This year, the Legislature focused on passing legislation aimed at addressing border security and public safety across the state of Oklahoma. House Bill 4156 establishes the crime of “impermissible occupation,” which applies when someone willfully enters and remains in Oklahoma without first obtaining legal authorization to enter the United States. It also prevents cities from designating themselves as “sanctuary cities.”
By now, most of us have caught on to the serious mess at the southern border. Congress and the White House haven’t stepped up, so the states are having to deal with it. There have been more illegal crossings in just the last three years than in the past 12 years combined.
I’m all for people coming here the right way and working toward citizenship, but we’ve also got to look out for our communities. That means cracking down on violent gangs and anyone else looking to harm hardworking, law-abiding citizens.
On top of tackling border security, the Legislature passed House Bill 2914, setting up a program to help fund sheriff’s offices across Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office Funding Assistance Grant Program hands out grants between $150,000 and $300,000, depending on the county’s property value, to help cover the needs of local law enforcement.
CarterCountyreceived$300,000, Love County received $150,000 and MarshallCountyreceived$250,000. Grants can be used for sheriff office operations including training, technology, equipment, capital improvements and more. This money will help counties across the state, especially those in House District 49, to strengthen their operations. Big thanks to the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association for making sure all counties get the support they need.
I look forward to sharing more updates in the coming weeks. I’m open to hearing from everyone – the more constituents involved, the better I can do my job for House District 49.
Again, thank you for electing me to serve House 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, Love and Marshall counties.