There are three full weeks left in the 2021 legislative session in Oklahoma, which has been jam-packed and controversial.But the most important part of the session is not done just yet. Publicly, things have slowed down at the state Capitol, but that s as lawmakers behind the scenes are in budget negotiations to finalize the massive state budget from 2022.A few big points have emerged on that as the clock ticks towards sine die, which is a formal way of saying pencils down. The state constitution requires lawmakers to wrap things up by 5 p.m. May 28. By then, the House of Representatives, the Senate and the governor have to come to an agreement on the budget.In February, Gov. Kevin Stitt proposed an $8.3 billion state budget, with a $300 million deposit to savings – a conservative plan as the state digs itself out of the coronavirus slump.It s all expected to be smoother sailing than last year when the session was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Stitt vetoed the budget, an
Oklahoma Bill Creating Framework for Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Signed by Governor May 10, 2021
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed into law a bill that sets up a regulatory framework for peer-to-peer car sharing.
Senate Bill 355, authored by Sen. Paul Rosino R-Oklahoma City, Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, and House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, was supported unanimously by both chambers. It will take effect Nov. 1, 2021.
“Peer-to-peer car sharing can be compared to someone renting their home or apartment through Airbnb. Owners list their vehicles on a platform so they can lease them for extra money,” Rosino said in a media release. “SB 355 creates the regulatory framework, addressing important issues like liability, while empowering Oklahomans who want to make extra money by sharing their vehicles.”
Oklahoman
Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed bills to limit abortions in Oklahoma, make the state a Second Amendment Sanctuary and prevent the government from closing places of worship during emergency situations.
The bills were hotly debated in Oklahoma s Republican-led Legislature, but had widespread support among GOP legislators.
Here s a look at some of the legislation the governor signed Monday.
New anti-abortion laws could be challenged
Stitt signed three bills that seek to limit the number of abortions performed in Oklahoma.
One or more of the laws is likely to result in a court challenge because critics have said the measures interfere with a woman s constitutional right to seek an abortion.
Oklahoman
After some Oklahoma City voters waited two or more hours to cast early ballots in November, Oklahoma lawmakers are looking to extend the state’s early-voting period.
State legislators have advanced a bill to add a fourth in-person early voting day in presidential election years.
The proposal would allow for early voting, also known as absentee in-person, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Wednesday before the election in addition to the current early voting days on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday prior to the election.
House Bill 2663 by House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols and Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David cleared the Oklahoma House last week and advances to the Senate.
Open Meeting Act: Gov. Stitt signs first bill of 2021 legislative session into law
The Shawnee News-Star
Governor Kevin Stitt on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 1031 into law, his first bill of the 2021 legislative session, reinstating temporary modifications to the Open Meeting Act allowing for virtual public meetings.
“I want to thank Pro Tem Treat, Speaker McCall and the Legislature for getting this across the finish line to my desk,” said Gov. Stitt. “We’ve all heard from constituents, state agencies, local school boards and other public bodies requesting this, and I’m pleased we were able to deliver so quickly.”
SB 1031, authored by Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City) and House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols (R-Oklahoma City), reinstates the same exemptions to the Open Meeting Act that were signed into law in 2020 with some minor changes, including requiring public bodies to post documents or materials online that are provided to participants of