Capitol Update from Representative Ken Luttrell

Last week was one of our busiest weeks in the House this session. We have passed well over 100 bills off the House floor so far this session, and after the Legislative Spring Break this week we will come back for deadline week to finish passing bills out of the House and into the Senate.

Along with a busy week of floor hearings, House Republicans held a press conference discussing our 12-point plan to stop illegal marijuana grows and improve medical marijuana product safety and health. The citizens of Oklahoma voted to legalize medical marijuana through State Question 788 in 2018, and we are working to ensure the safe, fair free market that they intended to establish through that vote.

The House also unanimously passed a bill authorizing a 35% pay raise for our important Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers. Trooper retention is one of our biggest issues right now, and this pay increase takes our troopers closer to what police officers in the cities of Edmond and Oklahoma City earn. The bill passed unanimously 88-0.

The best part of my week was getting to see all the people and groups that took time to visit my office and the Capitol. I love meeting with everyone who takes the time to visit, and it is always special getting to recognize friends from the District on the House floor. Specifically this week, I had visitors from the Ponca City Development Authority, Northern Oklahoma College, Newkirk Elementary Student Council (these future leaders had great questions), Ponca City East Middle School and the Oklahoma Council of Indian Education. I also had a visit from my friend, and Osage Mineral Councilwoman, Margo Gray. Thank you everyone for taking the time to come to your state capital!

That’s it for this week! If I can help you with anything, feel free to call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7355 or email me at [email protected].

Ken Luttrell represents District 37 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Kay and Osage counties.