Representative Carl Newton

R

District 58

Hi, I'm Carl Newton and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 58th District.


representative

Leadership

Oversight Committee Chair

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Jun 12, 2024
Recent Posts

Newton, Garvin Comment on Prior Authorization Act Being Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, this week commented on the Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act being signed into law.    House Bill 3190 establishes timeframes and policies for prior authorizations by insurance companies when health care services and procedures are sought.   "I'm very pleased we were able to get this act passed and signed into law," Newton said. "This will be great for Oklahoman patients seeking care as it will allow their doctors more time to spend with them and less time on administrative functions. The act also ensures medical professionals are the ones determining what qualifies for prior authorization."   Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, is Senate author of the measure.   “I’m thrilled House Bill 3190 has been signed into law to simplify the prior authorization process and make it more transparent for physicians and patients alike,” Garvin said. “This measure will allow doctors to focus on treating patients instead of getting bogged down by tedious paperwork. Notably, this law also ensures medical professionals and their patients, not insurance bureaucrats, are determining the best course of treatment.”   The act requires health insurance companies to: Employ licensed medical professionals to make determinations that deny care; Modernize authorization systems; Publish prior authorization requirements online; and Honor prior authorizations for at least 45 days, or six months in the case of chronic conditions.   Newton said he worked with multiple health care providers, insurance groups and patient advocates to ensure the language is clear for everyone involved.    The bill passed both the House and the Senate unanimously. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2025. 

May 19, 2023
Recent Posts

Farm Driving Permit Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, this week thanked the governor for signing into law a bill that will allow teens as young as 14 years old who live or work on a family farm to be eligible for a driving permit to go directly to or from home, work or school. House Bill 1962 becomes effective Nov. 1, which will allow Service Oklahoma time to prepare the new permit. "Those who run family farms work from dawn to dusk to raise food and other crops to provide for families across the nation," Newton said. "Allowing these responsible teens to be a more effective part in meeting the needs on the farm by using their driving skills in work around the farm or driving to school will be a major benefit for family farms. I've already heard from a number of constituents that this will help them tremendously, and I'm very pleased to be able to offer them this added benefit."  Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, was the principal Senate author of the bill. “Many children from rural communities begin working on their family farm at a very young age," Jech said. "By the time they are teenagers, they are well-versed in agricultural practices and ready to take on larger roles on the operation. The farm permits and licenses available under House Bill 1962 will aid these teens in their work on their own farms and ranches, as well as make it easier for them to work at other local operations. I’d like to extend my appreciation to Representative Newton for his work on this legislation, as well as Governor Stitt supporting our state’s young agriculturists and entrepreneurs by signing it into law." Newton pointed out the neighboring state of Kansas has had this legislation in place for over 60 years and has found it beneficial. Newton also issued the reminder to teens that this is a special permit to help their farm families. It is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Applicants must pass all driving requirements as any other licensed driver. The measure also specifies restrictions for teens operating a motor vehicle while in possession of a farm permit as well as penalties for those who violate the terms of the new law, including the potential revocation of their driving privileges.

Feb 22, 2023
Recent Posts

Newton Passes Farm Freedom Bills in Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton advanced two pieces of legislation out of House Committees on Tuesday that would expand freedoms and protections for state farmers and ranchers. House Bill 1962 would allow any person age 14 to 16 who lives or is employed on a farm to apply for a farm permit authorizing them to operate any Class D motor vehicle while going directly to or from work or school. The only passengers allowed in the vehicle would be licensed drivers or siblings. The bill passed the House Public Safety Committee unanimously. House Bill 1966 would allow a person that already has a commercial license to apply pesticides to do so to their own property without having to reapply for a private license, while other uses would still require licensing, examination and other fees to be paid to the State Board of Agriculture. Further, the measure also reorganizes areas of existing law. The bill passed in the House Agriculture Committee. "Our farming communities are really hurting, and they need these expanded freedoms to be able to provide the food and other crops that we count so necessary to daily life," Newton said. Regarding the farm permit, he said this is a practice that has been in place for 60 years and has worked well in a neighboring state. Newton said the issue of pesticide drift needed clarification after the proliferation of marijuana growing operations in the state. This legislation specifies who is licensed to apply commercial pesticides and what damages may be assessed for harm to others' crops, but it also preserves personal liberty for our farmers. Both bills now are eligible to be considered by the full House.