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News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Okla. State Senate: Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus Reacts to Signing of HB 4156
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 1 -- The Oklahoma State Senate issued the following news release:
Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus said they were disappointed and deeply concerned after hearing that the governor had signed House Bill 4156 into law. Sen. Michael Brooks is chair of the caucus.
"Over the past two weeks, many Oklahomans have felt anxious about HB 4156," said Brooks, D-Oklahoma City. "Our caucus has done our best to quell fear and address questions at various town hall meetings from Oklahoma City to Tulsa. It has been abundantly clear that folks across the state understand
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 1 -- The Oklahoma State Senate issued the following news release:
Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus said they were disappointed and deeply concerned after hearing that the governor had signed House Bill 4156 into law. Sen. Michael Brooks is chair of the caucus.
"Over the past two weeks, many Oklahomans have felt anxious about HB 4156," said Brooks, D-Oklahoma City. "Our caucus has done our best to quell fear and address questions at various town hall meetings from Oklahoma City to Tulsa. It has been abundantly clear that folks across the state understandwhat is at stake -- profound loss of revenue and workforce, strain on law enforcement, and expensive legal challenges. We have said from the very beginning that there are common sense policy solutions that we should be discussing, and I am disappointed that the governor chose not to revisit that conversation."
Since the day that the Legislature sent the bill to the governor's desk, his office has been contacted by many Oklahomans who wished to register their thoughts on HB 4156.
"I was definitely one of them," said Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City. "In addition to issuing public statements and speaking at town halls, I was glad to write a letter to the governor, and I am very grateful to everyone else who did. Thousands of Oklahomans poured out their hearts in emails, phone calls, letters and in person, urging for a better policy solution. This is an opportunity that has been missed."
Despite the bill becoming law, members of the Latino Caucus still advocate going back to the drawing board and creating a more comprehensive and fair policy initiative.
"While the issue of immigration remains largely a federal-level issue, there were things we could do on the state level to secure Oklahoma's future," said Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman. "The Legislature has the resources, the will, and the intelligence to create good and lasting policy, which HB 4156 is not. As a result of this bill becoming law, a lot of good, hard-working people will leave Oklahoma."
Because there was an emergency clause in the bill's language, it became effective when the governor signed it.
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Original text here: https://oksenate.gov/press-releases/oklahoma-legislative-latino-caucus-reacts-signing-hb-4156?back=/press-releases
Okla. Senate Pro Tem Treat Comments on House Naming Senate Bill 2035 'Mason Treat Act' to Honor His Son
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 1 -- The Oklahoma State Senate issued the following statement on April 29, 2024, by Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City:
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Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today released the following statement after the Senate accepted a House amendment to his car tag legislation to name it in honor of his son, Mason, after his near-deadly car accident.
The House author of Senate Bill 2035, Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, amended the bill to rename it the Mason Treat Act of 2024. It passed off the Senate floor 43-0.
Mason was driving legally on the morning
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 1 -- The Oklahoma State Senate issued the following statement on April 29, 2024, by Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City:
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Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today released the following statement after the Senate accepted a House amendment to his car tag legislation to name it in honor of his son, Mason, after his near-deadly car accident.
The House author of Senate Bill 2035, Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, amended the bill to rename it the Mason Treat Act of 2024. It passed off the Senate floor 43-0.
Mason was driving legally on the morningof January 5 but did not have a car tag because current state law requires a private seller of a vehicle to retain possession of the physical car tag. While he was pulled over, the driver of a commercial pickup truck hauling a trailer full of steel fell asleep and veered off the road and slammed into the back of his car, severely injuring him and the deputy sheriff who had pulled him over.
"Representative Kyle Hilbert has been a terrific House author," Pro Tem Treat said. "He's been honest, forthcoming, creative, helpful and kind. I want to publicly thank him for his professionalism and friendship. My family is forever grateful for him and many other people's work on this and for his thoughtful gesture to honor Mason by naming the bill after him. January 5, 2024, is a day that my wife Maressa and I will never forget, and Mason will likely never remember. Mason has been a picture of amazing strength, perseverance and God's grace. He is a source of motivation for the rest of our family. I ask for everyone's continued prayers for complete recovery for Mason and for Deputy Jose Tayahua-Mendoza."
Pro Tem Treat's son Mason spent 20 days in the hospital recovering from his injuries. He continues his recovery at home and in various physical therapy sessions.
Provisions of Senate Bill 2035 include:
* Provide a method for dealers to electronically enter required purchaser information for each vehicle purchase and submit information to Service Oklahoma within 48 hours.
* Dealers and private sellers, alike, must also complete the pre-registration of the vehicle by submitting documentation online or in-person to Service Oklahoma or a licensed operator identifying the vehicle within two-days of the purchase.
* Individuals purchasing a motor vehicle in a private sell can also print a temporary tag to place on their vehicle after proper documentation is submitted to Service Oklahoma.
* Unifies deadlines that were previously disjointed providing clarity for citizens and law enforcement. Regardless of the type of transaction - all temporary tags will be good for only 10 days (provided by the dealership or printed at home is a private sell).
* All individuals will get a metal plate within 10 days (or earlier if they choose).
* After proper information is submitted to Service Oklahoma, data will be shared with law enforcement and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
* All deadlines to get registration completed and taxes paid will be two months from date of purchase.
* Tribal tags will not be impacted by the law change.
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Original text here: https://oksenate.gov/press-releases/pro-tem-treat-comments-house-naming-senate-bill-2035-mason-treat-act-honor-his-son?back=/press-releases
N.H. House Majority Leader Osborne: Democrats Continue Fight Against Education Choice
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 1 -- The New Hampshire House Republicans issued the following statement on April 29, 2024, by House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Auburn:
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House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn) released the following statement after the House Republicans successfully blocked passage of HB1650, relative to the approval of alternative programs for granting credit leading to graduation, and HB1654, relative to review of education freedom account service providers.
"Another day, another Democratic attempt to dismantle the wildly successful Education Freedom Account program
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 1 -- The New Hampshire House Republicans issued the following statement on April 29, 2024, by House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Auburn:
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House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn) released the following statement after the House Republicans successfully blocked passage of HB1650, relative to the approval of alternative programs for granting credit leading to graduation, and HB1654, relative to review of education freedom account service providers.
"Another day, another Democratic attempt to dismantle the wildly successful Education Freedom Account programand limit learning opportunities. One thing has been abundantly clear this term: Democrats are fundamentally opposed to students getting the best education possible. Students have the right to learn, but the two bills we heard today seek to do nothing other than strip students and families of the freedom of choice in education."
"Businesses already have to follow state and federal anti-discrimination laws. These bills are unnecessary. They would waste the time of businesses who are interested in helping educate our youth, and erroneously put the burden on the volunteers of the State Board of Education rather than the Human Rights Commission- which has the authority to deal with the anti-discrimination laws.
"We look forward to the Senate passing HB1665 to expand education choice for students by increasing the cap to the EFA program to 500%, which the Governor supported in his State of the State address earlier this year."
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Original text here: https://www.nhhousegop.com/press-releases/democrats-continue-fight-against-education-choice/
Minn. State Sen. Johnson Says Mitchell's Removal From Committees Is Not Enough
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, May 1 -- The Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus issued the following statement on April 29, 2024, by State Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks:
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This morning, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said she unilaterally removed Sen. Nicole Mitchell from her Senate Committees duties and from future Democrat caucus meetings. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson released the following statement:
"Removing Sen. Mitchell from Senate Committees is not enough. As caucus leaders, we are responsible to hold our members accountable for their actions. Instead, this half-hearted punishment
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, May 1 -- The Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus issued the following statement on April 29, 2024, by State Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks:
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This morning, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said she unilaterally removed Sen. Nicole Mitchell from her Senate Committees duties and from future Democrat caucus meetings. Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson released the following statement:
"Removing Sen. Mitchell from Senate Committees is not enough. As caucus leaders, we are responsible to hold our members accountable for their actions. Instead, this half-hearted punishmentis a partisan effort to protect a political agenda and allow Sen. Mitchell to be the deciding vote on the floor.
"Senate Republicans are committed to getting the business done at the Senate - as we demonstrated last week. But we will not tarnish the Senate's reputation by voting alongside someone facing felony charges and without a final decision by the Ethics Subcommittee."
Without further action by the body, Sen. Mitchell may vote on floor motions, offer amendments, participate in debate, and cast the deciding vote in favor or opposition to final bills and conference committee reports before they are signed by the Governor.
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Original text here: https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/sen-johnson-says-mitchells-removal-from-committees-is-not-enough/
Ga. Gov. Kemp Signs Legislation Supporting Georgia's Agriculture Industry
VALDOSTA, Georgia, May 1 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:
Governor Brian P. Kemp, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lieutenant Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Commissioner Tyler Harper, members of the General Assembly, and other state and local leaders, signed a package of legislation focused on supporting Georgia's ever growing agricultural industry and improving security against foreign adversaries.
Among other things, included in this package is legislation that tackles ownership of agricultural land or land near military installations by certain individuals
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VALDOSTA, Georgia, May 1 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release:
Governor Brian P. Kemp, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lieutenant Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Commissioner Tyler Harper, members of the General Assembly, and other state and local leaders, signed a package of legislation focused on supporting Georgia's ever growing agricultural industry and improving security against foreign adversaries.
Among other things, included in this package is legislation that tackles ownership of agricultural land or land near military installations by certain individualsacting as an agent of a foreign adversary, alleviates high input costs for our farmers and ranchers, protects children from misleading and dangerous marketing, and increases the penalty for livestock theft.
"As valued members of our state's number one industry, Georgia's farming families deserve our enduring support as they face unprecedented challenges, including having to navigate disastrous federal energy policies, attempts by foreign adversaries to acquire farm land, and theft of property," said Governor Brian Kemp. "We are tackling these challenges head on, and I want to thank our legislative partners for their work on these important issues."
While the package is primarily focused on agriculture-related issues, it also addresses career burnout among healthcare professionals and goes after those who are distributing fentanyl-laced medications or controlled substances.
Governor Kemp signed nine pieces of legislation included below:
SB 420, sponsored by Senator Jason Anavitarte, signed by Senators Russ Goodman, Bill Cowsert, and Steve Gooch, carried in the House by Representative Clay Pirkle, and advocated for by Commissioner Tyler Harper, prohibits the ownership or acquisition of agricultural land or non-residential land within a radius of a military location by a nonresident alien acting as an agent of a government designated as a foreign adversary, entity domiciled/majorly owned in certain countries, or governments of countries designated as a foreign adversary by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
SB 340, sponsored by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick and carried in the House by Representative Joe Campbell, adds diesel exhaust fluid (for agricultural uses only) to the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) - alleviating high input costs for our farmers and ranchers.
HB 827, sponsored by Representative Tyler Paul Smith, signed by Representatives Robert Dickey, Clay Pirkle, Rob Leverett, and Leesa Hagan, and carried in the Senate by Senator Russ Goodman, increases the penalty for livestock theft and awards Title 16 law enforcement authority to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and includes language from HB 1164 relating to criminal trespass involving a wild animal that is contained in a cage, enclosure, etc.
SB 494, sponsored by Senator Sam Watson, signed by Senators Randy Robertson, Kay Kirkpatrick, Russ Goodman, and Freddie Powell Sims, carried in the House by Representative John Corbett, and advocated by Commissioner Tyler Harper, makes changes to the framework for hemp regulation in Georgia to allow the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to have greater oversight and enforcement power and adds labeling, packaging, and marketing requirements to protect children from misleading and dangerous marketing.
SB 436, sponsored by Senator Sam Watson, signed by Senators Russ Goodman, Lee Anderson, Larry Walker, and Frank Ginn, and carried in the House by Representative Chas Cannon, expands the use of farm-use vehicles.
HB 455, sponsored by Representative John LaHood, signed by Representatives Sharon Cooper, Mark Newton, Deborah Silcox, and Tremaine Teddy Reese, and carried in the Senate by Senator John Albers, requires that professional programs established to address career fatigue and wellness in healthcare professionals are not obligated to report information on individual cases to the respective licensing boards unless they are determined to not be competent to continue to practice or are a danger to themselves or others.
HB 1335, sponsored by Representative John LaHood, signed by Representatives Trey Rhodes, Noel Williams, Houston Gaines, and Dale Washburn, and carried in the Senate by Senator Ben Watson, adjusts staffing requirements in personal care homes, assisted living communities, and memory care centers by ensuring that no fewer than two on-site direct care staff are present on the premise at all times with at least one staff person on each floor. If the personal care home has implemented a medical alert system and each resident is provided a wearable device that connects to such system, then the staff person may move about the premises as necessary.
HB 906, sponsored by Representative Bill Yearta, signed by Representatives Penny Houston and Clay Pirkle, and carried in the Senate by Senator Carden Summers, provides for an additional superior court judge to the Tifton Judicial Circuit to be appointed by the Governor for a term beginning July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025. The position will then become elected.
Named after Austin Walters, SB 465, sponsored by Senator Russ Goodman, signed by Senators Bo Hatchett, Blake Tillery, Larry Walker, and Lee Anderson, carried in the House by Representative James Burchett, and advocated by the Walters Family and O'Kelley Family, targets those involved in distributing fentanyl-laced medications to unknowing consumers by creating the offense of aggravated involuntary manslaughter for persons who manufacture or sell an apparent controlled substance that contains fentanyl and cause the fentanyl overdose death of another. The bill also establishes a criminal penalty for unregulated persons to possess a pill press, tableting machine, encapsulating machine, or other materials used to manufacture controlled or counterfeit substances.
Governor Kemp extends his appreciation to all of those whose diligent work and efforts led to him being able to sign these bills today.
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Original text here: https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2024-04-30/gov-kemp-signs-legislation-supporting-georgias-agriculture-industry
Colo. Gov. Polis Applauds Biden Administration Action to Cut Pollution, Address Climate, Save People Money
DENVER, Colorado, May 1 -- Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colorado, issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
On April 25, the Biden administration made several major announcements that will expand the use of clean energy, improve the electric grid, and save homeowners money by improving the energy efficiency of homes. These include a new power plant standard, key regulations for new and expanded access to electric transmission, and a strengthening of efficiency requirements for new houses and multifamily units that are purchased with key federally backed loans.
"From day one of our administration,
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DENVER, Colorado, May 1 -- Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colorado, issued the following news release on April 30, 2024:
On April 25, the Biden administration made several major announcements that will expand the use of clean energy, improve the electric grid, and save homeowners money by improving the energy efficiency of homes. These include a new power plant standard, key regulations for new and expanded access to electric transmission, and a strengthening of efficiency requirements for new houses and multifamily units that are purchased with key federally backed loans.
"From day one of our administration,we've worked hard to cut pollution, address climate change, strengthen our grid, and save Coloradans money on their energy costs. Nation-leading actions, like our work to ensure the last coal plant will be retired by the end of 2030 -- several years ahead of the new requirements in the plan for capture requirements -- reflect the success we've been able to achieve," said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. "Colorado has shown what can be done to make the energy transition in a way that works for all people and we believe these standards will help our country make similarly important strides."
"Colorado applauds the Biden administration's actions last week that take important steps to help our country meet these exact goals. The new standards issued by President Biden and his team on a broad range of issues - from high-cost coal-fired power plants to transmission planning - will help clean up pollution from power plants, speed up siting for new and expanded transmission lines, increase grid reliability, and expand access to low-cost wind and solar energy," Governor Polis continued.
These new standards will also ensure that new homes built for low- and moderate-income Americans are comfortable and energy-efficient.
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Original text here: https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-applauds-biden-administration-action-cut-pollution-address-climate-save-people
Colo. Agriculture Dept.: Middle Park Stockgrowers Receive Funding for Range Rider, Other Non-Lethal Deterrents
DENVER, Colorado, May 1 -- The Colorado Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:
The Department of Agriculture (CDA) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) have partnered with the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association to get on-the-ground assistance to an area impacted by recent wolf depredation.
"CPW and CDA have worked with the community in Grand County to understand what kind of support they need and will find useful," said Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. "This funding will help Grand County producers during calving season, an especially vulnerable time for beef
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DENVER, Colorado, May 1 -- The Colorado Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:
The Department of Agriculture (CDA) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) have partnered with the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association to get on-the-ground assistance to an area impacted by recent wolf depredation.
"CPW and CDA have worked with the community in Grand County to understand what kind of support they need and will find useful," said Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. "This funding will help Grand County producers during calving season, an especially vulnerable time for beefproducers. Meanwhile, funding was just approved in the state budget for CDA's new program to help ranchers in areas with wolves and other predators implement non-lethal conflict reduction methods that are successful in other states. We will do this hand-in-glove with our partners at CPW."
Through constructive discussions with the community and an agreement with the stakeholders, CDA is dedicating up to $20,000 to the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association to use toward non-lethal deterrents that include nighttime patrols and herd protection, such as hiring range riders. All resources will be purchased and contracted through the Middle Park Stockgrowers.
"Middle Park ranchers have long dealt with predators, but this is a new situation for our community. We're thankful for the partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Colorado Parks and Wildlife which will let us bring in additional help to protect our animals," said Tim Ritschard, President of the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association.
In addition to this short-term measure, both CPW and CDA are expanding their permanent Wolf Conflict Mitigation programs to support producers implementing non-lethal predator control measures. Funding for these programs was included in the 2024 Long Bill, recently passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor.
"Collaboration is key when addressing the complexities of wildlife management," said CPW Director Jeff Davis. "By partnering with the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association, CPW and CDA are providing immediate support while also investing in long-term solutions through education and funding for non-lethal deterrents. Together, we're working to protect both our ranching community and Colorado's wildlife."
Through a Memorandum of Understanding, CDA is working closely with CPW to anticipate and prepare for predator and livestock incidents. This includes help and education around non-lethal deterrence methods, such as range riders or the use of fladry.
Additionally, livestock producers who are affected by depredations and submit a claim may be eligible for the fair market value of livestock lost to wolf depredation. A dedicated Wolf Depredation Compensation cash fund has $175,000, provided from the state's General Fund, in its balance and will receive $350,000 additional General Funds per fiscal year to keep a healthy balance in the fund on an ongoing basis.
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Original text here: https://ag.colorado.gov/press-release/middle-park-stockgrowers-receive-funding-for-range-rider-other-non-lethal-deterrents
