Sports betting legislation remains stalled

Now that we’ve passed the halfway point in this legislative session, the Senate is once again busy with committee hearings. When bills crossed over to the opposite legislative chamber in mid-March, the Senate sent the House more than 275 bills. In return, the House sent us 424 pieces of legislation. I’ve signed on to be the Senate author of several House bills, and I’m focused on getting those measures passed through various committees.

One of those bills would make it easier for experienced workers in trade fields to teach their craft. I received unanimous support for House Bill 3276 in the Senate Education Committee. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education requested this legislation so experienced workers in trade jobs can teach at their tech centers. A skilled laborer with at least 4,000 hours of experience would be eligible to teach at CareerTech under this legislation. That means a plumber or welder with at least five years of experience could get into the classroom without having to pass a skills test. To help beginning educators develop the skills and strategies to be successful in the classroom, these teachers would also take part in CareerTech’s "Teaching to Lead" program. This bill is a commonsense measure that will help CareerTech recruit workers with years of hands-on experience who can teach others how to master specific trades.

The Senate Business and Commerce Committee, which I lead, recently passed House Bill 3354 to allow the ABLE Commission to look for a bigger meeting venue. The commission that enforces state laws related to alcoholic beverages has been faced with an influx of people at recent meetings. Standing-room-only crowds are not out of the norm. Current law requires the commission to hold its monthly meetings at its office. I coauthored HB 3354 to change the law so the commission can meet in a bigger space elsewhere.

I’m often asked what’s the latest on efforts to legalize sports betting in Oklahoma. Rep. Ken Luttrell and I have tried diligently for years to convince our colleagues at the Capitol to make Oklahoma the 39th state to legalize sports betting, but our legislation remains stalled. Last year, the House passed House Bill 1027 to add mobile and in-person sports betting as a supplement to the state’s model gaming compact with the tribes. However, the bill shows no signs of being heard in the Senate Rules Committee, meaning it is likely dead for this session. Although many lawmakers support the idea of legalizing sports betting, nothing will happen until the governor and the tribes come to an agreement on this issue. But I’m not giving up hope. I plan to file new legislation on this topic next year.

I also want to thank Oklahoma’s veterans. This week, the Senate and House held a joint legislative session to express our appreciation for those who served in the military and those who gave their lives for their country. This annual event gives us a chance to recognize the approximately 290,000 veterans who call Oklahoma home. Thank you to each and every one of you for your service.

Finally, I hope you all had a happy Easter. I hope you spent that special day surrounded by family and friends.

Your comments and concerns are of the utmost importance to myself and my office. As always, please feel free to email me at Bill.Coleman@oksenate.gov or call 405-521-5581