As a new member of the Oklahoma Legislature, I participated in many firsts this past week.
Feb. 3 was the start of my first legislative session. I got to hear my first State of the State Address by the governor from a seat on the House floor. I passed my first bill in committee. I signed onto my first House Resolution. It was quite a week. I’m so honored to be serving in this body and to have the trust of those who elected me to this position.
The first day of session is always devoted to allowing the governor time to deliver his State of the State address. He outlined several priorities for the year – looking to try to decrease the state income tax, making the state the national leader in business, safeguarding the state’s savings accounts, defending the Oklahoma way of life.
I and many fellow legislators agree with the governor on quite a bit. We want Oklahoma taxpayers to keep as much of their hard-earned income as possible while remaining prepared for any potential economic downturn. I’m also excited about the focus on finding savings with the Oklahoma version of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). I truly believe we can make Oklahoma great for ourselves and for future generations!
Now that session has started, we’ve had a number of committee meetings already and many more are scheduled.
I passed my first bill in the House Public Safety Committee. House Bill 1993 would change the law enforcement pursuit statute to allow red and blue lights, flashing blue and white lights or any combination of the three colors emitting from the front of a law enforcement vehicle. Right now, other state vehicles and wreckers are allowed to display red and blue lights in an emergency. Law enforcement across the state is asking to be able to differentiate. Under current law, if a law enforcement vehicle doesn’t have at least one red light emitting from the front of the vehicle, it is not in compliance with the pursuit statute. This would match what other states have done.
The bill passed unanimously and now is eligible to be considered by the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight.
Also this past week, we observed Rose Day at the Capitol. Each year, hundreds of people from across the state deliver roses to their elected state officials. Each rose symbolizes an unborn child. The House adopted a resolution to recognize the sanctity of life beginning at conception. I signed on as a co-author alongside many of my colleagues.
Now, I’m ready for week 2.
Remember, if I can help you in my capacity as your representative, please do not hesitate to contact me at the Capitol. My office phone is (405) 557-7375, and my email is tim.turner@okhouse.gov.
Rep. Tim Turner, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.
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