House votes to ban transgender procedures
The House last week passed a bill that would prohibit gender transition services for those younger than age 18.
House Bill 2177 would stop health care professionals from providing, attempting to provide or providing a referral for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender reassignment surgeries for minors. Minors with a medically verifiable disorder could be treated. The bill also would prohibit insurance coverage for gender transition services performed within the state for any minor or adult.
This bill is about protecting children from irreversible health practices that would permanently change their bodies before they are old enough to fully understand the consequences of their decisions.
The bill now moves to the Senate. If it passes that chamber, it would go to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt for his consideration of signing it into law.
Last Thursday was the deadline for all bills to advance out of committee before they can be heard on the House floor.
Six of my own bills passed committee this year. They all have Senate authors and are now eligible to be heard in the House before they can move to the Senate and onto Stitt.
House Bill 1005 would allow nurse practitioners and physicians assistants to sign affidavits for those who are unable for health reasons to sit on a jury. Currently, only physicians are able to sign these forms, and that presents a hardship for those in rural communities far from their doctors.
House Bill 1006 would require schools to grant an excused absence for students participating in 4-H activities that are approved by the county 4-H facilitator. Students would be allowed to make up any work missed and their grades would not be adversely affected. This would include approved projects like the recent LeFlore County Junior livestock show.
House Bill 1008 would create the Oklahoma Right to Garden Act. Believe it or not, the government can regulate where or if a private garden is allowed. Since running this bill, I can’t believe the number of people that have approached me saying they plan to grow their own food or who have asked me for planting advice. I might have to start a garden in my Capitol office.
House Bill 1010 would allow state agencies to purchase equipment and supplies from a local business without first getting approval from the State Purchasing Division if they are in a county without a contracted vendor. This could save our state millions of dollars.
House Bill 1026 would remove the ability of the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) to certify as a peace officer any person with resident alien status. Only citizens should have the right to enforce laws over other citizens.
House Bill 2686 would put in statute stronger oversight over methadone clinics. This bill would require eight random witnessed urine drug screens to avoid the issue of people selling or giving away this Schedule II narcotic to others. This could save lives.
Remember to listen to me on KPRV Radio at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday for my legislative update.
As always, if I can help you with anything, feel free to call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or e-mail me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.