Halftime at the Capitol! 

With the second month of a 4 month session behind us, I guess you could say we are officially at halftime. Last week’s deadline proved helpful in eliminating many of the problem bills that were introduced last year and this year. We started the session with over 5000 active bills, we are now down to 1,127. This is much more manageable when reviewing potential threats.  Our main priority is giving our members time to phase into the new bonding requirements. The OCC is working hard, in tandem with the legislature, to give us the relief we need. SB1976 (Green/Boles) and HB3469 (Green/Boles) are the two bills that will help with this transition period. They are “companion bills,” meaning they are identical but introduced in opposite chambers to help guarantee passage of at least one. We are very appreciative of Senator Green and Representaive Boles for helping us though this problem.

We have 4 weeks for these bills to be heard in committee. By the time you read this one of the bills may have already passed committee. SB1976 is to be heard in the House Energy Committee this week! We are well underway.

Rumor is the House and Senate might be close to a budget agreement. I have never seen a budget deal reached in April—it will definitely be historical!

Stay tuned as things will begin moving quickly!

Bobby Stem

OEPA Director of Governmental Affairs