House committee approves several agency rule packets unanimously

A House committee approved several agency rule resolutions during a session that covered energy, agriculture, business and health-related rules, voting unanimously on most packets.

Representative Kendricks presented HJR 1090, a resolution approving energy- and agriculture-related agency rules, and the committee approved it by voice vote, recorded 10–0. Kendricks then moved HJR 1091, covering business and commerce agency rules; members said a few adjustments would be handled in other resolutions and approved the packet by unanimous consent.

The committee also considered HDR 1092, a major-rule packet from the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission. Kendricks said a LOFT review flagged an estimated cost to one business of about $10,000,000; committee leaders said they met with the state and municipal fire marshals, the building commission and local fire departments and reached agreement on mitigation measures and timeline delays to address safety concerns. The committee moved to adopt the packet and members recorded aye votes.

Kendricks presented HDR 1093, listing health-related agency rules. He said several items involving the Oklahoma Health Care Authority were classified as major rules and would likely be handled separately in the Senate; the committee approved HDR 1093 by voice vote, recorded 11–0.

Kendricks told members staff aim to get the approved items on the floor on Thursday to allow the Senate process time and said the committee will meet again early next week if needed. He thanked staff and committee members for their work over a busy few days.

The meeting adjourned after a brief discussion about holding a short educational review at an upcoming meeting, suggested by Representative Chapman.