House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure by Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, is now eligible to be heard on the House floor after advancing this past week from the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee.  Senate Bill 933, also known as the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act, would allow eligible patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to access customized investigational treatments developed specifically for their genetic profile when no other approved options remain.  The measure establishes eligibility requirements for patients, including physician approval and informed consent, and allows treatment to be provided by manufacturers operating within approved facilities. Participation would be voluntary for manufacturers and the bill does not require insurance coverage for the treatments.  "We’re talking about people who are facing serious, often end-of-life situations where standard treatments just aren’t working," Stark said. "This gives them a chance to look at something more targeted and make that decision with their doctor."  The legislation also includes protections for health care providers and manufacturers acting in good faith and prohibits state entities from blocking a patient’s access to treatment.  SB933 passed the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee unanimously and is now eligible for consideration on the House floor.

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, secured passage Tuesday of a measure that would allow expert testimony to be admissible in court when evidence of human trafficking is presented. Senate Bill 1810 would ensure qualified experts can explain how trafficking impacts a victim’s beliefs, behavior and perception, providing juries and judges with further context when evaluating cases. Currently, expert testimony is already permitted in domestic violence cases, and SB1810 extends that same standard to human trafficking prosecutions. "Human trafficking cases are complex, and victims often endure severe psychological trauma that can affect how they respond in court," West said. "This bill helps ensure that juries hear the full picture so justice can be properly served." In addition to evidentiary changes, the bill expands the scope of the Attorney General’s Victims Services Unit to better support survivors of human trafficking. Services may include counseling, case management, referrals and other critical resources to help victims recover and rebuild their lives. SB1810 passed the Government Oversight Committee unanimously on Tuesday and is eligible to be heard on the House floor. Its Senate author is Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. 

The Oklahoma Legislature welcomed a delegation from Taiwan to the State Capitol this week. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, introduced Director-General Yvonne Hsiao and Consul Michelle Lu from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) on the House floor. The House also adopted House Resolution 1050, which highlights the 46 year sister-state partnership between Oklahoma and Taiwan. "Oklahoma shares a strong and enduring friendship with Taiwan," Pae said. "As we continue to grow our state’s economy, international partnerships like the one we share with Taiwan are more important than ever. This visit reinforces the importance of that relationship and opens the door for even greater collaboration in the years ahead." Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, hosted Hsiao and Lu in the Senate. "It was an honor to welcome our long-standing partners from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office to the Capitol and recognize the strength of our relationship and the opportunities it continues to create for Oklahoma," Pederson said. "Our partnership with Taiwan continues to connect Oklahoma businesses to new markets and supports a mutually beneficial economic relationship." Last year, Pederson and Pae authored Senate Bill 209, which establishes the Taiwan Regional Trade Office under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help connect Oklahoma-based businesses with new international opportunities.