March 29, 2010 – Legislative Bill Tracking
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January 01, 1970
Posted on Mar. 29, 2010
This week the Oklahoma Legislature completed their second week of committee work to hear bills from the opposite chamber. Upcoming legislative deadlines are as follows:
April Legislative Deadlines
April 1, 2010 – Senate – House Bills in Senate Committees Deadline
April 8, 2010 – House – Senate Bills in House Committee Deadline
April 22, 2010 – House and Senate – Final Legislative Day for Third Reading and Final Passage of a Measure in Opposite House of Origin
Budget Considerations Continue
A panel was held this week at which lawmakers and policy groups discussed the current dynamics of budget negotiations and challenges for FY 2011. It is estimated a shortfall of $850 million for FY 2011 will remain after using $223.5 million from the state’s Rainy Day Fund and the remaining $515 million of federal stimulus money.
As such, one statewide policy research institution this week suggested additional revenue enhancements be generated to close that gap.
Gov. Henry has proposed about $725 million in revenue enhancements in his budget, but in 1990 Oklahoma voters approved the initiative petition, State Question 640. As a result, a statewide vote on tax increases is required when measures fail to win approval of three-fourths of both houses of the legislature. This makes the passage of any type of tax increase unlikely.
However, Rep. Ken Miller, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, said members of the House fiscal staff estimates the state will only have a hole “in the $500 million range,” and was “hopeful we can make do with what we have, and at this point I’m not prepared to recommend revenue enhancements or increases.”
Revenue this fiscal year is coming in about 26 percent below estimates, mainly because of energy prices and the recession. An $850 million shortfall would result in across-the-board cuts of 8 to 12 percent for state agencies.
If state lawmakers and the governor continue their practice of sparing education, public safety and health care, other agencies could be looking at 20 percent cuts. The state still has $149 million in the Rainy Fund that could be used to offset the revenue shortfall.
Healthcare Dominates Floor Work and Legislative Headlines
With the passage of federal healthcare reform, three “opt-out” resolutions continued to work their way through the House and Senate this week and dominated discussions in both chambers.
Last month, Senate Joint Resolution 64 by Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee and House Speaker Chris Benge passed the state senate with bipartisan support. The measure directs the Attorney General to file a suit on behalf of the state to prevent federal health care legislation from taking effect passed.
While SJR 64 is making its way through the legislative process, both the Speaker and Pro Tem ratcheted up their concerns by issuing press releases about the measure saying they hoped to present the Attorney General with an official joint resolution signed by the Governor, but in the meantime “Congress’ actions demand swift action.“
Another measure, Senate Joint Resolution 59, by state Sen. Dan Newberry and state Rep. Mike Thompson, would ask citizens to vote to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to “preserve the freedom of Oklahomans to provide for their health care.”
Under the proposed constitutional amendment, no law or rule passed by the federal government would force any Oklahoma citizen, employer or health care provider to participate in any federal health care system.
SJR 59 passed the House on a 82-18 vote. It will now return to the Senate and is expected to go to a conference committee.
A third measure, House Joint Resolution 1054, by Dr. Mike Ritze and Sen. Randy Brogdon and state Rep. Mike Reynolds, passed the Senate last week, and would also allow the voters to change the Oklahoma Constitution to include a “Freedom of Healthcare Choice Act.”
Under this proposed amendment, “no law or rule could compel any person, employer or health care provider to participate in any health care system.” It would also prevent Oklahomans from being financially penalized if they choose not to purchase insurance mandated by the federal health care plan, and doctors would still be allowed to accept direct payment for services without fear of financial penalty.
Now that the measure has passed Senate, the language will be placed on the ballot to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to declare what types of health care systems could lawfully exist in the state. The amendment could go before the voters as early as July 27. House Joint Resolution 1054 passed by a vote of 36-11.
Last, state officials with the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority said this week they believe nearly one-third of Oklahomans – or roughly 1 million people – could be on Medicaid when the new health care law is fully implemented, eventually costing the state about $93 million more each year, according to a state official trying to plan for the increased enrollment.
Oklahoma Senator, Dr. Tom Coburn also said though the Medicaid expansion alone could dramatically lower the number of the state’s uninsured, the U.S. Senator warned that new Medicaid patients will have trouble finding doctors because many already won’t see patients in the program. Moreover, Coburn said the low physician and hospital rates paid by Medicaid will cause more costs to be shifted to those who are covered by private insurance.
Other Healthcare Bills
Oklahoma Medical Loan Repayment Program: HB 1043 – By Rep. Sears and Sen. Crain – provides educational loan repayment assistance for up to 6 licensed primary care doctors per year, if they agree to practice in certain communities. Voted do pass as amended from Senate – Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Insure Oklahoma Expansion Fee: SB 1616 by Sen. Crain and Dr. Cox - Requires health carriers to pay an access payment to a revolving fund used for the sole purpose of providing access to health insurance for uninsured Oklahomans. Voted do pass as amended House Economic Development and Financial Srvs., and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Chronic Pain Bill: SB 479 by Sen. Jolley and Rep. Trebilcock – creates the “OK Plan for Comprehensive Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Act”. The bill passed the Senate 40 to 5 and now heads to the House for consideration.
Economic Development and Financial Services
Revisions to Oklahoma Economic Development Pooled Finance Program: HB 3286 by Rep. McNiel and Sen Lamb – allows the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority to maximize their issuing capacity of the two $100 million fixed pools by allowing the reduction of principal when bonds are retired and refresh their issuing capacity. This will be accomplished with no fiscal impact to the state. The bill allows ODFA to issue its obligations in order to provide net proceeds on a pooled basis not to exceed one hundred million dollars for the Infrastructure Pool or for the Economic Development pool. This bill was laid over in Senate Finance last week, but is expected to be heard, Tuesday, March 30 in Senate Finance.
Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority: HB 3031 by Speaker Benge and Sen. Coffee – Delegates to the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority the power to issue bonds, notes, and other obligations to refinance/restructure outstanding obligations. Voted do pass as amended Senate Appropriations and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
OK Discretionary and Special Needs Trust Act: HB 2171 by Rep. McCullough and Sen. Anderson – provides provisions applying to trusts regardless of a spendthrift provision. Voted do pass from Senate Judiciary, and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Alarm and Locksmith Industry Committee: HB 2320 by Rep. Steve Martin and Sen. Coates – After May 1, 2011, members appointed to this industry committee could serve two terms. This bill was not heard in committee Senate Business & Labor, and will be dead this session if it is not heard by the Thursday, April 1 Senate deadline for House bills.
Compulsory Insurance Law: HB 2331 By Rep. Steve Martin and Sen. Reynolds – Requires officers to verify compliance with the Compulsory Insurance Law online during all traffic stops and requires that anyone found or believed to be in violation or otherwise barred from driving have their vehicle towed and seized. Voted do pass as amended Sen-appropriations Sub Public Safety/Judiciary, and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
911 Retail Fee: HB 2556 by Rep. Steve Martin and Sen. Bingman – Imposes a $0.25 prepaid wireless 9-1-1 fee per retail transaction. Fee would fund the 9-1-1 calling service and defines “prepaid wireless telecommunication service”. Voted do pass as substituted Senate Energy and Environment, and now heads to full Senate for consideration.
Wholesale/Retail TRUST Act: SB 1631 by Sen. Mazzei and Rep. Jordan – Wholesale and retail outlets would not be included in any trust purpose according to the act. Title restored. Voted do pass as amended House Economic Development and Financial Srv., and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Uniform Consumer Credit Code: SB 1648 by Sen. Jolley and Rep. Miller - Adds debit cards to the Uniform Consumer Credit Code.Voted do pass from House Economic Development and Financial Srv., and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Commerce Dept Boomerang Website: SB 1881 by Sen. Lamb and Rep. McNiel – Directs the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to maintain a website dedicated to the Boomerang Program. Voted do pass as amended House Economic Development and Financial Srv., and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Cemeteries and Insurance Duty Reforms: SB 2042 by Sen. Brown and Rep. Sullivan – Transfers duties from the State Banking Commissioner pertaining to cemeteries and insurance to the Insurance Commissioner. Empowers the Insurance Commissioner to levy fines against cemeteries and their owners. Voted do pass from House Economic Development and Financial Srv., and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Workers’ Compensation
W/C Reform for Surgery Definition: HB 2652 by Rep. Sullivan and Sen. Coffee - Clarifies the definition of “Surgery” in the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Act. Also clarifies that employees are not eligible for permanent impairment unless there is medical evidence of a permanent abnormality. Voted do pass as amended from Senate Judiciary, and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
General Government
Oklahoma Executive Branch Agency Consolidation Act: HB 3035 by Benge and Coffee – Creates and names the Oklahoma Executive Branch Agency Consolidation Act of 2010. Voted do pass as amended Senate Appropriations and how heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Building Permit Occupancy Permit: SB 1900 by Sen. Coates and Rep. Jett - Requires an entity that issues occupancy permits after the issuing of a building permit, the entity must obtain verification that the owner or contractor has remitted any sales tax. Voted do pass as amended from House General Government, and now heads to the full House for consideration.
County/Municipality Coop Agreements: SB 1998 by Sen. Newberry and Rep. Jordan – County Commissioners must make written cooperative agreements with municipalities to use property owned by public schools, colleges, or universities. Voted do pass as amended from House General Government, and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Public Safety
Meth Registry: HB 3380 by Rep. Terrill and Sen. Sykes - The Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control shall create and maintain a registry of those convicted. Voted do pass from Sen. Appropriations Sub Public Safety/Judiciary, and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Agriculture
Board of Agriculture Weights and Measures: SB 1857 by Sen. Coates and Rep. Sullivan - Stipulates the Board of Agriculture will adopt standard weights and measures for products in conformity with federal standards as adopted by the National Conference on Weights and Measures. Voted do pass as amended from House Agriculture and Rural Development, and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Transportation
Task Force on the Motor Vehicle License Plate Delivery System: SB 1954 Sen. Anderson and Rep. Jackson – Creates the Task Force on the Motor Vehicle License Plate Delivery System, for the purpose of studying the delivery of services relating to motor vehicle registration and renewal, including the impact of online renewal. Voted do pass as substituted House Transportation, and how heads to the full House for consideration.
Education
Money Reallocation: SB 1858 by Sen. Paddack and Rep. Coody - allows school districts to use textbook funds for other general instruction purposes as well as permits schools to exceed class size ceilings for a short period. The bill passed the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education with the enactment clause removed 12 to 0.
Testing Review Task Force: HB 2584 by Rep. Thomsen and Sen. Bingman - creates a task force to investigate testing in Oklahoma schools. To ensure HB 2584 was not a duplication in the law as it relates to the Quality Assessment Accountability Task Force, the title was removed from bill so further research could be conducted. The bill passed the Senate Education Committee 13-0.
School Audits: SB 2034 by Sen. Coffee and Rep. Sullivan – which would place the Office of the State Auditor and Inspector in charge of reviewing school district audits, passed unanimously this week in the House Common Education Committee. All Oklahoma school districts are required to have their financial records independently audited each year. Currently, those audits are forwarded to the Department of Education. Under SB 2034, both the Department of Education and Office of the State Auditor and Inspector would receive copies of school audits for review. The legislation also requires that independent auditors hired by school districts complete a minimum of eight hours of continuing education credit in school district accountancy. SB 2034 passed out of the House Common Education Committee with a vote of 13-0 and now proceeds to the full House for consideration.
SPIRIT AERO BILL TRACK
03-28-2010 – 14:15:03
HB 2846 Joyner
BrananNo transportation authority shall have the power or authority to exercise eminent domain. Any combination of cities, towns, counties or their agencies may create a transportation authority for construction and operation ofprojects. Bill History: 03-09-10 S Received in the Senate
03-09-10 S First Reading
03-15-10 S Referred to Senate Committee Senate Finance
03-24-10 S Rereferred to Committee on Senate Transportation
03-30-10 S Meeting set for 3:30 p.m., Room 534A, State Capitol, Senate TransportationHB 2919 (1) Shannon
MyersCreates the Aircraft Pilot and Passenger Protection Act. The construction of a structure used for a noise sensitive purpose within a noise sensitive area constitutes an incompatible use of land near a public use airport. Bill History: 03-09-10 S First Reading
03-15-10 S Referred to Senate Committee Senate Appropriations
03-24-10 S Sent to subcommittee S-Appropriations Subcommittee on Gen. Gov.
03-24-10 S Meeting set for 10:00 a.m., Room 511A, State Capitol, S-Appropriations Subcommittee on Gen. Gov.
03-24-10 S Voted from subcommittee-Do Pass as substitute S-Appropriations Subcommittee on Gen. Gov.HB 3024 Benge
MazzeiAmends the tax credit for the purchase of electric vehicles to not exceed 50 percent of the total cost, and reduces the amount for those claimed on a federal tax income to an equal level; EMERGENCY. Bill History: 03-10-10 S First Reading
03-15-10 S Referred to Senate Committee Senate Finance
03-23-10 S Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 511A, State Capitol, Senate Finance
03-23-10 S Heard in committee and laid over Senate Finance
03-30-10 S Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 511A, State Capitol, Senate FinanceHB 3236 (1) Jackson
NewberryClarifies authorities given to municipalities over 1,500 people. Bill History: 03-17-10 S Referred to Senate Committee Senate General Government
03-22-10 S Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 534A, State Capitol, Senate General Government
03-22-10 S Not heard in committee Senate General Government
03-22-10 S Rereferred to Committee on Senate Business & Labor
03-29-10 S Meeting set for AFTER ADJOURNMENT, Room 511A, State Capitol, Senate Business & LaborHB 3286 (1) McNiel
LambAllows the Authority to issue its obligations in order to provide net proceeds on a pooled basis not to exceed one hundred million dollars for the Infrastructure Pool and for the Economic Development pool; EMERGENCY. Bill History: 03-09-10 S First Reading
03-15-10 S Referred to Senate Committee Senate Finance
03-23-10 S Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 511A, State Capitol, Senate Finance
03-23-10 S Heard in committee and laid over Senate Finance
03-30-10 S Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 511A, State Capitol, Senate FinanceHB 3287 (1) McNiel
Newberry“Aerospace Sector” definition removed. “Qualified employer” and “qualified employee” definitions expanded to include any kind of engineer. Credits against income tax extended to engineers that are not of the aerospace industry. Bill History: 03-10-10 H Held to reconsider by Reynolds.
03-11-10 H Reconsideration motion expired
03-15-10 S Received in the Senate
03-15-10 S First Reading
03-17-10 S Referred to Senate Committee Senate AppropriationsHB 3288 (1) McNiel
NewberryChanges the expenditure process of the Oklahoma Opportunity Fund. Req’s the Exec Director of the OK Dept of Commerce to write a recommendation to the Governor for expenditures, notifying the leaders of the House and Senate; EMERGENCY. Bill History: 03-10-10 H Passed/Adopted (Vote: Y: 79/N: 18)
03-11-10 S Received in the Senate
03-11-10 S First Reading
03-17-10 S Referred to Senate Committee Senate Finance
03-30-10 S Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 511A, State Capitol, Senate FinanceHB 3397 (1) McNiel
LambOK small business ventures that fail to expend 100 percent of the proceeds of quality investments for acquistion of assets will be used in the active conduct of the trade. Bill History: 03-11-10 H Emergency Failed.
03-15-10 S Received in the Senate
03-15-10 S First Reading
03-17-10 S Referred to Senate Committee Senate Finance
03-30-10 S Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 511A, State Capitol, Senate FinanceSB 288 Wyrick
GlennAdds asphalt purchases by county purchasing agents that obtain 3 or more quotes by telephone and select the lowest quote to list of exemptions from state bidding procedures; EMERGENCY Bill History: 03-24-09 H Voted from committee – Do Pass as substituted House General Government
03-25-09 H Reported from committee – As Substituted House General Government
04-24-09 H Dormant pursuant to the rules
09-14-09 H Carried Over
02-23-10 H Set on the House Floor AgendaSB 390 Brogdon
RousselotRequires the Department of Human Services to establish a drug screening program for applicants who are receiving assistance from the TANF program; requires those in need of substance abuse services to participate; Bill History: 06-01-09 S Dormant pursuant to the rules
09-14-09 S Carried Over
02-08-10 S Set on the Senate Floor Agenda
02-09-10 S Set on the Senate Floor Agenda
02-10-10 S Set on the Senate Floor AgendaSB 455 Sykes
Wright, JohnRelating to the Taxpayer Transparency Act; requires list of agency or lobbyist request bills to be posted online. Bill History: 04-09-09 H Voted from committee – Do Pass as amended House Appropriations and Budget
04-10-09 H Reported from committee – As Amended House Appropriations and Budget
04-24-09 H Dormant pursuant to the rules
09-14-09 H Carried Over
02-23-10 H Set on the House Floor AgendaSB 1105 Anderson
MorrissetteDefines certificate of title as one created by a governmental agency of any state; sets guidelines for coverage of certificates of title. Bill History: 04-30-09 S Conference Requested
04-30-09 S Senate appointed a conference committee – Anderson, Mazzei,
Lamb, Ivester, Coffee
06-01-09 S Dormant pursuant to the rules
09-14-09 S Carried Over
02-16-10 H Set on the House Floor AgendaSB 1589 Johnson, Mike
MillerClarifies definitions according to Sections 2357.301 through 2357.304 of Title 68. Bill History: 03-09-10 S Passed/Adopted (Vote: Y: 41/N: 0)
03-10-10 H Received in the House
03-10-10 H First Reading
03-16-10 H Direct to calendar
03-29-10 H Set on the House Floor AgendaSB 1590 Johnson, Mike
MillerChanges title section numbers of the Rural Venture Capital Formation Incentive Act. Bill History: 03-09-10 S Passed/Adopted (Vote: Y: 41/N: 0)
03-10-10 H Received in the House
03-10-10 H First Reading
03-16-10 H Direct to calendar
03-29-10 H Set on the House Floor AgendaSB 1960 (1) Coates
ShannonCreates the ‘Airport Protection Act’. Regulates the use of land and construction around public airports. Bill History: 03-04-10 S Floor substitute adopted
03-04-10 S Passed/Adopted (Vote: Y: 40/N: 0)
03-08-10 H Received in the House
03-08-10 H First Reading
03-16-10 H Referred to House Committee on House TransportationSB 1970 (1) Mazzei
McNielCreates the Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program. Allows certain employees to receive unemployment benefits if the employer participates in the program; EMERGENCY. Bill History: 03-09-10 S 1 Floor amendment(s) adopted
03-09-10 S Passed/Adopted (Vote: Y: 47/N: 0)
03-10-10 H Received in the House
03-10-10 H First Reading
03-16-10 H Referred to House Committee on House Economic Development and Financial SrvSB 2124 Mazzei
HickmanAdds to definition of “basic industry,” including support activities for rail and water transportation. Modifies date to July 1, 2009, within the definition of “qualified federal contract.” Bill History: 03-09-10 H Received in the House
03-09-10 H First Reading
03-16-10 H Referred to House Committee on House Appropriations and Budget
03-25-10 H Sent to subcommittee House A&B Sub on Revenue & Taxation
03-29-10 H Meeting set for 4:30 p.m., Room 432A, State Capitol, House A&B Sub on Revenue & TaxationSJR 35 Sparks
CollinsOffers support of the State of Kansas, the Kansas Department of Transportation, and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for participation in Amtrak feasibility study. Bill History: 04-01-09 H Meeting set for 3:00 p.m., Room 412C, State Capitol, House Rules
04-01-09 H Voted from committee – Do Pass House Rules
04-02-09 H Reported from committee – Do Pass House Rules
04-28-09 H Dormant pursuant to the rules
02-23-10 H Set on the House Floor AgendaAll Track Total Bills: 18 0
