Bills making way to Senate floor

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter holiday with their family and loved ones. After a full week of committee meetings, I enjoyed spending quality time with my wife and kids.

April 13 is the deadline for Senate committees to hear House bills. Several of the House bills I’m carrying have passed out of committee and will soon be heard on the Senate floor. HB 1894 allows county clerks to digitally sign, accept, or receive documents; and HB 1897 cleans up statute regarding our state’s 911 emergency system. In addition, HB 2538 requires any pooled investment program for a county, city, or town to be governed through an interlocal cooperative agreement.

Furthermore, I have four bills that have passed through their respective committees and are headed to the full Appropriations Committee for further consideration. HB 1893 expands the list of office holders for which enhanced penalties may be assessed against perpetrators who commit an assault or assault and battery to include county commissioners, county clerks, county assessors, and county treasurers. It is imperative that we ensure effective protections for our public service men and women.

Nonetheless, HB 2350 expands the definition of agricultural products to include timber; and HB 2841 boosts the salaries of the Department of Agriculture’s nine CLEET licensed investigators to bring them more in line to what our state troopers make. Lastly, HB 2863 would create the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority (OSUVMA), a much-needed program for the advancement of the veterinarian school and our state.

I also had the pleasure of introducing Senate Resolution 7, which recognized April 5 as the 24th annual 4-H Day at the Capitol. This is one of the largest events during session, bringing hundreds of students from around the state to Oklahoma City to share their story. Through hands-on, real-world experiences and opportunities, members develop invaluable leadership skills necessary to become productive and engaged citizens of their country, state, and community. 

Several 4-H chapters from around the district were in attendance. I’m thankful for these students and their dedication to the 4-H organization and their service to the State of Oklahoma. If you have a student aged 5-18 interested in 4-H, there are numerous ways to be involved. For more information, visit www.4h.okstate.edu/join/index.html

In addition, I spoke with students from the Great Plains Student Leadership Group and Junior Leadership Lawton Fort Sill during their annual visit at the Oklahoma State Capitol. 

I encourage you to follow along with this year’s session by visiting the Senate website at www.oksenate.gov. You can browse legislation, committee and floor schedules and press releases, as well as tune in to live committee and floor proceedings.

Again, thank you for allowing me to serve District 31 and the State of Oklahoma. If I can be of any assistance, feel free to contact me at (405) 521-5563 or Chris.Kidd@oksenate.gov.