tragedies like Marissa's never happen again," Hill said. "By requiring proper training and accountability for those serving alcohol at these event venues, we are taking meaningful steps to prevent senseless loss. Marissa's memory is the driving force behind this measure, and with the support of the Murrow family, I am hopeful that this law will save lives and make our communities safer for everyone." The measure would also require bartenders to undergo training to help identify inebriation in customers, as well as require that all beer and wine served at an event venue must be served by an ABLE-licensed caterer or event bartender licensee. The new Event Bartender License would be a $50 annual fee and would take effect Nov. 1, 2025. "Thousands of Oklahomans are served alcohol at event venues across the state each year," Jeff Murrow said. "This bill goes a long way to making sure they make it home safely and protecting drivers on our roadways. Kristy and I want to thank Representative Hill and the House of Representatives for their support of this important legislation."  According to Victims of Impaired Drivers (VOID), an average of nine Oklahomans lose their lives each week to substance impaired driving.  The Marissa Murrow Act passed the House 82-2 and now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.

Legislation updating the Successful Adulthood Act, which provides expanded support for young Oklahomans moving from foster care into adulthood, has been approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, authored House Bill 2361 to provide children who have been in foster care for at least six months and are nearing 18 with their educational transcripts, diplomas and any professional certificates earned during their time in state custody.  "The Successful Adulthood Act is about making sure young Oklahomans have the support they deserve as they navigate the tough adjustment from foster care into adulthood," Hill said. "Providing these young adults with the tools and information they need will help them build a foundation for a successful future. By expanding the services and protections in the Successful Adulthood Act, we are helping these young people move forward with confidence and the resources to obtain employment, find housing and create a better life for themselves." Additionally, the bill includes a provision modeled after the Sarah Stitt Act, which Hill passed in 2021. It requires that individuals leaving the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) after turning 18 be provided with critical documents before re-entering society. These documents include a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate, a social security card, a state-issued driver’s license or ID, educational records and information on securing health insurance and accessing personal medical records. "This provision is a vital addition to the Successful Adulthood Act, ensuring that young people leaving state custody are equipped with the necessary documentation to smoothly move into adulthood and the workforce," Hill stated. "With these resources, they will have a stronger chance of securing housing, employment, and education, ultimately becoming productive members of society and valued members of our communities." HB2361 passed the House 88-4 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

The  House passed legislation  of f  the  floor today that would allow for additional state investments in infrastructure tied to Oklahoma's five military bases. House  Speaker  Kyle Hilbert authored House Bill 2516 and House Bill 2518, which create revolving funds at  the  state Treasury for use by  the  Oklahoma Military Department.  The  Base Infrastructure Needs and Development (BIND) fund will have a technology and a schools component that will allow for additional support to  the  state's military bases in  the  hopes  of  preventing any future base closures and expanding operations when possible. "Oklahoma has a long history across multiple branches  of   the  military and we want to send a loud signal that  the  state supports our bases," said Hilbert, R-Bristow. " The se funds will allow funds to accrue over time so we are able to take advantage  of  potential expansion opportunities as  the y become available and fight against any potential closures in  the  future." House Bill 2516 creates  the  BIND-Schools Fund, which can be used to make infrastructure investments improving common education facilities located on military bases in  the  state. House Bill 2518 creates  the  BIND-Technology Fund, which can be used to make infrastructure investments including  the  purchase  of  license and software associated with military simulation training. Both funds are intended to decrease  the  likelihood  of  military base and other military infrastructure closure or increase  the  likelihood  of  military base and other military infrastructure expansions in  the  state. " The  military plays an important role in our state's economy, but also in  the  values we live in our state," said Floor Leader Josh West, R-Grove, and an Army veteran. " The re is no greater investment than shoring up our military bases and making sure we are poised for any needed growth in our military in  the  years to come." Both bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and will now head to  the  Senate for further consideration. -END-