OKLAHOMA STATE SENATE / From the desk of Sen. Jessica Garvin
It’s hard to believe but we’ve officially made it to the halfway point of this year’s session. An additional 100 bills were approved by the full Senate prior to the deadline, including a few more of mine. Altogether, 17 of my measures are moving on to the House for further consideration this session.
On Monday, my SB 369 passed overwhelmingly to close a dangerous loophole and keep individuals on the Juvenile Sex Offenders Registry, as well as those convicted of sex trafficking, from working in nursing homes. Unfortunately, it came to my attention that since those on the juvenile registry are minors, their records are sealed so future employers can’t see them.
We’ve had a few cases around the state, including one in our Senate district, where these individuals have been employed by a long-term care facility and assaulted someone. This will ensure that nursing homes are able to access the juvenile registry to complete thorough background checks.
We passed SB 1063 to encourage businesses to invest in child care or reimburse their employees for such expenditures. We want to get families back into the workforce, and the high expense for day care is a major barrier we have to address. This will create the Childcare Receives Investment from Business (CRIB) Act to provide an income tax credit for businesses providing childcare services or creating an onsite childcare facility for tax years 2024-2029. The credit will be equal to 30% of eligible expenses and may be carried forward for up to five years. Small businesses will be allowed an additional credit equal to 10% of the credit earned.
The following day, SB 931 received the green light. This will allow pharmacists to order, perform, and interpret tests authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and waived under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, as well as to prescribe drug therapy for minor, nonchronic health conditions such as the flu.
This would also allow them to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives.
Finally, my SB 368 was one of the last bills approved by the Senate. There’s been some confusion since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year that Oklahomans might not be able to use oral birth control, intrauterine devices (IUDs) or surgeries, such as having one’s tubes tied or a vasectomy, to prevent pregnancy. This simply isn’t the case, but to ensure the medical community, businesses and the public know this, we’re codifying these protections into statute.
It was a pleasure getting to welcome several special guests to the Senate this past week. On Monday, I introduced OMMA’s Senior Policy Analyst and Legislative Liaison, Ashley Crall, and her interns, Haley Velez from OSU and Luke Hackett from OU.
On Tuesday, I welcomed the Leadership Mid-America class, which is made up of leaders and business professionals from Garvin, McClain, and Cleveland Counties. In its 26th year, this regional leadership program identifies and develops leaders in the communities served by the Mid-America Technology Center.
On Wednesday, I was thrilled to recognize the 3A State Champion Washington fast-pitch softball team and the 2A State Champion football team.
If you have any questions or concerns on legislative matters, please contact me at the Capitol. Please write to Senator Jessica Garvin, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 237, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email me at [email protected] or call 405-521-5522.
