Murdock’s Minutes by Senator Casey Murdock

Thursday, Jan. 21 was the deadline for filing bills to be heard in the upcoming legislative session. Members of the Senate filed 1, 035 bills and 26 joint resolutions ahead of the 2021 session that begins on Feb. 1.

Even though we continued to work remotely from our homes last spring, we missed several weeks of floor sessions and votes during the 2020 session due to the Capitol being closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. That meant when we returned in person, there simply wasn’t enough time to complete action on many of the bills that had been approved in one chamber but were still awaiting a vote in the opposite chamber. I personally had several good bills that had been approved by the Senate but could not be heard in the House before we adjourned. I’ve refiled some of those measures for the 2021 session.

One of those gave landowners the legal right to kill coyotes on their property without requiring them to get a permit ahead of time. Farmers and ranchers know how destructive

these animals can be to crops, livestock and other animals. I probably lose an average of four calves a year to coyotes—one year I lost 14. I know how financially devastating those losses can be. This is common sense legislation that likely would have already become law if not for the pandemic interrupting the 2020 session. Hopefully, we can get this to the governor for his signature this year.

I’ve also reintroduced a bill to strengthen Oklahoma’s drug-free school zones, making it a felony to purchase or possess methamphetamine, heroin or cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school. The felony penalty for violating Oklahoma’s drug-free school zones was decreased to a misdemeanor in 2016 when voters approved State Question 780. My legislation restores the felony penalty. Those under 18 or students who are 18 years or older but enrolled at the school would be exempted from the felony charge. Marijuana possession would still be a misdemeanor.

I filed legislation to ensure Oklahoma’s constitutional carry law covers those who want to carry loaded long guns in their vehicle. When the law was changed, it’s my understanding that loaded handguns were specifically listed, but somehow, long guns were omitted from the bill language. My legislation will correct that oversight.

We’ve also been holding budget hearings ahead of the session to give members a chance to hear from agencies and ask questions about how they’ve used their state appropriations during the current fiscal year, and give them a chance to answer questions about their requests for the upcoming budget.

The Department of Agriculture asked for a budget increase this year in order to hire more inspectors for meat processing facilities, which is something I support. I held an interim study about this very issue this past fall. These meat processing facilities are critical for our state and our nation’s food supply. More inspectors would increase capacity, enabling facilities to hire more workers, so it would better protect our food supply and boost our economic recovery.

It is my honor to serve you in the Oklahoma State Senate. You can reach me by calling 405-521-5626 or emailing Casey.Murdock@oksenate.gov.