Capitol Report – Legislature recessed at “call of the chair”

Posted on: 5/24/19

May is the final month of the state legislative session. The Oklahoma Constitution requires the Legislature to adjourn no later than 5 p.m., May 31. In years past, the Legislature has concluded the people’s business by the Friday before Memorial Day, a week earlier than required. The Legislature has recessed "at the call of the chair” after passing legislation, including budget bills, to the governor for action. Should the governor veto a bill the Legislature wants to become enacted, the Legislature can return to the Capitol and override the veto, which requires a two-thirds vote of both chambers.

The status of bills supported by OHA:
HB 1089, McEntire/McCortney, SHOPP, extends the sunset date of the Supplemental Hospital Offset Payment Program to Dec. 31, 2025 – Signed by governor on April 16.

HB 2285, Wright/Kidd, updates duties of the Hospital Advisory Council; Council advises the State Board of Health – Signed by governor on April 25.

HB 2334, Roberts/Quinn, creates the Maternal Mortality Review Committee – Passed Senate Health & Human Services Committee – Passed House –  to governor on May 23 .

HB 2351, Caldwell/McCortney, creates the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which provides a framework and process for multi-state medical licenses of allopathic and osteopathic physicians – Signed by governor on April 18.

SB 86, Jech/McEntire, the original legislation expands definitions of medical care providers related to aggravated assault and battery with a firearm beyond emergency care providers. The bill was changed to become a spending limits bill for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services – Enrolled to the House May 22 (see related article this issue).

SB 575, Allen/Randleman, modifies the statute for parental consent for the treatment of minors to allow for written consent for a telemedicine encounter, thereby removing a barrier for implementation of school-based telemedicine by requiring the parent to be present during the visit – Signed by governor on May 9.

SB 848, Radar/Echols, addresses the opioid epidemic while advocating for physicians to determine patient care in post-surgical situations in the prescribing of opioids. Signed by governor.

Status of bills opposed by OHA:
HB 1750, McCall/Thompson, creates the Hospital District Act. OHA has concerns, including a conflict with SHOPP – failed deadline.

SB 499, Standridge/McCall, is similar to HB 1750 – to conference committee, April 30.

HB 2041, Moore/Scott, creates new licensure of Radiologic Technologists – House author withdrew bill from consideration after SB 955 (same language) failed 9-4 in Senate Committee on Health & Human Services – failed deadline.

HJR 1017, Pfeiffer/Paxton, proposes vote of the people to change designation of Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund – failed Senate committee deadline.

(Lynne White)