Oklahoma Capitol briefs

Several bills took steps in the Oklahoma legislative process Thursday.
By Randy Ellis Published: February 14, 2014

Capitol updates

Overtime tax exemption

Overtime pay would be exempt from state income tax under a bill introduced by state Rep. James Lockhart, D-Heavener.

“This is a way to provide immediate tax relief to oil-field workers in our booming oil and gas production industry; to the short-handed, overworked correctional officers at our state prisons; and to union employees,” Lockhart said of House Bill 2782. “Considering the cost of living these days, Oklahoma workers need all the disposable income they can get.”

The measure has been assigned to the House Committee on Appropriations and Budget.

OSSAA oversight

A bill designed to increase state and public oversight of the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) cleared the House Government Modernizations Committee today.

House Bill 2739, by state Rep. Curtis McDaniel, would prohibit public schools and districts from becoming members of any athletic association that has not adopted a written policy requiring adherence to the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act.

The OSSAA is a voluntary membership organization that governs public school activities.

“As a former school administrator, it's sad that the Legislature has to engage in the rule-making process of an athletic association,” said Rep. McDaniel, D-Smithville. “However, we must keep our young athletes' best interest at the forefront, and if the organization will not do that then we will.”

The bill now heads to the House Calendar Committee for consideration.

Randy Ellis, Capitol Bureau

by Randy Ellis
Capitol Bureau Reporter
+ show more


Trending Now

Around the web

  1. 1
    Russia vetoes UN resolution on Crimea's future
  2. 2
    Asteroid to dim a bright star for some in Northeast
  3. 3
    Lindsey Graham challenger calls the senator 'ambiguously gay'
  4. 4
  5. 5
    Former Yukon catcher and Red Sox prospect Jon Denney arrested
+ show more