Things are quite busy at the state Capitol now that we’re at the end of week three of the legislative session. We have one more week of committee work, and then we will be racing to hear legislation on the House floor in advance of the third-reading deadline for bills in their chamber of origin.

My House Bill 3106, which updates the Terry Peach Water Restoration Act, passed out of the House Agriculture Committee with a unanimous vote and now goes before the full House. This bill would expand this program statewide and add several more invasive species.

The goal of the program is to find solutions to the infestation of red cedars and other invasive species so prevalent in our state. The state Conservation Commission already has undertaken prescribed burns and mechanical removal in the north Canadian watershed and in several state parks in our area. They are already showing improvement from their efforts, which shows the prudence of expanding this statewide.

My House Bill 3104, is a continuation of last year’s effort to update Title 47 in state statute, which has to do with the law for franchised auto dealers governed by the Oklahoma New Motor Vehicle Commission. This bill clarifies the definition of salesperson in the law to ensure consumers are purchasing from licensed salespersons. It also clarifies several areas of law between manufacturers and dealers to better protect our local auto dealers. Four sections of the legislation will bring Oklahoma in line with other states that have modernized their laws in recent years. This act was written on behalf of the nearly 300 new car dealers in the state and the 30,000 jobs they support. The bill passed the House Business and Commerce Committee.

House Bill 3105 updates Title 47 to define All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) as “powersports” for the Oklahoma New Motor Vehicle Commission. The bill also modernizes multiple definitions within state statute to match the change. The goal is to bring powersports dealers to a level within state statute equal to that of new motor vehicle dealers. This bill has been assigned to the House Appropriations & Budget Committee and should get a hearing soon.

Back home in the district, the town of Waukomis recently received approval for $932,673 in funding from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the Town’s water infrastructure. The work will be financed by the Oklahoma American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program.

Plans are to rehabilitate the water standpipes and install new yard piping, a new generator with an automatic transfer switch, and a chlorine bleach feed system. It’s estimated the town’s customers will save an estimated $1,448,700 compared to traditional financing. This will have a huge impact for Waukomis for years to come. I was glad to support ARPA funds going toward this worthwhile project.

Please remember, if I can help you with something, do not hesitate to reach out. You also can follow regular updates on my House Facebook page or call or email anytime at (405) 557-7407 or Mike. Dobrinski@ okhouse.gov.