Alva Review-Courier -

This is the time in the legislative session when bills are being heard by committees in their opposite chamber – House bills in the Senate committees and vice versa. Once bills pass through committee, they are eligible to be considered by the full chamber. Next week, work on the floor of the House will pick up as the entire body of representatives begins considering these measures.

I presented the following Senate bills in committee with all passing to be heard on the floor. I just wanted to present these summaries to keep you up to date.

Senate Bill 870 was given unanimous approval in the House Rules Committee. This bill will allow public and private partnerships under the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to allow county workers to come onto private land with the permission of the private landowner to fight wildfires or make preventative fire breaks. This will help protect property for our landowners, and it will save the state money on fire services before blazes burn out of control.

Senate Bill 189 will allow two semi-tractor trailers to drive in tandem in a practice called platooning only on interstate highways or toll roads. This practice allows the trucks to drive at a closer-than-normal range with the lead truck being in charge of speed and braking but with the second truck being able to desynchronize in seconds should the need arise. This has proven to save on fuel costs and create efficiencies in product shipment, while maintaining optimum safety. The legislation limits the practice to two semis only and would only apply to newer vehicles that have been fitted with the technology needed to ensure safety. There have been no documented accidents from this practice in the 19 others states where this is allowed. The bill passed unanimously in the House Public Safety Committee.

Senate Bill 347 increases the amount of fuel a Class A CDL driver can transport in farm-use only vehicles, such as custom harvesters, farm use and farm supply associated businesses. Currently, only 119 gallons of fuel are allowed. Many of the newer tractors and combines have tanks capable of holding between 300 to 500 gallons. Currently, the driver of any trailer or truck holding over the 119 gallons has to have a Hazmat certification. This bill also won unanimous approval in the Public Safety Committee.

I expect these bills to be presented in the House chamber in the next two weeks. This next week I will present an additional five bills in committee. I will discuss those after their approval by the appropriate House committee.

Also this week in the House, the Senate, the governor, and lieutenant governor met in joint session to recognize past and present Oklahoma military veterans. These men and women sacrificed on behalf of all of us to secure our freedom. They were willing to pay the ultimate price of giving their lives if necessary in our nation’s defense. It was an honor to be able to recognize and thank them for their service.

Thank you for allowing me to represent northwest Oklahoma. I hope you have a great week. If you have questions or need to contact me, please call my office at 404-557-7339 or email me at [email protected]. May God bless you and our great state.