The Senate adjourned this year’s legislative session at 12:25 a.m. on May 30. We adjourned Sine Die, a term signaling final adjournment, after a long week of addressing remaining policy proposals, confirming dozens of the governor’s appointees to serve in state government and voting to override most of the governor’s vetoes.
Overall, I believe it was a highly productive session. I sent nearly two dozen bills to the governor’s desk, 17 of which have now become law. I’m grateful to my colleagues who worked with me to advance these shared priorities. I also truly enjoyed working with all members of the Republican caucus in my first year serving as Senate Majority Whip. Since this was the first session of the two-year 60th Oklahoma Legislature, any legislation that stalled this year can be revisited when both chambers reconvene in February.
By the end of the session, the governor had signed 132 bills, and 305 pieces of legislation became law without his signature. The Legislature also overrode Gov. Kevin Stitt’s vetoes on 47 important policy proposals. The governor still has about a week to act on the few bills that remain on his desk. He signed legislation that implements a quarter-point tax cut, lowering the state’s top tax rate to 4.5%. This bill also paves the way for the state to gradually and sustainably eliminate income taxes while simplifying our tax code by reducing the number of tax brackets. The state budget we passed has also become law and will take effect on July 1, marking the start of the new fiscal year.
In the final days before adjournment, several of my remaining bills became law. One bill addresses transporter licenses and medical marijuana warehouses while also extending the deadline for marijuana products to be pre-packaged before distribution to dispensaries. The other bill requires medical marijuana business employees to complete an educational course that addresses safe handling of marijuana, patient privacy requirements, current laws and more. Another bill that became law establishes a process for buying and selling car dealerships that operate multiple franchises. It creates guidelines for agreements between vehicle manufacturers and dealers, which gives business owners flexibility and certainty when transferring ownership.
The full Senate also confirmed the nominations of the three executive branch appointees I presented from my district. Ponca City residents Relo Adams and Rick Scott were confirmed to serve on the University Center at Ponca City’s Board of Trustees, and Rex Koller, of Sand Springs, was confirmed to the Oklahoma Abstractors Board.
I’m pleased to add that my legislation to name an intersection in Kay County after the late Ike Glass Jr. was added to the Senate’s omnibus highway-naming bill, which has become law. Soon, the intersection of U.S. Highway 77 and State Highway 11 will honor Ike, a former state regent, local businessman, decorated veteran and a dear friend.
With the session over, I look forward to spending more time meeting with constituents across the district. Hearing directly from the people I represent is one of the most important parts of this job, and these conversations provide the insight and perspective that guide my work as your state senator.
Your comments and concerns are of the utmost importance to me and my office. As always, please email me at [email protected] or call (405) 521-5581.
