April 12, 2010 – Legislative Bill Tracking
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January 01, 1970
Posted on Apr. 26, 2010
This week marked the House deadline for senate bills in House committees to be heard. The next two weeks will consist of floor action on bills in the House and Senate…Upcoming legislative deadlines are as follows.
April Legislative Deadline
April 22, 2010 – House and Senate – Final Legislative Day for Third Reading and Final Passage of a Measure in Opposite House of Origin
May 28, 2010 – Sine Die Adjournment by Friday, May 28th by 5:00 pm
Budget: Education Spending Measure Draws Opposition
State Question 744 is a ballot measure that will be on the General Election ballot this November. The measure would constitutionally require the Legislature to spend at least as much per pupil on public schools as what surrounding states spend. It is supported by the Oklahoma Education Association, and by their estimation will increase common education spending by $850 million in the first year alone should it pass.
However, since the measure does not provide a revenue source to pay for the increased spending, it has drawn opposition due to fears it will require an approximate 20 to 30% increase in taxes or an across the board cut of 25% to all other state government services outside of common education to satisfy the spending demands.
This week a group calling themselves The One Oklahoma Coalition, which includes the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the Oklahoma Public Employees Association, the TRUST Road and Bridge Coalition, the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and the State Chamber of Commerce announced their plans to form an opposition campaign to oppose the measure.
Healthcare
Oklahoma AG Says No Lawsuit
Attorney General Drew Edmondson this week said his office would only enter a Florida lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal health care law if required to do so by legislative action. Currently, 19 states are now suing the federal government to block implementation of the federal bill, including Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Louisiana, Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, Idaho, Indiana, North Dakota, Mississippi, Nevada, Arizona and South Dakota.
Federal Health Care Law Reviewed by OHCA
This week an official with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority estimated an additional 250,000 Oklahomans would get health care coverage in 2014 under the new federal health care law, and the $1 billion cost of nonpaying patients would be cut in half. The official said the federal government would pick up all costs of about 200,000 of the new group who get SoonerCare coverage in 2014 through 2016. Afterward, the federal government will gradually lower payments until it holds steady at 90 percent of the cost of the newly enrolled.
However, the legislative liaison for OCHA said the issue becomes more complicated with Medicare’s cut in reimbursement to doctors by 21 percent on April 1. He stated that frustrated Medicare doctors might opt out of Medicare, retire early or cut back on their practice.
Health Care Opt Out Legislation Still Moving
House Speaker Chris Benge this week said discussions are under way to convert House Joint Resolution 1054, which would let Oklahomans vote this fall whether to opt out of the federal government’s national health care plan, into a statutory provision.
The House Appropriations and Budget Committee did not hear senate Joint Resolution 58 on Thursday, the last day for Senate measures to be advanced from House committees. It sought to allow voters to decide whether to opt out of the national health care plan and instead receive block grants to administer the state’s own Medicaid program.
Another measure, SJR 59, which would allow voters to pass a constitutional amendment to prevent Oklahomans from taking part in a national health care system, has been assigned to a conference committee.
OSU Med Center Supplemental Funding – HB 2445 by Rep. Miller and Sen. Johnson - Makes an appropriation of $5,000,000 to the OSU Medical Authority for FY 2010. The House this week passed the measure, which allows for the second $5 million payment to continue the financial commitment made last year to the Oklahoma State Medical Authority in Tulsa. The funds are part of a public-private agreement reached with local and state leaders last year, where the state’s contribution is $5 million a year for five years. Those funds will be matched by at least an annual $7 million commitment for the next five years in private funds raised within the Tulsa community. The funds will go to the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority, which will then contract with the city of Tulsa Trust for the operation of the hospital with St. John. The bill passed the House with a vote of 96-1 and goes to Senate for their consideration.
Certified Healthy Communities: Senate Bill 1818 by Rep. Kris Steele and Sen. Brian Crain, - creates the Oklahoma Certified Healthy Communities Act. The bill directs the State Health Department to maintain a program for the voluntary certification of communities that promote wellness, encourage the adoption of healthy behaviors and establish safe and supportive environments. The bill passed the House Public Health Committee with a vote of 15-0 and will next be considered by the full House.
Workers’ Compensation
Work Comp Reforms: Senate Bill 1973, by Rep. Sullivan and Sen Coffee - would reduce the number of judges in the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court from ten to eight and requires five of the judges to be permanently assigned to the court in Oklahoma City and three to the court in Tulsa. The bill also increases workers’ compensation judges’ terms from six to eight years, and imposes a single-term limit on any new judges. Senate confirmation would be required to fill any new vacancies on the worker’s compensation court. Finally, judges must have at least five years of workers’ compensation experience prior to appointment, among other reforms. The legislation also addresses issues with how cases are handled and how to provide a savings in the cost of the system all while maintaining the best medical care for workers. The bill passed the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee with a vote of 9-5 and will next be heard in the full House.
CompSource Task Force Extension: HB 2658 by Rep. Sullivan and Sen Coffee – extends the date of Task Force on Privatization of CompSource Oklahoma. This bill passed the full Senate this week and now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.
CompSource Public Private Partnership – SB 1996 by Sen Coffee and Speaker Benge - CompSource Oklahoma shall enter into a public-private partnership with a private enterprise company for the transitioning of CompSource Oklahoma into a privately owned company. Such transition shall be completed no later than five (5) years from the effective date of this act. Manage claims in existence on or before the effective date of this act for purposes of expediting the processing of claims, reducing litigation cost and advancing rehabilitation for and reemployment of injured workers. Voted House Economic Development and Financial Srvs. Committee and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Binding Arbitration: SJR 61 by Sen Coffee and Speaker Benge - Constitutional Amendment allowing for binding arbitration as a means to settle any claim pursuant to the Workers’ Compensation Act. Voted from House Appropriations and Budget Committee and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Agriculture
Teeth Floating: HB 3202 by Rep. Armes and Sen. Schultz – Defines “Animal Husbandry” and “Teeth Floating”, and provides exemptions for such under the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act restrictions. This bill passed the Senate and now goes to the Governor for consideration for signing into law.
Oklahoma Livestock Care Standards Board: HB 2345 by Rep. Richardson and Sen. Justice - Creates the Oklahoma Livestock Care Standards Board for the purposes of establishing standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in this state. Passed the full Senate this week and now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.
At Risk Farms/Ranches: HB 2791 by Rep. Kouplen and Sen. Garrison – Clarifies criterion for the definition of an “at-risk farm or ranch business” by including a production loan limit to $250,000. Updates the name of the State Dept. of Agriculture to OK Dept. of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. Passed the Senate and now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.
Business & Labor
Independent Contractor Worker Classification: SB 1384 by Sen. Rice and Rep. Williams would echo a policy shift by the Internal Revenue Service, and direct the state Tax Commission, the Workers’ Compensation Court and the Employment Security Commission to develop a database – accessible to all agencies – to identify businesses that use independent contractors. The measure is an effort to identify and bring legal action against employers who categorize workers as independent contractors when, in fact, they are employees. The measure passed House Appropriations and Budget and now goes to the full House for consideration.
9-1-1 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.“ This measure passed the full Senate this week and now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.
Private Construction Progress Payment Act: SB 1012 by Sen. Coates and Rep. Sullivan – Creates the Private Construction Progress Payment Act by requiring owner to make progress payments on all private construction contracts of a duration of more than 60 days. The measure passed the House this week and now returns to the Senate for consideration of House amendments.
Economic Development & Financial Services
Domestic Abuse Insurance Bill: Senate Bill 1251 by Sen. Wilson and Rep. Brown – prohibits insurance companies from denying health insurance coverage to victims of domestic abuse. The bill was voted from House Economic and Development Committee and now goes to the full House for consideration
Oklahoma Discretionary and Special Needs Trust Act: HB 2171 by Rep. McCullough and Sen. Anderson - Creates the Oklahoma Discretionary and Special Needs Trust Act provides provisions applying to trusts regardless of a spendthrift provision. The bill passed the Senate this week and now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.
Banking Department Reforms: HB 2779 by Rep. Ownbey and Sen. Stanislawski - Modifies the requirements of the Deputy Commissioner of the Banking Dept and stipulates procedures of the Commissioner regarding failed banks and savings associations. Passed the Senate and sent to the Governor for consideration of signing into law.
Financial Records Fees: HB 2936 by Rep. Todd Russ and Sen. Newberry - The bill has minor language changes to the amount of fees paid to financial institutions by the government for copies of financial records of customers. Passed in the Senate and now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.
Development Impact Fee: SB 805 by Sen. Aldridge and Rep. Hickman - Establishes the Oklahoma New Development Impact Fee Act. The measure was voted from House Appropriations and Budget Committee and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Quality Events – Incremental Sales Tax: SB 1284 by Sen. Stanislawski and Rep. Liebmann - Allows incremental state sales tax revenue to be used for the planning, performance, and/or promotion of quality events. Voted from House Appropriations and Budget and now goes to the full House for consideration.
Debit Cards: SB 1648 by Sen. Jolley and Rep. Miller - Adds debit cards to the Uniform Consumer Credit Code. Passed by the House and now goes to the Governor for consideration of signing into law.
Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program: SB 1970 by Sen. Mazzie and Rep. McNiel - Creates the Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program. Allow certain employees to receive unemployment benefits if the employer participates in the program. Voted from House Economic Development and Financial Srv and now goes to the full House for consideration.
Access to Life Insurance Policy Info: SB 2073 by Sen. Stanislawski and Rep. Randy McDaniel - Provides that any insurance producer authorized to sell life insurance and has had their appointment terminated for certain reasons shall be authorized to have access to the information relating to the policy purchased. Voted from House Economic Development and Financial Srv and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Government Reform
The state’s new Chief Information Officer, Alex Pettit, testified before the House Government Modernization Committee this week saying he hopes to realize savings quickly with as little disruption to state services as possible. The position was created last year in an effort to consolidate information technology services among state agencies. The legislation directs Pettit to complete an assessment of the state’s information technology systems and to submit a comprehensive plan for managing and coordinating those services. The plan will identify areas in state government where technology infrastructure and applications can be shared, examine the best use of resources and personnel, and identify costs savings associated with the reorganization of the state’s information technology systems. The legislation also requires that a net savings be realized for the state within two years of Pettit’s appointment, with the expectation that the state will spend at least 15 percent less on information technology and telecommunications after implementation of the statewide plan.
Transportation
Military Exemptions for Vehicle Tags: SB 1816 by Sen. Bingman and Rep. Ownbey - exempts military personnel deployed outside the state from a fine if they failed to renew their vehicle tag during their assignment and for 60 days after that assignment ends. Voted do pass from House Appropriations and Budget Committee and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Gilcrease Expressway: SB 1764 by Sen. Bingman and Speaker Benge – Authorizes construction of a new turnpike beginning at I-44 & 49th West, past Highway 64/412, turning NE, crossing 41st W, and continuing eastward to the L.L. Tisdale Expressway in Tulsa. Voted from House Transportation Committee and now goes to the full House for consideration.
Temporary Car Tags: SB 1769 by Sen. Coates and Rep. Gus Blackwell - Creates pilot program for electronic issuance of temporary license plates for use by motor vehicle dealers. Licensed used motor vehicle dealers are exempt from this legislation. Voted from House Appropriations and Budget and now goes to the full House for consideration. The title is off the bill.
Innovative Funding for Oklahoma Roads Task Force: SB 1941 by Sen Marlatt and Rep. Nelson - Creates the Innovative Funding for Oklahoma Roads Task Force to study and evaluate innovations, technologies, and new methods being employed to more adequately and equitably fund road and bridge infrastructure. Voted from House Transportation Committee and now goes to the full House for consideration.
Task Force on the Motor Vehicle License Plate Delivery System: SB 1954 by 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. The measure passed the full House and now returns to the Senate for consideration of House amendments. The title is off the bill.
Airport Protection Act: SB 1960 by Sen. Coates and Rep. Shannon - Creates the ‘Airport Protection Act’. Regulates the use of land and construction around public airports. Voted from House Transportation and now heads to the full House for consideration.
County Bridge and Road Fund: SB 2173 by Sen. Branan and Rep. Shannon - Changes how money is distributed to the various counties of the state for deposit into the County Bridge and Road Improvement Fund. Voted from House Transportation and now heads to the full House for consideration.
County/City 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. The bill was amended on the House floor to include language that allows the Dept. of Trans. or a county board of commissioners, with agreement from the government of a municipality of less than 5,000 people, can maintain and build streets in the county. This measure passed the House and now returns to the Senate for consideration of House amendments.
Education
Teacher Performance Pay: SB 2033 by Sen Coffee and Speaker Benge – authorizes school districts to establish incentive pay programs for teachers and administrators. The legislation states that the incentives should be based upon student and school performance growth and aspects such as leadership skills, organizational and classroom management skills and instructional leadership. The bill requires school districts to submit their performance pay plans to the State Board of Education for approval. The measure passed House Appropriations and Budget and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Higher Ed Capitol Improvements Bond Restructure: HB 3031 by Speaker Benge and Sen Coffee – Extends the maturity date of obligations from fifteen years to twenty years and allows the authority to issue bonds, notes, and other obligations for the purpose of refinancing or restructuring current obligations. Passed the Senate this week and sent to the Governor for consideration of signing into law.
Math Course Requirements: SB 1610 by Sen. Halligan and Rep. Coody – Increases the number of required math courses from three to four units for ninth graders entering on or after the 2010-2011 school year. Voted from House Common Education and now heads to the full House for consideration. The title is off this bill.
SPIRITBANK AERO BILL TRACK
04-11-2010 – 09:34:57
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: 03-15-10 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 Transportation
03-30-10 S Voted from committee – Do Pass Senate Transportation
04-12-10 S Set on the Senate Floor AgendaHB 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: 03-30-10 S Returned to full committee Senate Appropriations
03-31-10 S Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 419C, State Capitol, Senate Appropriations
03-31-10 S Title stricken in committee Senate Appropriations
03-31-10 S Enacting clause struck in committee Senate Appropriations
03-31-10 S Voted from committee – Do Pass as substituted Senate AppropriationsHB 3024 Hickman
MazzeiEliminates the tax credit for the purchase of electric and clean-burning motor vehicles; EMERGENCY. Bill History: 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 Finance
03-30-10 S Title stricken in committee Senate Finance
03-30-10 S Voted from committee – Do Pass as substituted Senate FinanceHB 3236 (1) Jackson
NewberryAllows business districts to annex adjacent property by a vote of those to be annexed. Allows business districts to be assessed to fund capital improvements of the district. Bill History: 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 & Labor
03-29-10 S Title stricken in committee Senate Business & Labor
03-29-10 S Voted from committee – Do Pass as amended Senate Business & Labor
04-12-10 S Set on the Senate Floor AgendaHB 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: 03-23-10 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 Finance
03-30-10 S Title stricken in committee Senate Finance
03-30-10 S Voted from committee – Do Pass as amended Senate Finance
04-12-10 S Set on the Senate Floor AgendaHB 3397 (1) McNiel
LambAmends expenditure requirements of qualified investments before a tax credit can be authorized. Bill History: 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 Finance
03-30-10 S Title stricken in committee Senate Finance
03-30-10 S Voted from committee – Do Pass as amended Senate Finance
04-12-10 S Set on the Senate Floor AgendaSB 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: 04-06-10 H Set on the House Floor Agenda
04-06-10 H Laid out for consideration in the House
04-06-10 H Enacting Clause Stricken
04-06-10 H Wright (John) debates in opposition to the bill; Miller
debates in favor.
04-06-10 H Passed/Adopted (Vote: Y: 58/N: 39)SB 1590 Johnson, Mike
MillerChanges title section numbers of the Rural Venture Capital Formation Incentive Act. Bill History: 04-06-10 H Set on the House Floor Agenda
04-06-10 H Laid out for consideration in the House
04-06-10 H Enacting Clause Stricken
04-06-10 H Reynolds and Dank debate in opposition to the bill; Miller
debates in favor.
04-06-10 H Passed/Adopted (Vote: Y: 59/N: 38)SB 1960 (1) Coates
ShannonCreates the ‘Airport Protection Act’. Regulates the use of land and construction around public airports. Bill History: 03-08-10 H First Reading
03-16-10 H Referred to House Committee on House Transportation
04-08-10 H Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 412C, State Capitol, House Transportation
04-08-10 H Title stricken in committee House Transportation
04-08-10 H Voted from committee – Do Pass as substituted 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: 03-10-10 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 Srv
04-07-10 H Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 412C, State Capitol, House Economic Development and Financial Srv
04-07-10 H Voted from committee – Do Pass as substituted 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: 03-29-10 H Voted from subcommittee-Do Pass as substitute House A&B Sub on Revenue & Taxation
04-06-10 H Returned to full committee House Appropriations and Budget
04-08-10 H Meeting set for 10:30 a.m., Room 432A, State Capitol, House Appropriations and Budget
04-08-10 H Enacting clause struck in committee House Appropriations and Budget
04-08-10 H Voted from committee – Do Pass as substituted House Appropriations and BudgetSJR 21 Crain
CoxDirects Oklahoma Health Care Authority to study the feasibility of implementing the use of online health registries for Medicaid beneficiaries. Bill History: 03-18-09 H Referred to House Committee on House Rules
04-28-09 H Dormant pursuant to the rules
03-31-10 H Meeting set for 3:00 p.m., Room 412C, State Capitol, House Rules
03-31-10 H Enacting clause struck in committee House Rules
03-31-10 H Voted from committee – Do Pass as amended House RulesSJR 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: 17 0
