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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 Representative...

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 ...

By: Feliz Romero OKLAHOMA CITY - A bill recently signed into law aims to protect sexual assault victims who are married to their attackers. The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence advocated for a handful of bills this session but one bill took three years to pass. Advocates said House Bill 2666 is redefining sexual assault, stating someone can be sexually assaulted "within or without the bonds of matrimony." “Marital rape occurs, and it doesn’t always have force or violence,” said Mackenzie Masilon, the OCADVSA Legislative Liaison. She said there are a lot of reasons why peo...

State legislation aims to strengthen Oklahoma's medical marijuana regulations State lawmakers seek changes to control medical marijuana businesses and last updated 2021-04-30 10:01:34-04 TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma's medical marijuana industry is growing beyond initial expectations. In under three years, more than 10,500 businesses cropped up around the state. Nearly 400,000 Oklahomans hold medical marijuana cards. State legislators fear the cannabis consumer business is out ahead of the governing powers to enforce it. "My goals are always to make sure that consumers have a safe product, bus...

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 cour...