Legislative Update , Monday April 30, 2012

Legislative Update

House Bill 2155 failed in the fourth reading in the House 50 – 42 on 4-25-12.  This in large part is due to the hard work and calls made by our members and supporters, and also the hard work that Chalk Norton, Firefighters Legislative Director, put into getting this bill defeated!  This bill by Steele would have created the “Oklahoma Employee Injury Benefit Act.”  We opposed this bill.  We have a voice and it was heard! This bill is dead.

House Bill 2258 by Sherrer, directs the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Workers’ Compensation Court, and Employment Security Commission to share information to stop payroll fraud.  Senator Newberry amended the bill with language to stop contractor payroll fraud.  We support this bill.  The House did not accept the Senate amendments on 4-25-12 and has been appointed to a conference committee.

House Bill 2320 by Randy McDaniel involving the Firefighters pension.  All parties reached an agreement that will bring the Firefighters Pension Fund funding up to an exceptional level.  We support this bill.  The House did not accept the Senate amendments on 4-26-12.

House Bill 2714 by Jackson extends the sunset clause for the Oversight Committee for State Employee Charitable Contributions until July 1, 2016.  We support this bill.  It was voted from the Senate 39 to 1 on 4-25-12.

House Bill 3111 by Hickman originally omitted payroll deductions for membership dues from state employees and teachers.  Language has changed to allow payroll deductions but adds the actual administrative costs for electronic deductions up to 2%.  This bill is dead pursuant to the rules.

How a bill becomes a law.