At the Capitol, we are still in the process of hearing bills in various committees. All bills are reviewed by the floor leadership team and then assigned to a committee. The committee must hear and pass the bill before it comes to the House Floor.

House Bill 3191 passed the Public Safety Committee last week. This is a cleanup bill on the 14-year-old driver permit for young people who work or live on a farm. The original bill passed last year and took effect in November. After the bill passed, I was hit up by driver's education schools that we had left them out of the process and that they couldn't give driver's education until a young person is aged 15 1/2. This is just cleanup to allow them to start teaching driver's education to those aged 13 1/2. A permit would not be issued until the driver turns 14. There's also clarification on what a farm is. We made sure language was consistent throughout the bill.

House Bill 3194 passed the Energy & Natural Resources Committee. This bill has to do with water measuring and metering for large industrial type water wells. I'm meeting soon with Farm Bureau to explain the mechanics of this bill. I've already fielded a lot of phone calls from members and have had no major concerns voiced once I explain the purpose is to ensure we are being the best stewards of our water for future generations. In western Oklahoma, our underground aquifers are our life and livelihood.

I also am working on my House Bill 3190, the Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act. The purpose of this bill is to make sure patients have a more transparent view of their insurance benefits before they seek treatment from their doctor. I'm working with doctors and insurance companies to make sure we don't have any unintended consequences from the legislation, but we have to ensure patients know what they will be charged when they seek care. I'm encouraged by the cooperation of all involved, and I'm hopeful for an amiable solution. Good legislation comes from such collaboration.

The Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee for Natural Resources, which I chair, heard three bills last week and is set to consider seven more this week. I'll explain those in future columns.

As always, if I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. You may reach me by email at [email protected], or phone me at 405-557-7339. God bless you and the State of Oklahoma.