It was a short week at the state Capitol with legislators working two days before adjourning for spring break. With the next major committee deadline on Thursday, March 24, OKFB expects things to be in full-swing after the break.
The Oklahoma Youth Expo Legislative Showmanship competition – held Tuesday, March 15 – highlighted the shortened work week. More than 100 legislators gathered at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City to experience livestock showing firsthand, guided by young showmen from their home districts. The legislative show gives state lawmakers the opportunity to connect with Oklahoma’s agriculture youth through an immersive, hands-on experience.
A few notable bills did see some movement before the early adjournment, including SB 1624 by Sen. Adam Pugh. This bill would move jurisdiction of the school lunch program from the Oklahoma State Department of Education to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 30-14 and moves to the House for consideration.
HB 2179 by Rep. Scott Fetgatter would implement a tiered licensing structure for medical marijuana grow operations based on the type of facility. Changes to licensing fees would also be made based on the facility’s square footage. HB 2179 passed the House and is headed to the Senate.
HB 4281 by Rep. Chris Sneed would allow any person to use enhanced night vision equipment to hunt coyotes but prevents using a vehicle-mounted spotlight or other powerful light at night. It passed the House with an 85-1 vote and now moves on to the Senate.
For an update on weekly happenings at the Capitol and an outlook on what is ahead, be sure to tune in to Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Weekly public policy update each Friday at noon via Zoom.
