Wow, it is hard to believe it is already May.
So far this year, the governor has signed one of my bills into law, House Bill 2472. It amends current law dealing with performance-based efficiency contracts. It clarifi es that public entities may make an initial payment from any funds available. I want to thank Gov. Stitt for recognizing the importance of this bill and making it a priority.
This week the governor signed Senate Bill 613 into law, banning gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies for children under the age of 18. Penalties for violation include felony charges, license revocation, and civil actions, which a parent or guardian can file.
Last year, the governor called for a statewide ban on all irreversible gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies on minors, and the Legislature delivered.
SB 613 protects children and families from making life-changing, irreversible decisions until the child reaches some level of maturity to better understand the risks and irreversible effects of gender transition procedures. I am pleased to see this legislation signed into law as we have a fundamental responsibility to protect the safety of Oklahoman children.
Overall, this week slowed down a bit, but I expect it to pick up in the coming weeks as we continue to work on our state budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which starts July 1.
The House has second-read several bills scheduled for our Joint Committee on Appropriations & Budget. We have a record amount of about $12.6 billion to appropriate, but we still have to negotiate where this money goes, how much we’ll leave in state savings, and how much we will return to taxpayers in the form of tax relief. Over the next few weeks, the Appropriations & Budget chairs and subcommittee chairs, along with fiscal staff, will work together while negotiating with the Senate and governor’s office. Accomplishing a balanced budget is the one thing we are constitutionally required to do as a Legislature each year. I plan to keep you updated as the House works through the budget I intend to continually keep you informed of what is happening at the Capitol. It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at (405) 557-7312 or at [email protected].
Nick Archer, a Republican, serves House District 55 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian and Washita counties.
