House Approves Legislation To Add Tornado Safety Information in Hotels

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation requiring new or renovated hotels and motels to post tornado safety information in every room and common areas passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives today

Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, who authored House Bill 1748, said the policy was suggested to her by a constituent who, while staying in another part of the state, was not able to find information about safety procedures while the county was under a tornado warning.

“This legislation is a prime example of a constituent realizing an issue, bringing it to their legislator and working together to propose a solution,” Crosswhite Hader said. “In inclement weather situations where every minute makes a difference, House Bill 1748 will help keep traveling Oklahomans and visitors to our state safe and out of harm’s way.”

The tornado safety information, provided by the State Board of Health, would include the county, the hotel’s location on a state map, recommended safety precautions, and the day and time of local tornado siren testing.

The Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association has expressed their support of the bill.

HB 1748 is a refiled bill from the 57th Legislature, House Bill 3016, which passed the House unanimously in 2020 but was stalled when the legislative session was paused due to the pandemic.

HB 1748 passed the House 79-2. It now proceeds to the Senate for consideration, where it is authored by Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan.