Last Monday, the Legislative Showmanship was held at the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Legislators from every corner of the state joined Oklahoma’s future farmers and ranchers for the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the world’s largest junior livestock show. It was an excellent opportunity to meet with the future agriculture industry leaders.
This annual event hosts over 7,000 FFA and 4-H members and more than 13,000 heads of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and ag mechanics. OYE awards nearly $2 million to exhibitors and more than $300,000 in academic scholarships. Ithasa$25millioneconomicimpact on the Oklahoma City economy.
I want to thank Emily Arnold, a part of the Madill FFA chapter, for coaching me and allowing me to show her sheep. Agriculture education programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America create opportunities for Oklahoma’s youth to build life skills and grow students into dedicated, committed young adults who appreciate the value of hard work and determination.
This week, Senate Bills will be first- and second-read and assigned to House committees, and the same will happen to our bills in the Senate.
We’llhaveuntilApril8toadvance bills from our Appropriations & Budget subcommittees, until April 12 to pass them in regular standing committees, and until April 19 to pass them in our full A&B Committee. April 25 is the third-reading deadline for bills from the opposite chamber.
I am particularly excited about two Senate Bills I have authored: Senate Bill 1627 and Senate Bill 1948.
SB1627 allows insurance policy cancellation notices to be sent electronically only if the recipient consented to such a delivery method and the insurer complies with the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. It aims to modernize insurance practices by allowing electronic delivery of policy cancellation notices, aligning with the evolving digital landscape, and enhancing efficiency.
The next bill, SB1948, allows county commissioners to choose new vendors instead of purchasing agents when previous ones cannot perform. The bill also exempts professional services from county purchasingproceduresandremoves references to IT and telecom goods.
I’ll keep everyone updated on these bills in the coming weeks.In response to the pressing issue of border security, House Bill 3071 has been proposed as a preemptive measure to deter illegal entry into Oklahoma. It would prohibit state revenue from being used to provide benefits to illegal immigrants unless the costs are related to education, jailing, or transporting an illegal immigrant to an out-ofstate destination.
HB3071 would apply to all state agencies, public or private entities, meaning they must enact policies to ensure compliance or risk losing funding through state taxes. It’s important to remember this legislation does not prohibit providing services to illegal individuals. However, if someone offers these services knowingly, they would not qualify for state tax appropriation.
Again, thank you for electing me to serve District 49. It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-557-7383 or josh. cantrell@okhouse.gov.
Rep.JoshCantrell,aRepublican, serves District 49 Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Carter,LoveandMarshallcounties.