By: Representative Molly Jenkins
This past week was a whirlwind at the Oklahoma State Capitol as we faced the crucial deadline for House bills to be heard. Late nights and early mornings were the norm as I pored over every single bill, making sure my votes reflected the values and best interests of our district. I made a promise to fight for the people of our district, and I intend to keep it. By the end of the week, the House had heard nearly 200 bills and advanced 440 measures to the Senate.
But the work doesn’t stop there. Next week, we take on 321 Senate bills, which will begin the rigorous committee process before making their way to the House floor for debate and votes.
This year, I am co-sponsoring Senate Bill 880 with Sen. Randy Grellner. This important legislation removes the requirement that five members of the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors must hold a master’s degree. This reform will open doors for other qualified professionals and help provide better services to our communities.
I’m proud to report that two of my bills successfully passed out of the House and are now headed to the Senate.
House Bill 2068 puts common sense into action by repealing an outdated and pointless statute requiring fire chiefs to post notices about the crime of false fire reporting at every fire alarm box. This law, enacted in 1957, has long outlived its usefulness. Cleaning up these unnecessary mandates is a step toward a more efficient and accountable government.
House Bill 2072 eliminates the long-defunct Task Force for the Study of State Banking Services. This task force expired in 2007, yet the law creating it remained on the books. It’s time we clear out these relics of the past and focus on the present needs of our state.
Too many laws on the books do little more than create red tape and government overreach. That’s not what taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars should be funding. Every unnecessary regulation is another barrier to freedom and prosperity. The fewer the laws, the freer the people.
I will always fight to cut through the bureaucracy, remove burdensome regulations, and ensure our government works for the people, not against them.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you at the Capitol. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. My email address is [email protected], or you can call my office at (405) 557-7304.
Rep. Molly Jenkins, a Republican, represents House District 33 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Logan and Payne counties.
