From the Desk of Rep. John Talley, District 33
(House of Representatives, OKC) — We should know by the end of the month what interim studies the House will be hosting this summer and fall.
As you may recall from previous columns, interim studies focus on a specific topic and bring in stakeholders and experts to present information and answer legislators’ questions. We hold these meetings in the interim, which is the period when we’re not in daily session, in order to fully devote our attention to the subject matter.
Proposals were due by the end of June, and the Speaker has stated that approved interim studies should be announced by Friday, July 26.
I’ll share more information about studies that you may find particularly interesting once the list is finalized. All interim studies are open to the public, and you can always live-stream the studies on the House website.
Several of the bills the Legislature passed this year took effect on July 1.
One bill requires that all third through fifth graders be taught to read and write in cursive. Additionally, a bill that recently took effect allows incarcerated people to receive state tuition assistance or grants for in-person programs if their incarceration is within five years of ending.
A measure increasing pay for election inspectors, election judges and clerks also took effect in the new fiscal year, which began July 1. Inspectors will now make $225, up from $110. Judges and clerks will now earn $200, up from $100.
One of the most important bills we passed this year was House Bill 1955, which eliminated the 4.5% state grocery tax. This was the largest single-year tax cut in state history. Oklahomans should start seeing savings at the grocery store on August 29, which is when the bill takes effect. However, county and municipal taxes on groceries remain unaffected.
Another measure taking effect July 1 was ceremonially signed by the governor at the State Capitol this week. House Bill 3958 requires any electronic communication between an individual student and school personnel to include a parent or guardian.
I think this bill was a great idea. It was filed in response to many instances we’ve seen recently of inappropriate behavior and communications from a teacher toward an underage student, and this will help establish another avenue to protect our children. It also ensures students can be held accountable for turning in assignments because they know their parent or guardian is also receiving that message.
I want to highlight another important measure that was ceremonially signed this week, although it won’t take effect until November. House Bill 4148 ensures patients can easily find the cost of common medical procedures and aren’t surprised at their appointment with how much the procedure costs.
Nearly one in four Oklahomans has medical debt, which is the root cause of around 25% of bankruptcies in the state. HB4148 mandates compliance with federal and state law requiring price transparency in common medical procedures and services.
As always, please reach out if there’s anything I can assist with. You may contact me at 405-557-7304 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
