Thesecondweekofthelegislative session was a continuation of bills being heard in various House committees. I presented several of my own during the week, even as we worked during severe winter weather.
Here’s a look at what passed.
House Bill 1663 would permit counties the option to conduct a yearly online resale auction of any real estate or other property for those delinquent in their taxes instead of the annual in-person auctions that currently occur each June at county courthouses. We already allow online auctions for other public entities, this just modernizes the way we do this. This bill passed unanimously in theHouseAppropriations&Budget Finance Subcommittee and now moves to the full A&B Committee.
Two bills passed the House CountyandMunicipalGovernment Committee and now move to the Committee on Government Oversight.
House Bill 1664 is a two-part bill. The first part would allow county commissioners to attend trainings or other such events or to meet with legislators while being in the same room together without this being considered a violation of the OpenMeetingsAct.Votesoncounty business would still have to be conductedinopenmeetings.Thebill also would allow the Independent Living Council to conduct virtual meetings. Several of this group’s membersfromacrossthestatehave mobility issues. This would remove an undue travel burden for them.
House Bill 1665 is a request by the Association of County Commissionersthatwouldallowan increaseinthemaximumamountof pay county officials can make. Last year, we increased the maximum amount county sheriffs can make, and this would match that for the remaining county officials. This is voluntary based on a county’s ability to pay the increases. This is not asking for an increase in state funding. County officials would not be able to vote for their own pay raise only toward those who might hold the office in the future.
Anotherbillpassedunanimously in the House Utilities Committee and now moves to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Oversight.
House Bill 1666 would solve a problem inadvertently created for counties regarding grading existing roads. In 2017, it was put into law that counties had to create an excavation ticket and then wait 72 hours before grading or doing other routinemaintenance.Thiswouldfix that so they could do routine work as long as they don’t change the existing road grade or ditch flow line. They would only have to wait for permitting if they are doing a major overhaul project.
Also this week, we had Chamber Day at the Capitol. Chambers of Commerce from across the state visited and set up booths showing off what their communities have to offer in terms of business, recreation and other attractions. I was glad to see representatives from the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce in attendance.
Remember, if I can help you with anything, please do not hesitate to reach out: (405) 557-7383 or Josh. Cantrell@OKHouse.gov.
Josh Cantrell serves District 49 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Love County and parts of Carter and Marshall counties.