As the third week of the legislative session is now complete, we are over halfway through the process for advancing Senate bills out of Senate committees, with under two weeks of legislative work remaining before the March 5 deadline. Committee work is where much of the deliberation on bills occurs, and I’m pleased to have advanced additional measures this week.
One significant proposal moving forward is Senate Bill 2019, which creates a catastrophic judgment revolving fund to help political subdivisions like schools, municipalities, and counties manage human rights infringements in a more stable and predictable way. Instead of forcing property owners to absorb judgments on ad valorem rolls over three years, this measure allows subdivisions to repay over ten years using any lawful revenue source, with the fund administered by the Oklahoma State Treasurer. The bill also directs the insurance commissioner to pursue a statewide reinsurance pool, giving subdivisions access to catastrophic judgment coverage and requiring participation as a condition of using the fund. Together, these tools are designed to stabilize liability markets and protect taxpayers while ensuring judgments are responsibly satisfied.
Under SB 2019, the program will be administered by a seven- member Political Subdivision Insurance Fund Board. The governor would appoint three members to this board, while the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House would each have two appointments. The board would be required to meet quarterly, with its first meeting required to take place no later than March 31, 2027. I appreciate the Local and County Government Committee for their approval of this bill and look forward to presenting it to the full Appropriations Committee.
Another measure advancing this session is Senate Bill 1873. The bill provides that beginning January 1, 2028, all individuals per- forming residential roofing work will be required to hold a valid residential roofer endorsement, unless otherwise exempt under the Roofing Contractor Registration Act. This bill is simply cleanup language for a measure passed last year. By clarifying this requirement, this bill will strengthen consumer protection and ensure that homeowners can have confidence in the qualifications of those working on their roofs. I was pleased to see this legislation pass unanimously from the Business and Insurance Committee and look forward to it getting a hearing on the Senate floor soon.
In addition to our work at the Capitol, it was a pleasure to attend the AFR Convention and visit with members from across the state. I was honored to sit on the legislative panel and hear directly from agricultural leaders and fellow producers about the challenges they are facing and the priorities they would like to see addressed at the state level.
I also had the honor of welcoming FFA students from across our district to the Capitol for FFA Day. These young leaders represent the future of agriculture in our communities. It is always encouraging to see their enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to service. I appreciate the advisors and students who made the trip to the Capitol.
As we continue through the session and approach key deadlines, please do not hesitate to contact my office if there is a legislative matter you’d like to discuss. You can reach us at 405-521-5588 or Bryan.Logan@oksenate.gov.
