The legislative process should be thorough and deliberate to ensure the best outcomes for our state. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure that every piece of legislation is carefully considered before becoming law. That’s why the committee process is so important—it allows us to thoroughly examine proposed policies, hear from experts and stakeholders, and determine whether a bill is necessary and beneficial for Oklahomans.

We have now entered the Oversight Committee process. Bills that were heard and passed in their initial committees will be reviewed once again—where they may be examined further, questioned, debated and put to another vote. The oversight process is an essential step in refining legislation. Once bills move through their initial hearings, we transition into evaluating their broader impact. Oversight committees take a deeper look at policies, ensuring they align with our state’s needs and do not create unintended consequences.

As vice chair of the Government Oversight Committee and the Conference Committee on Government Oversight, I am committed to making sure our laws are effective and serve their intended purpose.

Several of my bills have advanced through their initial committees and have advanced to various oversight committees.

House Bill 1261, the Wrecker Licensing Reform Act, has passed the Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Subcommittee and now moves to the full committee for further consideration. HB1261 would transform and streamline our state’s wrecker regulations by providing better oversight and quicker response times to changes in the industry. Senator Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, has signed on as the principal Senate author.

Similarly, House Bill 1367, which would set training, recordkeeping and policy standards for alcohol-licensed establishments, protecting compliant businesses from liability while outlining violation procedures., has passed the Alcohol and Controlled Substances Committee and is moving forward with Senate support as Senator Brent Howard, R-Altus, has signed on as the principal Senate author.

As my bills move through the Oversight Committee process, we should remember that the legislative process should be deliberate and rigorous. Laws affect the lives of every Oklahoman, and we, as legislators, must ensure they are well-crafted and truly necessary. Through diligent oversight, we can refine policies that serve the best interests of our state.

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. My email address is neil.hays@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7302. I am proud to represent you at the State Capitol!

Neil Hays serves District 13 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of McIntosh, Muskogee and Wagoner counties.