The first session of the 60th Legislature has adjourned. We’ll soon begin work on interim studies and preparing for the next year’s budget as well as planning legislation for next year.
This week, I was able to recognize Webbers Falls Police Officer Jimmie Reed in the House. On her second day on the job, Reed was shot in the face during a traffic stop. Her quick thinking and ability to maintain composure under pressure were crucial. Despite her injuries, she was able to provide essential information about the situation. Her courage and obvious good training helped lead to an arrest in this incident. As someone who has served in law enforcement for a long time, I know he aftermath of such traumatic incidents often involves not just physical but also psychological recovery. Officer Reed’s determination to continue serving Webbers Falls and her quick return to work reflects her strong character and dedication to her profession.
This week ended with the House and Senate overriding a number of bills vetoed by the governor. Two of those will help rural Oklahomans access needed healthcare.
House Bill 2298 allows a qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) to apply to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for the authority to prescribe and order certain medications independent of supervision. In rural areas it’s sometimes hard to find qualified supervising physicians. Patients will now be able to get routine prescriptions from these advanced nurses.
House Bill 2584 is similar in that it allows physicians assistants with more than 6,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience to practice independently of physician supervision.
We also over-road the governor’s veto on a bill that would make Oklahoma DUI laws stricter, protecting Oklahomans.
Senate Bill 54 will expand penalties and mandatory sentencing requirements for individuals convicted of driving under the influence, particularly in aggravated cases or for repeat offenses.
As far as our overall legislative session goes, I was extremely blessed to be able to accomplish some positive things for House District 15 and the state during my first term in office.
We raised the age of consent to 18 with a Romeo and Juliet clause to protect our youth from grooming and sexual predators.
We passed a bill to allow for electric generation behind the meter for large manufacturing companies, making Oklahoma more business friendly.
We passed a quarter- percent income tax cut for all Oklahomans with those in the lowest bracket paying zero starting in tax year 2026. We also established a path to zero once certain revenue factors are met in future years. We simplified how motor vehicle excise tax is determined for a vehicle purchase. This will save taxpayers some additional money.
We increased public education dollars to ensure our kids are getting the best education possible.
A few bills didn’t reach the finish line this year, but I will continue working on these to find solutions.
While I may not be at the Capitol each week, I promise I am continuing to work for the improvement of our district and state.
Remember, if I can help you in my capacity as your representative, please do not hesitate to contact me. My office phone is (405) 557-7375, and my email is tim.turner@okhouse. gov.
