House Media

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.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, on Tuesday passed a bill in the House that would allow legal guardians and grandparents to be exempt from paying vehicle excise tax on the transfer of vehicle ownership to a child or grandchild. House Bill 2967 would expand the list of vehicle transfers that would qualify for the exemption. Currently, husbands and wives and parents to children are allowed to transfer vehicle titles without paying excise tax. "I'm calling this my grandpa bill," West explained. "Grandparents should be allowed to gift or sell their vehicles to their grandchildren without having to pay additional tax to the government." The bill was requested by a constituent of West. Current state law requires excise tax to be levied upon the transfer of legal ownership of any vehicle registered in Oklahoma, upon the use of any vehicle registered in this state and upon the use of any vehicle registered for the first time in the state. There are some exemptions for vehicles used for agriculture and for 100% disabled veterans, among others. HB2967 passed the House on a vote of 69-10. It now moves to the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee.