Rep. Gann studies citizen privacy impact of warrantless license plate readers

Gann Studies License Plate Readers Impact on Privacy

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, on Thursday led a study on the use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and what he said is their use as a tool for mass surveillance allowing law enforcement to conduct warrantless searches. The study was held before the House Public Safety Committee.

Gann looked back at legislation governing the use of ALPRs, which statutorily may only be used to show whether an Oklahoma motorist has automobile insurance.

"We were at a crisis level in Oklahoma with the number of uninsured motorists," Gann said, "and the legislation we put in place helped us drastically reduce that number. Now, however, these cameras with the enhanced use of artificial intelligence are monitoring law-abiding citizens in details of their everyday lives. The data is being used well beyond what the law allows."

Gov. Stitt announces illegal immigration enforcement agreements with DHS, ICE

Governor Stitt Announces Finalized Agreements with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 21, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced that the State of Oklahoma has officially finalized three agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, granting state law enforcement agencies enhanced authority to enforce federal immigration laws under Operation Guardian. Through these agreements, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN), and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) will work alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify, arrest, and remove criminal illegal aliens from Oklahoma.

Gov. Stitt taps Tipton to spearhead operation to work with Trump admin on expelling illegals from Oklahoma prisons

Governor Stitt Taps Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton to Spearhead Operation Guardian

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 15, 2024) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced Oklahoma Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Tipton will lead the charge to expel those serving time in Oklahoma correctional facilities who are in the country illegally.

“The Oklahoma taxpayer should not be left holding the bill for President Biden’s open border policies,” said Governor Stitt. “As law and order returns to the White House, Oklahoma will lead the charge with a comprehensive plan to deport those who have committed crimes in Oklahoma while in the country illegally.

Legislature concludes action, adjourns session

The legislature adjourned sine die this evening, ending legislative action for the year (though given recent years, a special session is not out of the question at some point).

Here are some session summaries from Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat and House Speaker Charles McCall (both are term limited).

Muskogee City Council sets August vote on $78M bond issue, sales tax renewal

County Assessor Ron Dean during public comment at the Muskogee City Council meeting Monday

Brace for impact, Muskogee: our city council has set an election for a bond and sales tax proposal totaling over $78,000,000 on August 27th.

I dropped in for my first city council meeting in years yesterday when I heard that a special meeting had been called to vote on sending the mega-million dollar package to the ballot. You can view the agenda here; scroll down to items 14, 15, 16, and 17.

Treat bill reverting law back to having tags remain with vehicle after sale passes Senate committee

Dash cam view just prior to vehicle slamming into car on shoulder

Pro Tem Treat Comments on Tag Legislation Passing Committee

Treat: This is the most important piece of legislation I am prioritizing

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 27th) – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today released the following statement after Senate Bill 2035 unanimously passed through the Aeronautics and Transportation Committee.

Senate Bill 2035 was authored by Pro Tem Treat in the wake of a tragic accident that involved his son, Mason. He was driving legally with proper documentation but didn’t have a car tag because the sale of the vehicle was from a private individual. Current state law requires a private seller of a vehicle to retain possession of a motor vehicle tag after the sale of a car.

Gov. Stitt, State Sup't Walters highlight school safety initiative

Governor Stitt and Superintendent Walters Statements on School Safety

Oklahoma Leaders Highlight School Safety Initiatives

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (September 12th) – Governor Kevin Stitt and Superintendent Ryan Walters have issued the following statements on school safety in conjunction with highlighting resources available in Oklahoma’s comprehensive school safety initiative:

Stitt launches MODERN Justice Task Force to begin in-depth analysis of state justice system

GOVERNOR STITT CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF MODERN JUSTICE TASK FORCE, BEGINS IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF OKLAHOMA'S JUSTICE SYSTEM

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 11, 2023) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced the launch of the MODERN (Modernized Operations through Data and Evidenced-based Restoration Now) Justice Task Force to conduct a first-of-its-kind intensive review of Oklahoma’s justice system by identifying evidence-based strategies to reduce crime and recidivism, enhance public safety, and increase opportunities for all Oklahomans.

“Today, we’re taking concrete steps towards a safer, smarter, and more efficient justice system in Oklahoma,” said Governor Stitt. “With all three branches of government working together, we’re demonstrating to all four million Oklahomans the state’s commitment to strengthening public safety while ensuring our justice system works fairly and efficiently.”

Gov. Stitt appoints Adria Berry as executive director of OK Medical Marijuana Authority

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS ADRIA BERRY AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OMMA

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct.18, 2022) – Governor Kevin Stitt today announced Adria Berry has been appointed to serve as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) which will officially transition to an independent state agency on November 1, 2022, per SB 1543.

“For over a year Adria Berry has been leading Oklahoma’s efforts to enforce our laws and crack down on the marijuana black market,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Now that OMMA is becoming a stand-alone agency, I am pleased to officially appoint Adria as executive director and have full confidence in her continued leadership and dedication to get the medical marijuana industry under control and keep our communities safe.”

Lankford, colleagues move to stop contraband cellphone use in prisons

Lankford, Cotton, Colleagues Move to Stop Contraband Cellphone Use in Prisons

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (August 8th) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) to introduce the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act, legislation to prevent contraband cellphone use in federal and state prison facilities by allowing state and federal prisons to use cell phone jamming systems. The bill gives state and federal prisons the authority to implement a jamming system to protect inmates, guards, and the public at large. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) joined Lankford and Cotton in introducing the bill. Representative David Kustoff (R-TN) introduced companion legislation in the House Of Representatives.

OCPA column: No need for state handout to tribal government

No need for state handout to tribal government

By Jonathan Small

Oklahoma’s tribal governments have their own police forces, their own court systems, and immense wealth from casinos to pay for their public-safety responsibilities. So why did tribal entities recently seek an indirect subsidy from state government?

Lawmakers recently passed House Bill 3501, which would have required the Department of Public Safety to “recognize and act” upon a report of conviction from any tribal court in Oklahoma.  Supporters said the bill would target drunk drivers, but tribal courts can issue orders regarding issues other than DUI violations, and it appears the legislation could have required state police to carry out a wide range of orders on behalf of tribal governments.

Fortunately, Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed the bill, writing that it would have required state law-enforcement officials “to carry out tribal court adjudications, no questions asked.” That’s worth stressing because tribal courts can issue orders that might not pass legal muster in Oklahoma’s state court system.

To cite one prominent example, the Cherokee council approved an “Anti-Harassment Act” that allows tribal officials to obtain tribal-court ordered restraining orders against any individual who “annoys” officials, apparently including through social-media posts made “over time, however short.”

Senate approves bill giving protections to drivers trying to escape riots

Senate approves bill giving protections to drivers trying to escape riots

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 14th) – The full Senate has approved legislation by Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, and Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, to give legal protections to drivers trying to escape from riots.  House Bill 1674 was approved by the full Senate on Wednesday and would give civil and criminal liability protection to drivers who may unintentionally cause injury or death while fleeing a riot and imposes penalties for those who unlawfully obstruct streets or highways, blocking vehicles.

“We actually saw this happen here in Oklahoma last year when a Tulsa family was surrounded by rioters. Through no fault of their own, they were caught in a dangerous situation, and fearing for their lives, they were attempting to get away,” Standridge said.  “The prosecutor declined to file charges, but that may not always be the case.  This bill will protect innocent people trapped by a rioting mob.” 

Gov. Stitt appoints Tricia Everest as Secretary of Public Safety

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS TRICIA EVEREST AS SECRETARY OF PUBLIC SAFETY|

Everest to be fifth woman serving in Stitt Cabinet

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 22, 2021)— Governor Kevin Stitt today announced he has appointed attorney, nonprofit founder and philanthropist Tricia Everest as Secretary of Public Safety. Upon Senate confirmation, Everest will oversee over 55 agencies including the Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Pardon and Parole Board, and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

“Tricia is a proven leader who has done a tremendous job over the last few years building successful relationships with law enforcement and delivering meaningful criminal justice reform for Oklahoma,” said Gov. Stitt. “I am confident Tricia’s wealth of experience and heartfelt passion for serving the state will translate into success in this role.”

“It is an honor to be appointed to serve in Governor Stitt’s Cabinet as Secretary of Public Safety,” said Everest. “As a native Oklahoman, I am deeply committed to the success of our state, especially when it comes to protecting our citizens and our communities, and I am ready to get to work to carry out Governor Stitt’s vision for a safe and just Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma releases updated Mobile ID to support REAL ID enrollment

OKLAHOMA RELEASES UPDATED MOBILE ID TO SUPPORT REAL ID ENROLLMENT

Technology builds on existing platform to support move to REAL ID compliance 

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 19, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that the next version of the Oklahoma Mobile ID is now available. The app has been expanded to allow Oklahoma residents to quickly and easily pre-enroll for REAL ID. 

"The team at the Department of Public Safety has worked tirelessly to update systems and adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19 in order to implement REAL ID," said Gov. Stitt. "The updated Mobile ID app will help streamline the process and ensure Oklahomans can begin the process of pre-enrolling in the critical program." 

The new REAL ID functionality gives Oklahomans the ability to jumpstart the enrollment process from the comfort of their home. Mobile ID users can use the app’s checklist to confirm they have the correct documents, upload them using their smartphone camera, and answer a brief questionnaire. By completing these steps in advance, applicants can expect to decrease their transaction time during their in-person visit by up to 40%.  

Stitt praises DHS certification of Oklahoma's REAL-ID compliance

GOVERNOR STITT PRAISES DHS CERTIFICATION OF OKLAHOMA'S REAL ID COMPLIANCE  

  

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 15, 2020)—Governor Kevin Stitt today praised the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement that the State of Oklahoma is in full compliance with the REALID Act and regulation. 

This notification comes after three years of hard work by employees at the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) to implement a new system and standards to allow Oklahoma to come into compliance with REAL ID regulations. 

“The team at the Department of Public Safety has worked tirelessly to update systems and take the necessary steps to implement this critical program,” said Governor Kevin Stitt.“Thanks to their dedication, Oklahomans will be able to use their REAL ID compliant licenses to travel seamlessly across the U.S. and enter federal facilities. By implementing REAL ID, we are also ensuring our state remains competitive, successfully attracts new businesses and retains our hardworking people as we continue to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state.”

DPS issued the first REAL ID compliant credential to the public on June 29 and is currently in week eight of a 16-week statewide rollout. By mid-November, Oklahomans will be able to obtain a REAL ID compliant credential at all DPS facilities and tag agent locations. 

“I am extremely proud of all of our employees and partners and their dedication to seeing this project through,” said DPS Commissioner John Scully. “Employees working on this project have worked weekends and nights to ensure that our state achieved this goal. Not only have we achieved becoming REAL ID compliant, but we have also modernized our entire credential issuance system. We thank Oklahomans for being patient with our agency as we implement the new system and work through growing pains.” 

Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, DHS extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline through October 1, 2021. This means regular Oklahoma driver licenses and ID cards will continue to be accepted for boarding a plane and entering federal facilities until that date. 

Oklahomans can learn more about REAL ID and how to obtain one at www.realid.ok.gov.

Gov. Stitt vetoes two budget bills: "I will not play a part in harming OK's teachers"

Governor Kevin Stitt announced yesterday afternoon that he is vetoing HB2741 and HB2742, which were part of the state budget passed by the Legislature, and which removed payments of $73M from the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System, and nearly $39M from Oklahoma Firefighters Retirement, Police Pension and Law Enforcement Employees Retirement Systems in order to limit cuts elsewhere in the state budget.

Gov. Stitt quoted Tom Spencer, executive director of the Teacher Retirement System, "The TRS portfolio is down $1,000,000,000 [one billion] since June 30th of 2019. If we closed the books today, the funded ratio on a market basis would drop from 72.3% to around 64%."

Governor Stitt issues Executive Order to protect first responders

Governor Stitt issues Executive Order 2020-13 to protect first responders

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 8, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt issued [EO]Executive Order 2020-13, ensuring first responders such as correctional officers, law enforcement and fire personnel who work for state agencies will receive guaranteed paid time off if they contract COVID-19.

“Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect their fellow Oklahomans,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “There’s no opportunity to work from home in these jobs, so they need our support. I also encourage cities and counties across the state to provide the same benefits to their first responders.”

“I commend Governor Stitt’s quick action in addressing the needs of our first responders,” said Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating. “Our first responders personify the Oklahoma Standard through their courage and compassion during this unprecedented crisis.”

Executive Order 2020-13 also does the following:

• Removes barriers that will allow more medical professionals to be on the front lines by encouraging licensing boards to ease requirements on physician assistants, nurse practitioners and retired physicians.
• Encourages the boards to increase opportunities for students and recent graduates who are not yet fully licensed to practice.
• Allows closed health care facilities to be re-opened and remove regulatory burdens that would create lag time in getting bed space to treat patients.
• Allows stretcher vans and stretcher aid vans to assist with emergencies and operate anywhere in the state.

“It is very important to me to break down the geographic silos that limit stretcher vans from operating anywhere in the state,” said Gov. Stitt. “Right now, ambulances and stretcher vans are limited by arbitrary geographic and population-based limits that do nothing but limit the services people in rural Oklahoma can receive. Now is not the time for burdensome regulations.”

House committee passes bill to seize vehicles operated by illegal aliens with criminal convictions

House Public Safety Proceeds Bill to Seize Vehicles Operated by Illegal Immigrants with Criminal Background

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Public Safety Committee yesterday passed House Bill 4136, which authorizes law enforcement to seize any vehicle operated by an illegal immigrant who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.

House Bill 4136 was authored by State Rep. Sean Roberts (R-Hominy), who said the purpose behind the bill was to curb illegal immigration and keep citizens safe.

“Our communities are sadly forced to cover the cost of illegal immigrants who break the law,” Roberts said. “We have an obligation to keep our citizens safe, and this is a strong step to keep our communities safe from illegal immigrants who have committed dangerous crimes.”

Roberts said that Oklahoma has a database that allows law enforcement to check for criminal history and immigration status. The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (OLETS) list people who are unlawfully in the U.S. and have been convicted of a crime.

The bill passed the House Public Safety Committee by an 8-5 vote and is now available to be considered on the House floor.

Rep. Sean Roberts, a Republican, serves District 36 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes Osage and Tulsa Counties.

State Senate passes bill requiring seat belts for children in back seats

Senate passes legislation requiring children to wear seat belts

The full Senate prioritized child safety on Monday with the passage of Senate Bill 1303.

Authored by Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, the measure would require any child under the age of 17 to wear a seat belt while riding in the back seat of a vehicle. Current Oklahoma law only requires children under the age of eight and passengers in the front seat to buckle up.

“Oklahoma is the only state in the entire country that doesn’t require seat belts for kids over the age of eight, and it’s no coincidence that vehicle fatalities are the number one cause of death for children eight and older here in Oklahoma,” Pederson said. “The bottom line is, children are being hurt and dying simply because we don’t require them to wear a seat belt.”

AAA reports Oklahoma ranks 50th in the nation in protecting children in car crashes.

Pederson said he decided to run the measure after speaking with Drummond Family, Career and Community Leaders of America members Danica Jordan and Destiny Hudson. Both girls lobbied for stricter seat belt requirements after experiencing firsthand the lifesaving difference a seat belt can make.

“I’m glad Danica and Destiny brought these troubling statistics to my attention,” Pederson said. “We know seat belts save lives, and it’s past time for our children to buckle up. If we want to be a Top 10 state, we need to take action to protect the safety of our children.

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, is the House author for the bill.

House Committee passes bill requiring issuance of valid state IDs to inmates upon release

Committee Advances Bill Requiring DOC, DPS to Issue Valid State IDs for Inmates Upon Release

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Public Safety Committee advanced legislation Thursday to require the Dept. of Corrections and Dept. of Public Safety to coordinate to issue valid state identification to inmates upon their release.

House Bill 1310 by Rep. Marilyn Stark (R-Bethany) would create the “Inmate ID Act of 2020.” The act would require the Oklahoma Dept. of Corrections to coordinate with the Dept. of Public Safety to provide REAL ID Noncompliant Identification Cards to all offenders who don’t have a state-issued ID prior to their release.

“The Legislature has taken important steps to aid criminal justice reform, but the changes implemented over the last few years won’t be as effective without focusing on our recidivism rate as well,” Stark said. “A lack of state ID contributes to the struggles our state’s former inmates face upon release. One of the biggest hindrances when a person is released is employment, and they need a state ID to find a job. Without a state ID, they can’t even visit a food bank.”

The Dept. of Corrections would identify inmates expected to leave custody within the next nine months and begin the process of gathering the documentation required to issue a REAL ID Noncompliant Identification Card. The ID cards would be valid for four years from the month of issuance; however, IDs issued to an inmate aged 65 or older would be valid indefinitely from the month of issuance.

The bill also stipulates that if no other form of identification is available, DPS must allow the use of a DOC-issued consolidated record card to serve as a valid identification to obtain a REAL ID Noncompliant Identification Card. Any ID issued through this process would be valid for two years from the month of issuance and would be nonrenewable.

“Inmates can easily lose track of their personal belongings while they’re imprisoned, and sometimes they need a little time after release to track down their birth certificates and other government-issued forms of identification,” Stark said. “However, the state has already identified each person in the system, so a two-year ID would go a long way toward helping an inmate after their release until they can find their original identification documents.”

Under HB1310, if an inmate needing a state-issued ID has been convicted of any offense required to register under the Sex Offenders Registration Act, their ID will be valid for one year from the month of issuance and must be renewed annually during the time they are on the Sex Offender Registry.

Although HB1310 was filed in 2019, Stark held an interim study over state IDs for inmates upon their release in November to learn more about the topic before filing language this session.

HB1310 passed the House Public Safety Committee 13-0. It is now available to be considered on the House floor.

Rep. Marilyn Stark, a Republican, serves District 100 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Bethany, Oklahoma City and Warr Acres.