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Bill to create voluntary storm-chaser licensing with emergency-light privileges advances after questions on liability and scope
Summary
House Bill 2426 would allow a voluntary state licensing program for professional storm chasers to use emergency lighting and run red lights under defined conditions; sponsors say it is optional and aimed at safety and improved warnings, while members asked about liability, media inclusion and a proposed revolving fund.
Representative Fagan described House Bill 2426 as a voluntary licensing program for “professional severe weather trackers” that would permit qualified participants to use emergency lighting under regulated conditions. “It is not a mandate. It's a choice of a storm chaser to participate in a licensing program through the state where they could potentially run with emergency lightings,” Fagan told the committee.
The sponsor said the bill grew from conversations with storm chasers and a desire to improve public warning in places that sometimes receive no local warning. Fagan recalled a 2023 incident near Morris, Oklahoma, when a longtime storm spotter’s report supplied local warning information that did not appear on broadcast alerts; he argued licensed trackers could increase timely reporting.
Committee members pressed on multiple points. Representative Bowles asked whether recreational storm chasers would be affected; Fagan replied, “It will have no effect on you,” and reiterated that the program is optional and would not change ordinary storm-chasing activity for hobbyists or news outlets.
Members also raised whether the bill would restrict media coverage or require stations to use only licensed trackers. Fagan said the bill as drafted limited eligibility to television stations and university research programs but that the sponsor was considering expanding and clarifying the eligible categories and the training and liability rules.
Representative Provenzano and others questioned liability for a chief meteorologist who signs off on a license applicant; Fagan acknowledged the legal exposure question and said the committee should examine how liability would be handled.
Representative Eaves asked about a state “revolving fund” referenced on page 7 and the expected fee structure. Fagan said the fund would hold licensing fees and that he believed the fee in the draft was about $500, but said details remained under discussion.
The committee moved the bill for adoption and, with no recorded debate afterward, the clerk announced the vote and declared the bill to pass in committee.
The record shows the bill remains a work in progress on eligibility, training and liability safeguards even as the committee advanced it.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 2426 — motion to adopt moved by Representative Fagan; committee vote recorded in transcript as carried (9 ayes, 0 nays).
