House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY- Legislation that will improve awareness and prevention of dangerous blood clots is now in the hands of the Governor. Authored by Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, House Bill 3644 , titled the Blake Burgess Act, would require hospitals with emergency departments and ambulatory surgical centers to develop policies and procedures for identifying and responding to patients at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The measure also would require annual training for nonphysician staff on these procedures. The Act is named after a 21-year-old former neighbor and constituent of Stinson's who died from a pulmonary embolism in 2020. "This is a step toward better understanding the realities of this condition so we can increase awareness, recognize the warning signs earlier and respond faster," Stinson said. "Blake’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of how serious venous thromboembolism can be, and every six minutes, someone dies from complications related to VTE. We owe it to families across Oklahoma to improve education and help prevent more lives from being lost to a condition that is often overlooked until it is too late." A pulmonary embolism is a serious form of venous thromboembolism, or VTE, which occurs when blood clots develop in the veins and travel to the lungs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 60,000 and 100,000 Americans lose their lives to VTE-related complications each year, while many others face lasting health effects. The measure would also incorporate definitions for pulmonary embolism and venous thromboembolism into the Continuum of Care and Assisted Living Act. In addition, assisted living facilities would be required to provide new residents with educational materials about VTE at the time of admission. The informational pamphlets would be supplied free of charge through the National Blood Clot Alliance. Stinson said his thought behind the legislation is to improve coordination across the health care system. "Blood clots remain one of the leading preventable causes of hospital-related deaths in the United States, claiming more than 100,000 lives each year," Stinson said. "The reality is that many of these cases can be prevented, and as the old saying goes, that which gets measured gets managed. Through proper risk assessment and early intervention, we can definitely save lives."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 1543 , authored by Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, which would tighten penalties for repeat impaired driving offenses, has passed the House Floor and now is waiting on a final vote from the Senate. SB1543 would establish an aggregate offense for individuals who commit two or more separate driving under the influence violations within one year, allowing those offenses to be prosecuted as a single C2 felony. "These are 100 percent preventable tragedies, and far too many families have been left to carry the weight of a decision that never should have been made," Gise said. "By tightening this law and holding repeat offenders accountable, we are taking an important step to protect innocent lives across our state." "Working so closely with the great folks over at VOID and hearing the stories from so many families that have been impacted by impaired drivers, it was very clear that we needed a change," Gise said. "No one should have to lose a loved one this way. This is about putting people first and making it clear that Oklahoma will not tolerate behavior that puts others at risk." Victims of Impaired Drivers (VOID) is an organization that supports victims and families affected by impaired driving. "Impaired driving is a choice. Every time a person climbs behind the wheel to drive under the influence of any intoxicating substance, they are endangering the lives of everyone they pass on the streets," VOID founder Jeff Murrow said. "Victimless DUI is never harmless. This bill seeks to hold people accountable and prevent them from making this terrible decision." The group visited the Capitol on May 4 for an advocacy day, where Gise presented them on the House floor. In her remarks, Gise highlighted the following statistics about impaired driving in Oklahoma: Data from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office shows there are approximately 700 deaths each year from automobile crashes in Oklahoma, with about half attributed to impaired driving, an average of one Oklahoman killed each day. According to the OSBI Statistical Analysis Center , the state has averaged 11,024 DUI arrests annually since 2021. Gise said the measure reflects a commitment to addressing a persistent public safety issue and standing with families who have been impacted. 'We have an opportunity to act before another life is lost," Gise said. "This legislation sends a clear message that repeat impaired driving will be taken seriously, and that the safety of Oklahoma families will always come first." SB1543 is now in the hands of the Senate. If approved by the Governor, the bill would take effect Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, on Tuesday passed a bill that would require all youth camps to conduct a site-specific hazard assessment and to develop an emergency action plan by the end of this year and every three years going forward.  The plan specified in House Bill 1675 must include response protocols for each severe weather hazard applicable to the site, evacuation routes and other items outlined in the measure. Senate amendments were adopted by the House, and the bill has been sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. "This bill is about keeping our children safe, and to assure parents that when they send their children to camp, it will be a wonderful and safe experience," Cantrell said. "It is not intended to put onerous regulations on camp owners, nor is it focused on any particular camp." Cantrell said the legislation was inspired after a catastrophic flood in Texas last year took the lives of 25 young campers, two counselors and a camp director. "The news reports of this event were horrific to watch, and I honestly cannot imagine the grief of the parents and families that is ongoing today." Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, is the Senate author of the bill. “Camp should be a time for kids to let loose and have fun,” Seifried said. “But parents shouldn’t have to sit at home worrying every time they see a severe weather alert. This bill makes sure camps have clear emergency plans in place and staff who know what to do when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Preparing ahead of time and planning for all scenarios will keep campers safe and give parents peace of mind.” Cantrell said his legislation is not as restrictive as legislation passed in Texas. Instead, he said it would require camps to work with local emergency management officials to develop plans based on their local topography and local weather patterns. He said this is important in Oklahoma, where tornadoes, flash flooding and other severe weather events are a recurring threat. "I trust camp owners and operators will be able to work together with local officials to make sure we have the best emergency preparedness plans in place before our kids arrive at camp going forward," Cantrell said.                                                                                  Under the measure, youth camps would be required to maintain two independent methods of receiving severe weather alerts, an internal communication system, procedures for notifying guardians, and to provide access to shelters. Potential threats of severe weather and emergency response procedures must be disclosed to all participants. Camp staff are required to receive annual emergency procedure and hazard recognition training and conduct periodic drills. A copy of the emergency action plan must be kept on file with the applicable regulating authority. Regulating authorities are authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement these provisions and can impose corrective action plans, civil penalties, and suspend or revoke licensure for material noncompliance.