Rep. Gann challenges PSO’s 2021 winter storm bonds at OK Supreme Court

Gann Challenges PSO’s 2021 Winter Storm Bonds at OK Supreme Court

OKLAHOMA CITY – An appeal brief filed Thursday by Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, asks the Oklahoma Supreme Court to invalidate some $700 million in ratepayer-backed bonds issued to cover costs incurred by Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) during February 2021’s Winter Storm Uri. Payments for those bonds have been collected on the monthly bills of PSO’s customers since the bonds were issued in September 2022. They are scheduled to continue for another 17 years.

Gann’s brief tells the court that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) failed to provide a required audit of the bonds in PSO’s most recent rate case. He also argues PSO’s original 2021 Uri costs that were securitized into the bonds were never audited either.  Gann asserts the audit failures are fatal in both cases, making the OCC’s orders void. 

Ban on obscene adult performances in public passed, heads to Governor to sign

Good bill:

Bill Banning Obscene Adult Performances in Public Goes to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 1st) – Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, successfully secured final passage of a bill that bans obscene adult performances on public property or anywhere children may be present. 

On Thursday, the full Senate passed House Bill 1217, prohibiting individuals from performing sexually explicit or obscene acts in public places or areas where minors are present. It also prevents political subdivisions of the state from authorizing or hosting such performances on public property or in spaces that are open to children.

Violators of HB 1217 could be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.

State law defines obscene material as any representation, performance, depiction or description of sexual conduct that the average person would find patently offensive.

“This bill is about protecting children and ensuring that our public spaces remain safe and family-friendly for all,” Bullard said. “There is no justification for exposing children to obscene, sexual performances, and it defies logic that some cities allow such offensive acts in public places. These inappropriate and obscene performances have no place in our society.”

Bill to prohibit pandemic closure of businesses without scientific justification heads to Governor

Bill to Keep Businesses Open During Pandemics Sent to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 22nd) – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, on Monday won passage of legislation that prohibits the governor from closing any business during a pandemic without documented scientific evidence that the nature of the business actually contributes to the spread of the disease.

Senate Bill 672 now moves to the governor's desk for his consideration of signing it into law.  

Daylight Savings debate: two legislators with different solutions

Two state legislators are out with op-eds (below) decrying the continued shuffling of the clock every November and March. They've both authored legislation to "lock the clock" -- but one wants permanent Standard Time and the other wants permanent Daylight Savings Time.

Which would you opt for?

Attorney Stephen Jones joins Supreme Court effort against Corp. Commish Hiett

Attorney Stephen Jones Joins Supreme Court Effort Against OCC’s Todd Hiett

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 28th) – Three Oklahoma lawmakers say that legal legend Stephen Jones will argue on behalf of their petition against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, according to a notice filed at the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday. 

Legislators respond to Supreme Court request in Hiett case

Legislators Respond to Supreme Court Request in Hiett Case

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 15th) – Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola, Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rick West, R-Heavener, today issued statements regarding an Oklahoma Supreme Court request for oral arguments in their case against Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett.

"On Monday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court changed its position and took the extraordinary step of asking for oral arguments about our Petition for a Writ of Prohibition against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett. We filed our case after allegations of sexual misconduct and public drunkenness were published, but Hiett refused to disqualify himself from Oklahoma Corporation Commission cases involving the victims and/or witnesses of his alleged criminal conduct. These utility cases are worth billions of dollars and affect millions of Oklahoma customers of Oklahoma Natural Gas, Oklahoma Gas & Electric, and Public Service Company of Oklahoma.

A few brave State Reps decry Tinker AFB's "National Coming Out Day" event

We still have a few brave legislators willing to speak the truth:

Reps Issue Joint Statement Opposing Tinker AFB "National Coming Out Day" Event

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 7th) – A group of legislators is opposing an event at Tinker Air Force Base called "National Coming Out Day" and the affirmation that homosexuals are "born this way."

The following statement is issued by Reps. Jim Olsen, R-Roland; David Hardin, R-Stilwell; Clay Staires, R-Skiatook; Kevin West, R-Moore; Rick West, R-Heavener; and Danny Williams, R-Seminole.

"As one of the nation's most important and strategic military bases, Tinker should remain focused on our national defense and not expend taxpayer dollars to promote a lifestyle contrary to the values of the majority of Oklahomans.

Legislators consider taking action after Corp. Commissioner Hiett’s assault, harassment accusations

L-R: State Rep. Kevin West and State. Rep Tom Gann

Legislators Consider Writ of Prohibition over Concerns about Hiett’s Impartiality

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 5th) – Reps. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Tom Gann, R-Inola, today issued statements regarding Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, who has been accused of sexual molestation and public drunkenness. The two said they are considering filing a writ of prohibition against Hiett, asking the courts to intervene to protect the public interest.

Rep. Kevin West continues pushing switch to permanent Standard Time

Rep. Kevin West Legislation Would Address Time Change

OKLAHOMA CITY – Feeling sleep-deprived after Sunday's bi-annual time change pushed clocks forward an hour?

Don't blame Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore.

West authored House Bill 2217, which would send to a vote of the people a question on whether to adopt permanent standard time in Oklahoma. The measure was filed last year and assigned to the House Rules Committee but has not been heard. It is similar to legislation he's filed in the past.

Time change: Rep. Kevin West continues pushing switch to permanent Standard Time

This was a very interesting press release. I learned, for example, that states cannot exempt themselves from Standard Time due to federal regulations. Read on for more:

Rep. Kevin West Comments on Time Change

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, today commented on the time change Oklahomans will experience this weekend when they "fall back" from daylight saving to standard time at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.  

"The only way to lock the clock in Oklahoma and to stop this twice yearly time change is to switch to permanent standard time," West said. "I've long advocated for this and after my recent interim study on the issue, I realize it is as important as ever to continue my efforts."

Federal judge upholds Oklahoma's ban on gender transition procedures for minors

A federal judge for the District of Northern Oklahoma has upheld Senate Bill 613, a measure passed during the 2023 legislative session that bans "gender transition" procedures for children under 18 years of age. Pat McGuigan at the Oklahoma City Sentinel has more on the story here; below are comments from Gov. Kevin Stitt, State Sen. David Bullard, and State Rep. Kevin West.

Oklahoma State House bans "gender transition" services for minors

Praise God:

House Prohibits Gender Transition Services for Minors

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 28th) – Legislation prohibiting gender transition services for minors was approved Tuesday by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

House Bill 2177, authored by Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, prohibits health care professionals from providing, attempting to provide or providing a referral for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender reassignment surgeries for minors.

State Senate passes bill banning "gender transition" procedures for minors

Good news:

Senate approves bill prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 15th) – The full Senate has approved a measure prohibiting gender transition procedures for children under the age of 18.  Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, is the author of Senate Bill 613, which bans the use of any medications or surgical procedures for the purpose of gender transition.  Behavioral and mental health counseling and medications for depression and anxiety are not included.

Small: Bathroom bill a symptom of school-funding system

Bathroom bill a symptom of school-funding system

By Jonathan Small

Oklahoma parents often ask why, in conservative states like Oklahoma, do they nonetheless face left-wing woke agendas in public schools?

The answer lies in the fact that Oklahoma’s funding system gives taxpayer money to schools regardless of academic performance or parental satisfaction. That makes school boards and administrators largely indifferent to the actual needs of their communities, because either way they get paid—and often get increased funding.

That’s why some Oklahoma schools mandated that boys could use the girls’ bathrooms, regardless of parental concerns, as happened in Stillwater.

Bill signed to require public school bathrooms, changing rooms be based on biological sex

Good:

Bullard’s bill signed to protect boys’ and girls’ bathrooms in public schools

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 27th) – Senate Bill 615 was signed into law Wednesday, requiring restrooms or changing rooms in Oklahoma public schools to be designated exclusively based on biological sex. Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, a strong proponent against school indoctrination of Oklahoma’s students, said his legislation will further protect their rights when it comes to having privacy in school bathrooms.

Rep. Kevin West passes measure clarifying school restroom policies

Rep. Kevin West Passes Measure Clarifying School Restroom Policies

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 28th) – A bill requiring that public school restrooms be used by an individual according to their biological sex at birth passed the House today. The bill also allows for single-use restrooms that can be used by any student.

House passes bill that protects firearm entities in gov't contracts

 Rep. Kevin West Bill Protects Firearm Entities in Government Contracts

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, on Wednesday passed a bill out of the House  that would disallow the state of Oklahoma to contract with any company that discriminates against the firearms industry.  

"This is a constitutionally protected industry, and the majority of Oklahomans are very much in favor of protecting Second Amendment rights," West said. "Yet there are those in the firearms business being discriminated against based solely on the nature of their product. Therefore, I think it's very appropriate that we add language surrounding state contracts, which use taxpayer dollars, to protect these entities and one of our fundamental rights."

West pointed to a 2013 program codenamed Operation Chokepoint under the Obama Administration that intended to deny “disfavored” industries essential services such as banking, payment processing, and insurance – something he called a terrible abuse of government power. The firearm industry was a primary target of this operation. The program was ended by the Trump Administration in 2016, but West said many of America’s largest companies have since privatized it for all intents and purposes. This threatens an industry that is necessary for citizens to be able to exercise their constitutionally protected Second Amendment rights.

House Bill 3144 is a request from the firearm industry trade association the National Shooting Sports Foundation and is supported by the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association. West said this was one of the pieces of legislation that came out of an interim study he held over the summer that examined ways to attract firearms manufacturers to locate in the state.

The measure provides that a governmental entity may not enter into a contract with a company for the purchase of goods or services unless the contract contains a written verification from the company that it does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association based solely on firearms. The bill further  specifies that the company will not discriminate during the term of the contract. This requirement does not apply to governmental entity contracts with sole-source providers or to a governmental entity that does not receive a bid from a company that is able to provide written verification.

West said he allowed the title on the bill to be struck, which will allow him to adjust the language as needed to address concerns as the measure continues through the legislative process.

If the bill becomes law, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services would be charged with ensuring government contracts comply with this new language.

HB3144 now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Casey Murdock, R-Felt.

Kevin West serves District 54 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of Moore in Cleveland and Oklahoma counties.

State House passes bill to send end of Daylight Savings Time to vote of the people

Daylight Savings Change Clears House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, today convinced enough of his House colleagues to send to a vote of the people a proposal that could permanently end Daylight Savings Time in Oklahoma.

House Bill 3146 would ask Oklahomans to vote on a statutory amendment that if approved would lock the clock on Central Standard Time in Oklahoma and do away with the twice-yearly clock changes. The change would take effect Nov. 8 – the next time clocks are scheduled to fall back an hour.

"Regardless of how we manipulate the clock, we still have the same number of daylight hours available to us each day," West said. "This gives the people of Oklahoma the right to decide the time on the clock during which they are observed."

Daylight Savings Time, which states can currently opt in or out of, requires setting clocks forward an hour each spring and backward an hour each fall in an attempt to increase daylight during evening hours.

Other states, including nearby Arizona, have passed or are passing similar legislation.

AG: Physicians not prohibited from prescribing off-label meds to fight C-19

Attorney General O'Connor Assures Oklahoma Physicians Are Not Prohibited From Prescribing Off-Label Medicines to Fight COVID-19

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb 8th) - Today, Attorney General John O’Connor responded to inquiries about whether an Oklahoma licensed physician is prohibited from prescribing a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the “off-label” purpose of treating or preventing COVID-19.

The Attorney General’s office finds no legal basis for a state medical licensure board to discipline a licensed physician for exercising sound judgement and safely prescribing an FDA-approved drug – like ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine – for the off-label purpose of treating a patient with COVID-19.

“I stand behind doctors who believe it is in their patients’ best interests to receive ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine,” said Attorney General O’Connor. “Our healthcare professionals should have every tool available to combat COVID-19. Public safety demands this. Physicians who prescribe medications and follow the law should not fear disciplinary action for prescribing such drugs.”

The Attorney General’s office neither condones nor condemns a specific course of treatment for COVID-19. Our office maintains that proper healthcare decisions are to be made between a patient and his or her physician, and the government should not interfere with their relationship.

State Reps. Sean Roberts (left) and Kevin West (right)

Roberts, West Respond to AG Statement Regarding Off-Label Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 9th) – Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, and Rep. Kevin West, R-Oklahoma City, today issued statements regarding Oklahoma Attorney General John O'Connor's response to the legality of disciplinary actions against doctors who use off-label therapeutics to treat or prevent COVID-19.

In his statement yesterday, O'Connor said that the Attorney General's office finds "no legal basis for a state medical licensure board to discipline a licensed physician for exercising sound judgment and safely prescribing an FDA-approved drug – like ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine – for the off-label purpose of treating a patient with COVID-19."

State Reps study Medical Marijuana impacts on Counties

Humphrey, Kevin West Study Medical Marijuana Impacts on Counties

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, and Kevin West, R-Moore, on Tuesday held an interim study before the House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances Committee to discuss the impact to counties from the explosion of medical marijuana, growers, dispensers and users.

"We're following up today on what we saw in other medical marijuana studies and how this is affecting our counties," Humphrey said. "We're looking at what we need to do as a state to improve and do a better job of regulating this new industry."

West said he's heard from numerous constituents about the effect of this industry in his House district, from grow facilities to dispensaries.

"Just like any business," West said, "We have to make sure the business owner is obeying local ordinances and state law. We must ensure public safety and that our county and municipal resources are adequate to handle the demands placed on them."

During the study, lawmakers heard from county commissioners, a county sheriff, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), a district attorney, a county assessor and others who addressed issues from multiple angles.