Legislature passes bill strengthening audit process for cities

Bill Updating Audit Process for Cities Sent to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 11th) – Legislation reforming the financial audit process for Oklahoma municipalities has received its final stamp of approval from the Oklahoma House of Representatives and has been sent to the governor's desk.

House Bill 1058, authored by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, modifies the audit requirement for municipalities with an income of at least $50,000 and a population of less than 2,500.  

Senate gives approval to measure indexing Oklahoma’s unemployment benefits

Senate gives approval to measure indexing Oklahoma’s unemployment benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 27th) – Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, won passage of House Bill 1933 from the full Senate Tuesday, moving the measure closer to becoming law.  

The legislation would index Oklahoma’s unemployment benefits, effectively ending unemployment tax increases on Oklahoma businesses. This system would adjust how the state pays unemployment compensation to a tiered system based upon the number of weekly claims. This means individuals would qualify for more weeks of benefits when the economy is performing poorly, and less weeks of benefits when the economy is strong.

Legislature passes Consumer Energy Choice Act, prohibiting local restrictions on access to energy sources

Boles Bill Allowing Competitive Energy Market Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 19th) – Legislation ensuring Oklahoma consumers have access to energy of their choice has moved to the Governor's desk after passing the Oklahoma House of Representatives 77-5.

Senate Bill 1352 creates the Consumer Energy Choice Act, which prohibits cities, towns, and counties from adopting rules that limit consumer access to energy sources.

OCPA column: Statesmen show up at Capitol

Statesmen show up at Capitol

By Jonathan Small

They say a statesman thinks of the next generation, not the next election. Oklahoma citizens owe a debt of gratitude to those statesmen who still serve in the Legislature and just gutted a self-dealing bill that would have enriched politicians while saddling Oklahoma taxpayers with greater debt.

GOP State Sen. Zack Taylor announces he will not seek reelection

Taylor announces he will not seek re-election

Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, who was first elected in 2017 to the Oklahoma House of Representatives and then to the state Senate in 2020, announced Tuesday that he would not seek re-election.

“The only constant in life is change,” Taylor said. “After prayerful consideration and discussion, my family and I have decided that it is best not to seek re-election at this time.”

During his service in the House, Taylor served as the Rules Committee chairman and worked diligently on occupational licensing reform, among other things. During his time in the Senate, he served as the vice chair of the Energy Committee, the vice chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, and on the presiding officer team.

State Senate passes bill to help job-seekers with criminal records

Senate approves occupational licensing reform

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate has given approval to Senate Bill 1691, which builds upon previously passed occupational licensing reforms and would be transformational for job-seeking Oklahomans with criminal records to seize their second chance.

The measure, authored by Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, adds to current state law on occupational licensure so a criminal record could only be grounds for license denial if the offense substantially relates to the duties and responsibilities of the occupation and poses a reasonable threat to public safety. Each licensing board would be required to consider the seriousness of the crime, amount of time that’s passed since conviction, the age of the applicant at the time the crime was committed, evidence relevant to the offense and evidence of rehabilitation.

House, Senate make appointments to Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

Pro Tem Greg Treat makes Senate appointments to Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, on Thursday announced the Senate appointments to the newly created Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR).

Previously, Treat named Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, as co-chair of the joint committee made up of members from the Senate and the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

The Senate appointments to JCAR are:

• Sen. Julie Daniels, co-chair
• Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, co-vice chair
• Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City
• Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair
• Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City
• Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow
• Sen. Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater
• Sen. John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton
• Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa
• Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond

Senate Bill 913 created the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to ensure a more transparent and thorough process before administrative rules are approved or repealed.

“The Legislature lacked an effective method to stop executive branch agencies’ encroachment on legislative authority, until now,” Treat said. “This is a monumental shift at the state Capitol, and one that is long overdue. With the creation of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, the Legislature has a powerful and effective tool to protect legislative authority and stop executive branch overreach. I am confident that Senator Daniels and the other members of JCAR will be thorough and diligent in their work to review administrative rules moving forward.”

Daniels said she is working with Senate staff on preparations for the committee’s work.

“I am honored to be named by Pro Tem Treat to co-chair the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Not only will this be an important tool to protect legislative authority and ensure the checks and balances of our system stay intact, but it will also serve to provide a transparent and open process of reviewing administrative rules before they are approved or repealed,” Daniels said.

House appoints JCAR members

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House members on the newly-created Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) will be the same members on the existing House Administrative Rules Committee, House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, announced Thursday.

Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, will serve as co-chair of the joint committee, made up of members from both legislative chambers as prescribed in legislation enacted last session. 

The House appointments to JCAR are:

• Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, co-chair
• Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, co-vice chair
• Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin
• Rep. Stan May, R-Broken Arrow
• Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond
• Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Sallisaw
• Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa
• Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman
• Rep. Wendi Stearman, R-Collinsville
• Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton

Governor Stitt signs landmark education reform bills into law

GOVERNOR STITT SIGNS MOST TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION REFORM IN STATE HISTORY INTO LAW

Legislation allows for students to attend schools that best fit their needs, modernizes funding formula to match recent enrollment

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 31, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt signed the most transformative education reform legislation in Oklahoma history into law today in a ceremony in the Blue Room at the Capitol.

House Bill 2078 and Senate Bill 783 allow for students to attend public schools that best meet their needs and modernize the funding formula to match enrollment counts more accurately.

“This is a monumental day for education reform in Oklahoma,” said Gov. Stitt. “Education is not one-size-fits-all, and these bills allow parents and students to have the freedom to attend the best public school for them regardless of their ZIP code. Additionally, modernizing the funding formula ensures funding follows the student, not the school. These reforms are vital to getting Oklahoma to be a Top Ten state in education and I am proud of this Republican legislature for its dedication to putting students first.”

“Today is a historic day for education in Oklahoma,” said Secretary of Education Ryan Walters. “We have transformed funding for every single student in the state and empowered them to choose a school that best fits their needs. These two bills will work seamlessly together to have an immediate impact on the way we educate Oklahoma’s students and I commend our state leaders for getting this across the finish line.”

HB 2078, authored by Rep. Kyle Hilbert (R-Depew) and Sen. Zack Taylor (R-Seminole), modernizes the education funding formula by basing per-pupil funding on the most recent enrollment data. The previous system gave school districts multiple enrollment figures from which to base their funding, causing some districts to receive state funds for students who are no longer enrolled.

SB 783, authored by Sen. Adam Pugh (R-Edmond), Sen. Kim David (R-Porter) and Rep. Brad Boles (R-Marlow), amends the Education Open Transfer Act to allow students the ability to transfer to another school district at any time, provided the district has space available.

Gov. Stitt signs executive order challenging Biden Admin's attack on energy production

(L to R) Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, Senate Energy Committee Vice Chair; Secretary of Energy and Environment Ken Wagner; Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, Senate Energy Committee Chair; Gov. Kevin Stitt; Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, House Energy & Natural Resources Committee Chair; Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, House Energy & Natural Resources Committee Vice Chair

GOVERNOR STITT SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO PROTECT OKLAHOMA ENERGY FROM FEDERAL OVERREACH

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 8, 2021) – Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order today to protect Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry from a Washington power grab.

Executive Order 2021-03 highlights Oklahoma’s role as an global leader in energy production as well as the state’s successful “all of the above” strategy that has reduced carbon dioxide emissions to levels below the national average while producing the most affordable energy in the United States.

The order also criticizes the Biden Administration’s attack on energy producing states like Oklahoma, specifically citing the federal overreach and dismissal of Oklahoma’s constitutional ability to properly determine how to best develop its own natural resources.

“Energy production is the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy,” said Gov. Stitt. “My executive order sends a clear message to the Biden Administration that threatening to destroy Oklahoma jobs and our constitutional ability to develop our oil and gas is unacceptable. We will not be passive in responding to systematic attacks on Oklahoma values.”

Legislation filed to bring equity to fuel tax by addressing electric vehicles

Legislation Filed to Address Long-term Transportation Infrastructure Funding

OKLAHOMA CITY –  State Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, has filed House Bill 2234, The DRIVE Act, to ensure all vehicles utilizing our state highways are contributing to the cost of maintaining this system in a fair and equitable manner. 

Joining as co-authors of the legislation are State Reps. Brian Hill, R-Mustang; Dustin Roberts, R-Durant; Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, Todd Russ, R-Cordell, Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, Nicole Miller R-Edmond; and State Sens. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole; and James Leewright, R-Bristow. 

“Currently, this infrastructure is funded largely with fuel taxes that road users pay at the gas pump,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “As more Americans transition to heavier electric, battery-powered automobiles, a greater burden is placed on our state’s fuel tax revenue, which inevitably will begin to decline. 

“This problem is not unique to Oklahoma and is one that all fifty states must address at some point in the near future. 

Bills capping traffic warrants and speeding ticket costs pass State House

Bills Capping Traffic Warrants and Speeding Ticket Costs Pass House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma motorists would receive some extra grace on traffic warrants and speeding tickets if two bills that passed in the House today make it through the Senate and are signed into law by the governor.

House Bill 2885 by State Rep. Johnny Tadlock (R-Idabel) provides that a misdemeanor traffic warrant issued on or after November 1, 2020, is to be executed and returned to the district court in which it was issued within seven years after the date of the citation if it has not yet been served. Currently there is not a uniform cap on the expiration of these warrants among the different counties. Exceptions to this are any warrants for alcohol or drug-related traffic offenses, eluding and negligent homicide. After the expiration of such time, the warrant, unless executed, is void and is to be dismissed with prejudice to any further action.

“When folks get out of prison and are ready to go back to work, they often find they have these large fines that prohibit them from getting their drivers’ licenses reinstated,” Tadlock said. “This would help these people be able to return to the work force more quickly and give them a better chance at successfully re-entering society.”

Tadlock said he worked with the District Attorney’s Council on the language of the bill.

House Bill 3284 by State Rep. Zack Taylor would remove the November 1, 2020, expiration of the reduced fine amounts for speeding between 1 and 10 miles per hour over the speed limit.

“Without the passage of this bill, speeding tickets for motorists going less than 10 miles over the speed limit would rise in price to about $277 after the sunset of this statute,” Taylor said. “This legislation would remove the sunset, keeping the price of these speeding tickets capped at $95. We want motorists to obey the law, but we also don’t want to gouge them when they are doing only a few miles over the posted speed limit.”

HB 3284 also includes some statutory clean-up language, Taylor said. 

HB 2885 passed the House with a vote of 95-1. The bill is authored in the Senate by Sen. Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle). HB 3284 passed the House with a vote of 95-0. The bill is authored in the Senate by Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville).

Both bills now move to the state Senate. 

State Rep. Johnny Tadlock represents House District 1, which includes McCurtain and part of LeFlore counties in Southeast Oklahoma. State Rep. Zack Taylor represents House District 28, which includes Seminole and part of Pottawatomie counties in central Oklahoma.

Charter School Funding, Oversight Focus of House Interim Studies

Charter School Funding, Oversight Focus of House Interim Studies

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Reps. Zack Taylor, Lundy Kiger and Randy Randleman are hosting two interim studies this week to look at several aspects of charter school funding. A third study, hosted by Kiger and Randleman, will focus on charter school sponsor oversight responsibilities.

All studies will take place Wednesday, Sept. 11, in Room 432-A in the State Capitol before the House Common Education Committee.

A study to look at brick-and-mortar charter school funding is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. A study examining the real cost per student for virtual charter schools vs. brick-and-mortar schools will be held at 9:30 a.m. The final study on charter school sponsor oversight responsibilities is set for 10:30 a.m.

State Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, will participate in the latter two studies.

“I feel strongly that charter schools – both brick-and-mortar and virtual – have a role in the learning process for some children in our state,” said Kiger, R-Poteau. “But we must have total transparency into how they receive funding per student and how that money is spent. I don’t believe they should be receiving the same amount of funding as traditional public school that have building and maintenance costs. We also must ensure the entities charged with oversight of these schools are performing due diligence and fulfilling all requirements both to the state and the students they serve.”

Kiger said he has long been concerned over issues brought forward about the operation of virtual charter schools, from unaccounted for equipment, to the high amounts received for midyear adjustments in enrollment, to the bonuses teachers and students receive for enrollment and recruitment efforts.

Taylor, R-Seminole, said he too is interested in looking at the funding formulas for both charters and traditional public schools.

“We need to closely examine how both traditional public schools and our charter schools receive funding for their pupils,” Taylor said. “There are some differences in how they count students. There also are costs that brick-and-mortar schools incur that virtual schools do not, but at the same time there are some revenues that charter schools do not receive that traditional schools do. We want to make sure at the end of the day, that the needs of all students are adequately met and that one school system is not receiving an unfair advantage over another.”

Randleman, R-Eufaula, is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist who serves on the House Common Education Committee. He said he signed on as a study author to ensure the public is better informed about how taxpayer money is spent on all public education options.

“The vast majority of Oklahoma parents choose to send their children to traditional public schools,” Randleman said. “I believe that all children and their parents deserve to have options that may serve the need of the child, such as online vs. brick-and-mortar charters. Still, we must ensure taxpayer dollars are being used in the most responsible way – to help all students.”

Sharp, a 39-year retired public school teacher and a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, was invited to participate in the latter two studies.

“Public education in Oklahoma and funding for our schools has been scrutinized over the years. While our schools have received historic funding the last two years, we’re now faced with new problems. There is an evident lack of transparency of state fund use, proper oversight and accountability within our virtual charter school system,” Sharp said. “As legislators, it’s our job to ensure that Oklahomans’ tax dollars are spent efficiently and not wasted. The rules for traditional brick-and-mortar public schools and virtual charters are different, and it’s causing confusion and problems. Given their astronomical growth and increasing state funding, it’s imperative that we improve oversight, accountability and fiscal transparency of our virtual charter schools. We need to hold all schools, regardless of what kind, to the same high standards.”

Stitt signs 'Fresh Start Act' to help non-violent offenders with employment

Gov. Signs Bill Making It Easier for Non-Violent Offenders to Find Higher Paying Jobs

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law today a bill that could help non-violent offenders with felony convictions find high-paying jobs.

House Bill 1373, by state Rep. Zack Taylor, known as “Fresh Start Act,” will allow people with felonies on their records the opportunity to still seek occupational licensing for certain professions as long as the crimes do not substantially relate to the practice of the occupation. Taylor said the bill accomplishes occupational licensure reform in conjunction with criminal justice reform.

“Our laws should encourage those non-violent offenders who have paid their debt to find work so they can be productive, provide for their families and reduce the likelihood of recidivism,” said Taylor, R-Seminole. “This bill gives those non-violent offenders hope that if they meet the qualifications for an occupational license they will have the opportunity to make a good wage and improve their lives and not be disqualified because of arbitrary language in the law.”

Current state law is vague when it comes to occupational licenses, requiring that applicants be “of good moral character or have not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.” House Bill 1373 requires the state entities charged with oversight of occupational licenses to explicitly list the specific criminal records that would disqualify an applicant, and the bill allows for denial of licensure only for a conviction of a crime that substantially relates to the practice of that occupation and poses a reasonable threat to public safety.

The bill becomes effective November 1.

"Fresh Start" bill passes House, eases workforce re-entry for some felons

Legislation Eases Licensure for Certain Professions

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, today commented on the passage of a bill that will give people with felonies on their records the opportunity to still seek occupational licensing for certain professions as long as the crimes are not violent or sexual in nature. The bill accomplishes occupational licensure reform in conjunction with criminal justice reform.

House Bill 1373, known as “Fresh Start,” passed the House by a vote of 96-2. It now moves to the state Senate.

“This allows people who have made some mistakes to still be able to re-enter the work force, to take care of themselves and their families and to contribute to their communities,” Taylor said. “This also helps reduce the chance that people who have paid their debt to society will end up back in prison.”

Taylor said his effort is aimed at helping reduce Oklahoma’s incarceration rate in a way that still protects public safety.

Current state law is vague when it comes to occupational licenses, requiring that applicants be “of good moral character or have not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.” HB 1373 requires the state entity charged with oversight of occupational licensure to explicitly list the specific criminal records that would disqualify an applicant, and allows for denial of licensure only for a conviction of a crime that substantially relates to the practice of that occupation and poses a reasonable threat to public safety.

The measure also specifies that disqualification for a criminal conviction may last for a period no longer than five years, as long as the crime is not violent or sexual in nature and there have been no convictions within that five-year period.

A similar measure passed the House last year but was not heard in the Senate.

Rep. Taylor Welcomes Lamb Support for Ethics Reform

Taylor Welcomes Lamb Support for Ethics Reform

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 30th, 2017)  – State Rep. Zack Taylor today said he welcomes Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb's support of an ethics reform bill authored by Taylor during the recent special session.

Taylor authored the bill in October after more legislators resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The bill aims to improve the ethical behavior of those who serve in the Legislature, while holding accountable those who conduct themselves dishonorably.

“I am pleased that Lieutenant Governor Lamb is joining my effort to hold lawmakers to a higher standard,” said Taylor, R-Seminole. “That people recognize the importance of accountability in individuals serving in government is encouraging for society as a whole. I look forward to continuing work on this issue in the coming legislative session, and I certainly welcome any support Lieutenant Governor Lamb can offer."

Lamb announced a plan today that would require any legislator resigning his or her seat before the end of a term to forgo any state retirement related to the office until the cost of a special election (with interest) is repaid to the state, forgoing several extenuating circumstances. Campaign funds of lawmakers resigning mid-term would be returned to the state Election Board. The plan also would require any legislator missing 40 percent or more floor votes one month or later into the regular legislative session to be expelled, again minus extenuating circumstances.

The bill filed by Taylor in October would force lawmakers found to be guilty of dishonorable conduct to forfeit their retirement benefits and remaining campaign funds, and would require new lawmakers to sign a waiver acknowledging they would forfeit these funds and benefits should they exhibit such behavior while in office.

House Bill 1067 was filed in advance of the special legislative session. While the bill was not heard during the special session, it can still be considered in the regular legislative session.

“Lawmakers who resign in disgrace should not continue to receive state benefits or be able to retain their campaign funds once found to be guilty of misconduct,” Taylor said. “The Oklahoma taxpayer deserves to be protected from the embarrassment and costs that result from these scandals. I will continue to work for passage of this measure and I welcome any and all support from other leaders in our state."

Taylor was elected by special election in May. He is serving his first term representing Oklahoma House District 28, which includes Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties. He can be reached by phone at (405) 557-7372 or via email at zack.taylor@okhouse.gov. 

Special Election: Nunley advances in HD75, Taylor holds HD28 for GOP

Results are in from today's special elections in HD28 and HD75, and it's good news for the GOP for once.

Republican Zack Taylor won the special election in HD28 to replace former Rep. Tom Newell, who resigned in early December to take a new job. Taylor received 50.48% of the vote, holding the seat for the Republican Party.

In HD75, Republican Tressa Nunley easily dispatched her three primary opponents, receiving 64.08% of the vote, and will face Democrat Karen Gaddis in the July 11th general election. This seat became vacant with the February resignation of former Rep. Dan Kirby, who left under a cloud of possible sexual harassment.

Taylor's victory in HD28 breaks a streak of GOP losses in special elections dating back to April 30th, 2015, when Democrat Kevin Matthews won the SD11 special election (no Republican filed). After that, Democrats won special elections in HD73 (no Republican filed), and rather unexpectedly HD85 and SD34.

Special Election Candidates in HD28 and HD75

With the resignations of Republican State Reps. Tom Newell (for a new job opportunity) and Dan Kirby (to avoid expulsion for behavior unbecoming of a legislator), special elections have been called for both seats, and candidate filing has closed.

HD28 Special Election

The winner-take-all primary is on Tuesday, March 7th. The Republican and Democratic victors will face the Libertarian candidate in the general election on May 9th. View a district map here.

• Steve Barnes (D-Wewoka). Raised $5650, spent $4729, $1521 on-hand as of 2/22.
• Billy Choate (R-Seminole). No finance reports filed.
• Yasminda Choate (D-Saskawa). Raised $5580, spent $4167, $1413 on-hand as of 2/28.
• Blake Cummings (D-Maud). Raised $6579 ($5000 loan), spent $5209, $1370 on-hand as of 2/23.
• Jason Leonard (D-Seminole). No finance reports filed.
• Mike Matlock (R-Prague). Raised $30598 ($20087 loan), spent $10276, $20321 on-hand as of 2/27.
• Daniel Matthews (R-Meeker). Raised $12135, spent $8051, $3834 on-hand as of 2/27. Supported by OCPAC and the State Chamber (ironically enough!).
• Cody Presley (L-Wewoka). No finance reports filed.
• Marilyn Rainwater (D-Seminole). Raised $3672, spent $310, $3363 on-hand as of 2/27. HD28 Democratic nominee in 2012 (37.2%), SD28 in 2014 (28.3%), and HD28 in 2016 (33.18%).
• Zack Taylor (R-Seminole) raised  $42814, spent $27543, $14771 on-hand as of 2/27. Supported by ex-Rep. Tom Newell and former U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn.

HD75 Special Election

The winner-take-all primary is on May 9th. The Republican and Democratic victors will face each other in the general election on July 11th. Filing for this race ended yesterday, so there's not much information out there on these candidates yet. View a district map here.

• Nik Berg (R-Broken Arrow) - age 21.
• Karen Gaddis (D-Tulsa) - age 67. Democratic nominee in 2016, got 40.44% of the general election vote.
• Tressa Nunley (R-Tulsa) - age 49. Supported by State Rep. George Faught.
• AJ Oatsvall (R-Tulsa) - age 32.
• Jamie Smith (D-Broken Arrow - age 29.
• Skip Steele (R-Tulsa) - age 67. City councilman from 2011-2014, defeated in 2014, lost re-match in 2016.