Ceremonial Bill Signings

by Rep. Brian Hill 

Amidst the craziness of the legislative session, lawmakers often miss the signing of their bills  into laws. During the interim, we schedule ceremonial bill signings with Governor Stitt so that  the constituents or advocacy groups who helped work on a bill have an opportunity to meet the  governor and thank him for his support of the bill.  

Several bills I authored were part of recent ceremonial signings, and I was grateful to attend on  behalf of our district. 

HB1709, the Successful Adulthood Act, lowers the age for youth who are aging out of foster care  to receive federal funding from 18 to 16. This allows youth who are aging out of the foster care  system prior to their 18th birthday, who were adopted or went into guardianship after turning 16  to receive state services. The previous statute unintentionally prohibited youth who were  reunified with their families before turning 18 from receiving this funding.  

As a result of this legislation, we anticipate a decline in the current 1 in 4 incarceration rate we  currently have with youth leaving foster care. This small change could save Oklahoma taxpayers  millions per year and position these youth for a successful path in life. I greatly appreciate Sen.  Paul Rosino carrying this legislation in the Senate.  

Sen. David Bullard and I were joined by numerous religious leaders to commemorate the  signings of the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act (HB2648) and the Protection of Churches Act  (SB368). We filed these bills after seeing how several state governments forced places of  worship to close during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the First Amendment, these bills  name such actions as a substantial burden on people’s freedom of religion and our right to  peacefully gather. It was a great honor to work with these leaders to pass this crucial legislation.  

HB1712 creates the Road User Charge Task Force to study methods used to report public road  usage, specifically for electric vehicles, electric/hybrid vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles.  Increased efficiencies with newer cars and trucks has resulted in less gasoline use, and revenue  projections for fuel consumption are decreasing. Additionally, the electric vehicle industry is  projected to grow considerably over the next few years, with some estimates as high as 80% of  the vehicle market by 2040.  

Since our current system for infrastructure maintenance is based on taxes paid at the gas pump,  this task force will examine alternate avenues to fill this approaching funding gap to ensure that  Oklahoma’s long-term road and bridge infrastructure is secure for our families and businesses.

Economic development, diversification of industry and job creation have been a major focus for  me as a legislator. In addition to the multiple business-related bills I worked on this session, I  coauthored the Filmed in Oklahoma Act (SB608) by Sen. Chuck Hall and Rep. Scott Fetgatter.  This bill created a rebate program to develop the film industry in Oklahoma and will create even  more jobs for Oklahomans. This legislation was based on the successful model of Oklahoma’s  aerospace industry rebate, which has pushed the industry into one of Oklahoma’s biggest  employers.  

I also had the honor of having Oklahoma’s First Lady Sarah Stitt join us for a ceremonial signing  of HB1679. This session, I coauthored and helped pass the Sarah Stitt Act with Rep. Marilyn  Stark and Sen. Darryl Weaver. This bill provides people leaving incarceration with state IDs,  Social Security cards, birth certificates and all employment-related documents and certifications.  I hope this legislation can significantly help a person leaving incarceration find employment, find  housing and find their footing in society. These are critical steps to rebuilding their lives and  breaking the incarceration cycle.  

As a pro-life representative, I believe we must work to save the lives of unborn babies. I worked  with Rep. Cynthia Roe, a nurse and mother, to develop HB1904. This legislation requires that  abortions can only be provided by a board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists.  

This bill is a great triumph for the pro-life movement. The U.S. Supreme Court has previously  upheld similar legislation and agreed that a state has the right to make decisions concerning the  practices of doctors. While one baby's life being taken is still too many, this bill is a huge step  forward in saving thousands of babies per year.  

It's an honor to work on behalf of my neighbors in House District 47, and I look forward to my  upcoming interim studies to further examine policy areas that will direct future legislation.  

If I can assist you or your family, please reach out at 405-557-7333 or brian.hill@okhouse.gov.  Together, we are building a strong future for our families and all of Oklahoma.  

May God bless you and yours. Honored to serve, Brian 

Rep. Brian Hill, a Republican, represents House District 47 in the Oklahoma House of  Representatives. He represents portions of Canadian and Grady counties. 

8/21/2020