Week of 2/21

Several of the measures we were expecting to hear this week were delayed after the capitol was closed Wednesday and Thursday. The coming week will be extremely busy as legislators try to catch up from the weather delays and because the deadline to have measures heard in committee is Thursday – unless it is changed to give legislators more time.

Here is a rundown of last week and what we expect in the coming week:

Medical power of attorney –  SB1596, which will replace the medical power of attorney statute that was repealed last session, passed committee. Oklahomans for Life had concerns with the introduced version and negotiated with the bill author for changes. We believe a compromise has been reached and the bill can move forward. The companion bill, HB3815 is scheduled to be heard in House committee this week.

-Anti-vaccine measures –  HB3878 is scheduled for a hearing in House Public Health Wednesday. The measure would require employers who mandate vaccinations as a condition of employment to allow employees to have religious, medical and personal exemptions. We will be watching for more anti-vaccine measures to be added to agendas later in the week.

Patient access – HB4087, which would require that savings from pharmaceutical coupons be passed on to patients, is set for hearing in House Appropriations and Budget Tuesday while its companion, SB1324 awaits a hearing in Senate Appropriations and Budget.

Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you for being involved.