This week, the Oklahoma Legislature convened in a joint session to remember the 30th anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City.
My constituents Billy and Joyce Cleveland, from Whitefield, lost their daughter Pamela Argo on that terrible day – April 19, 1995. Pamela was one of the 168 killed in what is considered the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in United States History.
My heart goes out to the Clevelands and to all the families that lost loved ones that day. May their memories never fade.
On the House floor we adopted House Concurrent Resolution 1010 to remember those lost and all those who helped in the recovery efforts, but also to help us chart a path toward hope for a better future for all Oklahomans.
Also this week, I got to recognize the 2025 Oklahoma State Champion Auctioneer, Jacob Burley, of Checotah. He was joined by many friends and family members and by members of the Oklahoma Auctioneer Association, which selected him from among their ranks.
Auctioneering is not just about selling items. It’s about engaging and entertaining an audience, and it takes quite a lot of skill. We had a bit of fun with Jacob while he was with us in the House and auctioned off one of our members with the suggestion that the winning bid go to charity.
On the legislative front, I had to vote no on Senate Bill 675. This would have allowed the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems Division to share vehicle owner registration information with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to help them collect outstanding tolls.
I believe everyone should pay the toll if they choose to drive on a toll road, but I do not believe we should use a law enforcement system to share data with a nonlaw enforcement agency.
Senate Bill 599 was amended before being heard in the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee. The amendment would give a greater range of punishment for any person convicted of inappropriately touching a child under the age of 12. Instead of the 25-year term now in statute, they could face a term of not less than 10 years, but this adds life or life without parole or even death. This came after working with the District Attorneys Council as they wanted jurors to have a wider sentencing range. Personally, I think anyone convicted of the acts described in this section of law should face the death penalty, but I want to at least assure they get some punishment.
Back home in the district, I’m working to secure answers on the methane gas conversion plant in east Keota. I believe that Highway 9 is not wide enough and will be working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to get answers. I also am working to make sure that we have the water capacity to handle this project.
Remember, 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) 557-7375, 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.
