Weekly column: Budget Negotiations

 
Budget negotiations are taking place now. The House Republican caucus regularly discusses our priorities for the budget, but the governor, House Democrats, Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats all play a part in negotiations. I believe I will have more information on developments soon.
 
Legislation on its way to the governor’s office will end the practice of charging insured drivers court costs if they fail to have their insurance card in their vehicle when they are pulled over but are able to present a valid proof of insurance to the court clerk. Many cities do not charge a court cost, but some charge as high as $200. I was proud to support House Bill 1520 at a time when the real problem in Oklahoma is the number of uninsured drivers.
 
I also wanted to mention the passage of legislation that would create new penalties for child abusers. House Bill 1549 was sent to the governor to be signed into law this past week.
 
House Bill 1549 would allow any individual who was exploited as a child in the production of pornography to “bring a civil action against the producer, promoter, or intentional possessor of such child pornography, regardless of whether the victim is now an adult.” It was passed unanimously in the House.
 
If you have questions or need information, please contact my office at josh.cockroft@okhouse.gov or (405) 557-7349.