May 8 was the deadline for hearing Senate bills in the House and for the Senate to finish third reading of House bills.
Measures amended in opposite chamber now have to return to their chamber of origin for final consideration. If amendments are accepted, the bills move to the governor for his consideration of signing them into law. If amendments are rejected, the author can request conference committeetotrytoreachagreement on final language. Bills rejected in conference committee die. Those on which agreement is reached can return to each legislative chamber for a final vote.
The governor has already signed several bills into law and vetoed a few.
This week in the House, I passed a few remaining bills on which I’m the Senate author.
Senate Bill 694 specifies that a territory attached to a municipality shall not be detached if it includes an intervening strip less than 66 feet wide without the consent of the political subdivision tasked with taking care of it. An example would be a bar ditch that a municipality has been taking care of. They can’t detach the territory with the intention of letting the county or the state take care of it without the consent of the county or the state.
This bill has been sent to the governor.
Senate Bill 1039 deals with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority’s licensing process. This bill is still a work in progress, so we struck the title. This now returns to Senate where we will continue to work on it through our conference committee process.
Also this week, the FFA Choir performedinboththeHouseandthe Senate. This is a group of incredibly talented young people, and it was fun to have them sing during the middle of a very long week.
Monday, various Main Street organizations visited the Capitol. It was good to see members from the Ardmore Main Street there showing off some of their businesses and attractions.
Just a reminder to those who want to get one, the deadline for enforcement of REAL ID was May 7. This enhanced ID will be necessary totraveloncommercialairlines or to enter federal buildings or military bases. Oklahomans may still apply for a REAL ID or they can still obtain a non-REAL ID driver’s license or state ID. Service Oklahomalocationsthroughoutthe state are offering increased hours to try to accommodate the number of people seeking the new ID.
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.