In order to keep the session on track and ensure things don’t get backed up until the final weeks, we have a series of deadlines to keep legislation moving in an orderly way. We’ve met two of those deadlines in the last couple of weeks and are quickly approaching a third. The deadline for most Senate committees to hear and vote on bills introduced in this chamber was Feb. 25. The committee I chair, Business, Commerce and Tourism, was among those working hard to complete work on legislation. In setting that committee’s agenda, I prioritized bills aimed at strengthening and improving Oklahoma’s economy.
The deadline for bills in the Senate Appropriations Committee was March 3. Members held two meetings this past week to make up for one missed during the week of those storms, working through dozens of bills. But in addition to meeting that March 3 deadline, we also are quickly approaching the March 11 deadline for floor votes on measures that were introduced here in the Senate and were approved by committees.
Delays because of that winter storm have resulted in some extremely lengthy floor agendas—on Tuesday alone this past week, we voted on some 65 bills. While the bill deadlines keep us on track as far as the overall process, it is up to the majority floor leader and the assistant floor leaders to keep the bills moving and on track in the chamber. I’m honored to serve as one of only two assistant floor leaders who work with the floor leader to make sure authors are ready to present when they are called on and keep the process moving as smoothly as possible.
I’m very proud that a number of bills aimed at supporting law enforcement are making their way through the Senate this session. One that passed off the floor this past week would make it illegal to “dox” an Oklahoma law enforcement officer. If you haven’t heard the term before, doxing refers to using the internet to research and post documents or other personally identifiable materials online to intimidate, attack or harass an individual or a member or their family, household member or intimate partner.
Being in law enforcement is a dangerous job—and those who take it on are aware of that. But they did not sign on to be stalked and harassed online, making them and their families feel unsafe. I’m very gratified this bill was passed by the Senate and hope the House moves quickly to give its approval as well.
Another pro-law enforcement bill heading to the floor is a measure to prohibit law enforcement agencies from releasing audio or video showing an officer dying in the line of duty unless a court rules the material should be released in specific cases. This bill was the result of the shootings of two Tulsa police officers last year during a traffic stop, killing one—a court forced the release of the video. This legislation would give more specific criteria for the release of such recordings.
Dashcams and bodycams provide accountability and can prove when law enforcement has responded appropriately and when they have not. Video that simply shows the murder of a law enforcement officer serves no purpose beyond becoming clickbait on the internet. But it can cause problems in jury selection and prosecution of such cases, and the video can retraumatize family and fellow officers.
This bill has the support of law enforcement and, it should be noted, the Oklahoma Press Association. We need to help protect the dignity of our heroes who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
I thank you for the privilege of being your voice at the State Capitol. If you have any questions or concerns about legislation or other issues at the state level, please feel free to contact my office by calling 405- 521-5528, or email James.Leewright@oksenate.gov.