Being a freshman legislator is quite a change from years of being a solo practitioner. During session, I learned that being successful in getting something done means getting the majority of your colleagues to see your vision, no pun intended. It was a great learning experience, and I feel like we accomplished some important successes.
It goes without saying that the budget process was frustrating, especially when I was unable to be part of closed-door meetings. However, I am glad we were able to develop a budget that filled the entire $878 million shortfall we were facing all session. Furthermore, the budget ensures healthcare provider rates are fully funded next year.
Beyond the budget, we were able to pass a number of good policy bills this session, and I want to highlight a few for you today.
House Bill 1845 is the REAL ID bill, which was signed into law very early in session. This brings Oklahoma into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005. If you do not want a REAL ID though, the Legislature included an opt-out provision.
My measure, HB 1819, was also passed into law this session. If you remember, this was the eye drop bill, which allows patients to refill their glaucoma medicine after using 70 percent. The new law allows a monthly refill to take place after 21 days.
We also passed HB 1540. It allows a person possessing a winemaker license to sell wine produced at the winery for either on-premises or off-premises consumption. The measure requires the consumer to verify, by electronic means or otherwise, that the consumer is at least 21 years of age.
HB 1824 by Rep. Chris Kannady was signed by the governor as well. This bill will enable patients to synchronize the fill date of their prescription medications allowing them to order and receive all of their prescriptions on the same day each month instead of having to make multiple visits to the pharmacy. This process, called “medication synchronization,” has proven successful in reducing medication waste and improving medication compliance. Like House Bill 2039, it will help people in rural areas, where patients sometimes travel long distances to get their prescriptions refilled.
New law HB 1466 creates a procedure to allow the victim of domestic violence to transfer wireless telephone accounts or household utility accounts to their name when the account was previously in the name of another. This is a good step to protecting victims of domestic violence.
And finally, HB 1693 brings Oklahoma’s grading system into compliance with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.
Thank you again for your support during the legislative session. I am happy to meet with you during the interim if you have any concerns or interests in specific measures. You can reach me at Carl.Newton@okhouse.gov or call my office at 405-557-7339. I am pleased to be able to serve the state of Oklahoma. May God bless you and our great state.
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