House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, recently passed a bill that would remove the requirement that fees be assessed to people accessing their medical records. House Bill 2964 , would change the language in statute from shall to may. The bill would allow fees to be assessed, but the amount charged could only be up to the amounts currently allowed in state statute, not more. "This was a constituent request," West explained. "A man in my district requested his medical records and was surprised to find that the hospital was required to charge this fee. This would allow local health care providers to determine if they wish to charge these fees or waive them for the people they serve." Current state statute requires fees ranging from 30 cents per page for digital records to 50 cents per page for X-rays and other printed images, to a $20 base fee for other records, plus the cost of mailing or delivery. Statute says that in no event shall a charge for the reproduction of electronically stored and delivered medical records exceed $200, plus postage or delivery fee.  The bill passed the House unanimously on a vote of 92-0. It has been engrossed to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Kendal Sacchieri, R-Blanchard.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure by Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, authorizing construction of a new bridge across the Arkansas River near Bixby passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for further consideration. "I appreciate my colleagues in the House for supporting this legislation," Tedford said. "As our communities continue to grow, it's important we take a thoughtful approach to infrastructure planning. This bill allows us to move forward with a project that better reflects the needs of the region today." House Bill 2123 updates state law related to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority by removing authorization for a previously proposed bridge and instead allowing for the construction of a new bridge in a more suitable location. The measure specifically authorizes a new bridge crossing the Arkansas River in the vicinity of Bixby to help improve connectivity and accommodate continued growth in the area. Tedford said the measure is part of broader efforts to ensure Oklahoma's transportation infrastructure keeps pace with population growth and economic development. HB2123 now moves to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Three measures by Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives this week and now move to the Senate for further consideration. "I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for supporting these measures," Chapman said. "Each of these bills addresses a different area of state policy, but they all focus on strengthening our systems and making sure state law is clear, consistent and working the way it should for Oklahomans." One of the measures, House Bill 3787 , clarifies that candidates for municipal office as well as individuals serving on school district and technology center school district boards of education must be qualified electors as defined by the Oklahoma Constitution. The measure helps ensure consistency in state law by making clear that these requirements apply across multiple levels of public office. The bill also reinforces existing language requiring candidates for state and county offices to meet qualified elector standards. Another measure, House Bill 4191 , modifies provisions of the Small Employer Quality Jobs Incentive Act administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The bill updates investment requirements and other program provisions to help ensure the program continues supporting job creation and economic development across the state. Chapman also advanced House Bill 1739 , which addresses provisions related to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System. The bill adjusts employer and employee contribution rates and clarifies eligibility for certain retirement benefit calculations. All three measures now move to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration.