The third quarter is almost over, and the number of bills is diminishing. One issue has risen to the top of our lists which is HB 3777 by Rep. Collin Duel (R-Guthrie) and Sen. Brent Howard (R-Altus). This bill establishes requirements for the issuance of criminal subpoenas issued on behalf of or by a criminal defendant to a law enforcement agency.  They can command the production of law enforcement records. The bill outlines situations under which the court must quash or modify a subpoena. A subpoena that directs the production of documents or inspection of premises before trial must be served on each party. The bill also allows for the nonappearance of persons required to submit documents, unless commanded to appear. A person subject to a subpoena to produce documents may serve written objections to the subpoena within fourteen (14) days of service of the subpoena. A subpoena may be served by any person eighteen (18) years of age or older and may be accomplished by certified mail with return receipt requested.

OML has visited with Sen. Howard and Rep. Duel and expressed the concerns brought to us by city attorneys. We will continue to work with both legislators to try and address the issues brought forth in the bill.

Budget Talks Continue as Next 

Legislative Deadline Looms

Work continued on the State Budget with the House officially releasing their budget numbers. The House released a budget transparency portal on their website this week. The House budget includes an income tax cut, while the Senate’s budget does not. A document that outlines the differences between the House and Senate positions can be found at this link. According to the document, the House and Senate appear to be $1.1 billion apart on their budgets.

Next Thursday marks the deadline to hear the bills and joint resolutions in the opposite chambers. After next week, we will move into the conference committee part of session. Bills that were amended must go back to the House of Origin where the Senate and House can accept or reject those changes.