State Representative Tim Turner (R-Kinta)
By Rep. Tim Turner
Members of the 60th Legislature were welcomed back to the Capitol on Feb. 2 for the start of our Second Regular Session.
First, we listened to the governor’s annual State of the State address, and then we got down to work hearing numerous bills in various House policy committees.
I’m focusing on several law and order reforms again this year. My biggest effort will be behind legislation I’m calling “double the time, double the fine.”
House Bill 3764 would enhance penalties for anyone convicted of a felony offense while acting on behalf of or supporting a known foreign terrorist organization as defined by the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.
Enhanced punishment would include twice the maximum prison sentence and twice the maximum fine that could have been imposed for a first conviction for the underlying felony offense. These would apply in addition to, not in place of, any mandatory minimum sentence applicable to the underlying offense.
The state would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant, at the time of the offense, was a member of, acting at the direction of, knowingly provided material support to or knowingly associated with in furtherance of the objectives of the designated foreign terrorist organization.
Another measure, House Bill 3765, would create felony punishments for any alien or person who is not a citizen of the United States who has unlawfully acquired title to or owns land in this state either directly or indirectly through a business entity, trust or foreign government enterprise, and who uses such land to commit a felony offense in violation of state law. Upon conviction, the felony would be punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed two years, or by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both. In addition, all property seized would be subject to forfeiture.
Another topic of great interest to me is the Oklahoma Secondary School Activity Association (OSSAA). In his State of the State speech, the governor called for the dismantling of this unelected high school sports association. The governor made the point that we’ve implemented open transfer policies in our state allowing students to go to the school of their choice. Their athletic opportunities may be blocked, however, by OSSAA eligibility rules. I held an interim study on this issue and will be very interested to see what advances.
There will be thousands of bills to consider this year. It will be a very busy session.
As always, serving you is a privilege, not a guarantee. I and my family are proud to have this opportunity. 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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