I am honored to soon begin the First Session of the 60th Legislature. While this session presents its share of challenges, I am fully prepared to serve the citizens of our district with dedication and integrity.

Here are a few of the bills I am introducing this year:

House Bill 1989-Wind Turbine Regulation

After listening to the concerns of my constituents, I recognize the need to protect our aquifers, wildlife, and migratory patterns. Safeguarding our natural resources not only preserves our environment, but also strengthens Oklahoma’s tourism industry and protects the economic value tourism brings to our state.

House Bill 1995 – School Resource Officer Inclusion in Rape Statutes The safety of our children must be an unwavering priority. Current statutes address standards for school staff and teachers but exclude School Resource Officers (SROs) because they are contracted, not directly employed by school districts. This bill will amend the statute to include contracted SROs, ensuring all individuals in positions of authority within schools are held to the same legal standards when it comes to students under their protection.

House Bill 1991 Bail Bond Reform

This bill seeks to allow defendants with outstanding warrants arrested in another jurisdiction to post bond in the county where the warrant was issued. This reform will save local sheriffs’ offices thousands of dollars by eliminating costly and unnecessary inmate transport between counties.

House Bill 1994 Raising the Age of Consent

I am proposing to raise the age of consent from 16 to 18. Children deserve protection from exploitation, and no adult should be legally permitted to engage in sexual relationships with minors. This legislation reinforces our commitment to safeguarding Oklahoma’s youth.

House Bill 1990Felon in Possession of a Firearm

This bill will align the definition of a firearm in the context of felons in possession with existing statutes related to the use of firearms during the commission of a felony and robbery with a firearm. Consistency in legal definitions is critical to effective law enforcement and prosecution.

These are just a few of the bills I have filed this session. As your state representative, my top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens. By making Oklahoma safer, we also are making it more attractive to tourists, businesses and the four million people who call our state home.

In the meantime, if I can help you in my capacity as your representative, please do not hesitate to contact me at the Capitol. My office phone is (405) 5577375, and my email is tim.turner@okhouse. gov.

Rep. Tim Turner, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.