Last week in the House, we adopted a resolution recognizing Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 6-12, and Victims’ Rights Day April 9.
The resolution acknowledges that all victims deserve the same rights throughout the judicial system as those afforded to those accused and convicted of crimes. Victims deserve to be treated with fairness and respect, protected from the defendant, provided reasonable opportunities to be heard at public proceedings regarding his or her case, and given a voice throughout each process of their case.
I had several visitors in my Capitol office on Wednesday who helped bring the importance of this message home to me. Visiting were Michael Oliver, a district attorney and investigator for LeFlore and Latimer Counties, Gail Hudson, a victims’ witness coordinator for LeFlore County and Stephanie Weston, a victims’ witness coordinator for Latimer County. These people have tough jobs listening to the testimonies of victims and helping assure they get justice. I appreciate all of their work on behalf of those who have suffered as the result of crimes committed against them.
Rep. Rick West stands with Michael Oliver, Gail Hudson and
Stephanie Weston outside his Capitol office.
I also received news that the Choctaw Nation, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the county sheriffs have partnered together to have inmates pick up trash in LeFlore County. This is a big deal in our area as many have complained about the trash along the roadways, and this provides an economic solution for the county.
Also last week, my two remaining House bills passed out of committees in the Senate.
House Bill 1185 would prohibit the destruction of military weapons of historic value. Instead, they are to be donated to local veterans’ organizations to be used for honor guard salutes at veterans’ funerals or to be used for parts. This bill passed in the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
House Bill 1187 would clarify that when a state employee opts out of a state-provided health insurance plan, they do not have to be covered by a group health insurance plan. This should save some money. This one passed in the Senate Business and Insurance Committee.
I hope these will get heard on the Senate floor quickly, so we can get them signed into law.
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.
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