By Rep. RICK WEST
I took part in the 22nd Annual Legislative & Celebrity Showmanship Contest at the Oklahoma Youth Expo last week at the State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
Read more: Oklahoma Youth ExpoThis event pairs a lawmaker or other statewide dignitary with a youth participant to show either cattle, swine, goats or sheep. I showed a swine raised by Sawyer Robinson who’s a member of Heavener 4-H.
OYE is open to all students from across the state enrolled in 4-H or FFA. It’s recognized as the world’s largest junior livestock show, and it raises millions that go toward scholarships for youth pursuing studies in agriculture.
The week was a short one in the House because of Spring Break, but we did hear 29 measures on the House floor.
I passed my grandpa bill. House Bill 2967 would allow legal guardians and grandparents to be exempt from paying vehicle excise tax on the transfer of vehicle ownership to a child or grandchild. I got a hug from a woman back home in the district who said she was thankful this bill passed the House. Still has to pass the Senate, but there’s hope.
I also supported several other measures that passed during the week.
House Bill 2936 would prohibit anyone convicted of a crime against a child from being able to adopt a child or from making an agreement with a surrogate to carry a child for them.
House Bill 3369 would update the fire code for food trucks. All mobile food vendors who produce smoke or grease-laden vapors currently are required to install an automatic fire suppression system. This requirement has caused many vendors across the state to close their businesses. The option provided in this legislation would allow for an equivalent alternative of two Class K–rated portable fire extinguishers in lieu of an automatic fire suppression system.
Previously passed was House Bill 4280, which would increase the funding ceiling for the Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety (ROADS) Fund by $10 million beginning in fiscal year 2027, raising the annual cap to $670 million. The ROADS Fund provides dedicated state funding for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s eight-year Construction Work Plan, which schedules highway and bridge projects across the state.
Also previously passed was House Bill 2937, which would allow the carrying of a firearm on a vessel on a public lake or waterway.
On a final note, I was pleased to receive notice that I was one of 50 members of the Oklahoma Legislature to be recognized by the Christian Employers Alliance (CEA) because my voting record most aligned with biblical principles as measured by the Biblical Business Index (BBI).
Remember to listen to my Capitol update on the radio at 7:35 a.m. every Thursday on KPRV.
As always, if I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
