| Senate Joint Resolution 63
Summary: This resolution authorizes the leaders of the state House and Senate to sue the federal government over the health care reform bill.
Vote: Passed House 63-19; passed Senate 29-17.
Our take: It's interesting how legislators rail against "frivolous" lawsuits and then prepare to spend millions in taxpayer money suing the government or setting up the state to be sued. Having principles is laudable; so is knowing when a fight is too costly and/or unwinnable. Regardless of how you feel about health-care reform, this lawsuit is unnecessary. Filing an amicus brief would have been sufficient. All it will take is for one state to prevail, although we still believe this is an unlikely outcome. But, hey, it's an election year, and Obama-bashing is obviously good politics. This bill came about after Gov. Brad Henry vetoed a resolution that would have allowed Oklahomans to "opt out" of health care reform. This resolution didn't require the governor's signature.
House Bill 2331
Summary: This bill allows law enforcement officers to impound vehicles of uninsured drivers.
Vote: Passed House 93-3; passed Senate 41-4.
Our take: We've said before that insurance laws need to be better-enforced. We just hope that the instant verification system is up-to-date and accurate so people with insurance don't have their cars impounded. Having said that, this bill is a step in the right direction in a state in which 24 percent of drivers are uninsured, according to a study by the Insurance Research Council.
Next step: Awaits governor's action.
House Bill 3029
Summary: This bill lifts a number of mandates on schools for two years, including eliminating penalties for not meeting class-size requirements, and delaying textbook adoption.
Vote: Passed House 64-36; passed Senate 39-7.
Our take: House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, said the legislation allows school districts to spend more money on academics during a fiscal shortfall. Several legislators said they were concerned about a two-year moratorium on applications for National Board certification for teachers and whether standards that the Legislature previously approved would be brought back in two years. Times are tough for schools. We hope that this bill saves teachers' jobs. If it doesn't, it will have been misrepresented.
Next step: Awaits governor's action.
Senate Bill 1862
Summary: This bill expands the number of potential charter schools.
Vote: Passed House 67-28; passed Senate 33-14; governor signed.
Our take: Charter schools can be a good thing, but they're not a cure-all for the education system. Some are excellent, some are average and some are lacking - just like the public schools they operate alongside. Another bill Gov. Brad Henry signed, HB 2753, also expands potential charter school sponsors to include districts with sites on the school improvement list.
Senate Bill 2180
Summary: This bill requires roofers to be licensed and carry liability insurance.
Vote: Passed House 83-4; passed Senate 43-0.
Our take: After the recent tornadoes and hail storms, Attorney General Drew Edmondson warned Oklahomans about the shoddy, fly-by-night home-repair companies that spring up after devastating weather. Licensing is a step toward ensuring that Oklahoma homeowners aren't cheated by disreputable roofers and have a recourse if something goes wrong.
Next step: Awaits governor's action.
House Bill 1888
Summary: A carryover from 2009, this bill allows local governments to raise money for ambulance services.
Vote: Passed House 91-2; passed Senate 45-0.
Our take: Rural ambulance services are continuing to fold, a situation that is made worse by the duty to respond to calls within their territory and the number of patients who can't pay or are on Medicaid. No one likes taxes or additional fees, but ensuring an ambulance is available when needed is of the utmost importance. The carrot in this bill is the ability to raise funds; the stick is lifting the duty to respond to counties that haven't submitted emergency services plans. This seems like a fair compromise.
Next step: Awaits governor's action. |
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