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)