.

>>> A LONG-AWAITED AUDIT OF THE TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM REVEALS MIS-MANAGEMENT AND FRAUD.

>> NO AUDITOR WANTS TO FIND EVIDENCE LIKE THIS DOESN'T SERVE ANYONE'S INTEREST WHEN A PUBLIC SCHOOL FAILS TO ACT WITH FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

>>> THE U.S. SUPREME COURT GRANTS A DEATH ROW INMATE A NEW TRIAL AND CHANCE AT FREEDOM.

>> I BELIEVE UNDER TODAY'S STANDARD, VERY FEW PROSECUTORS WOULD SEEK A DEATH PENALTY.

>>> A STATE REPRESENTATIVE SUES GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT OVER HIS BACK TO WORK EXECUTIVE ORDER.

>> WHEN HE ENDED THE EMERGENCY, THAT ENDED HIS ABILITY TO JUST WAVE A MAGIC WAND.

>>> A PROGRAM THAT IS PUTTING FRESH, LOCALLY-PRODUCED FOOD INTO SCHOOL CAFETERIAS.

>> FRESH YES, STRAIGHT FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS.

AND THEN WE CAN ACTUALLY PUT THAT RIGHT INTO OUR SCHOOLS.ONTO OUR SALAD BARS.INTO OUR MAIN ENTREES.

>>> A CITIZEN LOBBYIST CONTINUES HIS QUEST TO PASS AN OKLAHOMA PATIENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON UP HERE THAT PEOPLE AREN'T AWARE OF AND YOU HAVE TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME UP HERE LOBBYING THROUGH WHAT YOU WANT TO GET DONE.

>>> PLUS, AN INDEPTH CONVERSATION ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO REGULATE STORM CHASERS-- NEXT ON THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT"!

>>> HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT", I'M RICH LENZ.

IN A MAJORITY DECISION, THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT HAS GRANTED OKLAHOMA CONVICTED KILLER, RICHARD GLOSSIP, A NEW TRIAL.

THE MAJORITY DECISION, WRITTEN BY JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR, CONCLUDES PROSECUTORS WITH-HELD CRITICAL EVIDENCE THAT COULD HAVE PROVEN GLOSSIP'S INNOCENCE, OR ALLOW HIM TO BE CHARGED WITH A LESSER OFFENSE FOR THE MURDER OF BARRY VAN TREESE IN 1997.

GLOSSIP HAS BEEN ON OKLAHOMA'S DEATH ROW FOR 26 YEARS AND INSISTS HE IS INNOCENT.

THE HIGH COURT'S DECISION WAS WELCOMED BY ATTORNEY GENERAL GENTNER DRUMMOND, WHO PETITIONED THE COURT TO GRANT GLOSSIP A NEW TRIAL.

>> I'M GRATIFIED THAT SIX OF THE EIGHT SUPREME COURT JUSTICES WHO REVIEWED THIS CASE AGREED THAT JUSTICE WAS NOT SERVED IN OKLAHOMA.

AND I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THAT VERDICT.

I THINK IT SHOWS THE SIGNIFICANCE AND THE WEIGHT OF THE DEATH PENALTY AND THAT IT SHOWS THAT OKLAHOMA CAN MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION.

I HAVE CONFERRED WITH SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE VAN TREESE FAMILY AND GIVEN THEM MY HEARTFELT SADNESS FOR WHERE THEY ARE, WHERE THEY FIND THEMSELVES.

I DON'T, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT RICHARD BLOSSOM IS INNOCENT.

I BELIEVE HIM TO BE GUILTY, BUT I BELIEVE HIM TO NOT HAVE BEEN GIVEN A FAIR TRIAL.

>> DRUMMOND ADDED-- BY GLOSSIP'S OWN ADMISSION, HE IS GUILTY OF A 35-YEAR PRISON TERM.

GLOSSIP'S ATTORNEY, DON KNIGHT, RELEASED A STATEMENT THAT READ IN PART: "TODAY WAS A VICTORY FOR JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS IN OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM.

RICHARD GLOSSIP, WHO HAS MAINTAINED HIS INNOCENCE FOR 27 YEARS, WILL NOW BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO HAVE THE FAIR TRIAL THAT HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN DENIED."

>>> THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MET FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THURSDAY SINCE GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTED THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS, AGAINST THE WISHES OF STATE SUPERINTENDENT RYAN WALTERS-- AND ALTHOUGH WALTERS WELCOMED THEM AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING-- IT WAS SOON CLEAR THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THE NEW MEMBERS DISAGREED WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT'S DESIRE TO TRACK THE NUMBER OF UNDOCUMENTED CHILDREN ATTENDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

>> LAST WEEK, PRESIDENT TRUMP ISSUED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER AIMING AT ENDING TAXPAYER SUBSIDIZED ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

THIS ORDER LA RAISES A LOT OF QUESTIONS FOR THE STATES.

WE APPLAUD PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS EFFORTS TO GET ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION UNDER CONTROL AND GETTING THE SPENDING AROUND IT UNDER CONTROL AS WELL.

BUT WE WANTED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO WEIGH IN ON SEVERAL OF THESE QUESTIONS.

CURRENTLY, WE DO NOT KEEP INFORMATION ON NON-CITIZENS THAT GO TO OUR SCHOOLS.

WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT THE LAWMAKERS WILL PASS A RULE.

WE - WE PASSED THROUGH THIS BOARD LAST MONTH TO HELP US WITH THAT.

>> I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMMIGRATION STATUS ISSUE BECAUSE WE'VE HAD A LOT OF PUSHBACK IN MY AREA FROM PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND I -- I WOULD RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT UNTIL WE GET ALL OF THIS SORTED OUT WITH THE AG, THAT WE SUSPEND ALL ACTIVITY RELATED TO IMMIGRATION.

>> AS ALWAYS, WE NOTE THAT SUPERINTENDENT WALTERS SERVES ON THE OETA BOARD, BY VIRTUE OF HIS ELECTED POSITION.

>>> ON WEDNESDAY, STATE AUDITOR, CYNDI BYRD RELEASED A LONG-AWAITED REPORT ON THE TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

WE'RE JOINED BY EDUCATION REPORTER, TAELYR JACKSON.

TAELYR, YOU'VE READ THE REPORT- SHARE WITH US THE BIG TAKE-AWAYS.

AND WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE EXPLOSIVE FINDINGS?

>> RICH, IT'S BEEN ABOUT TWO YEARS SINCE GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT FIRST REQUESTED THE AUDIT BACK IN JULY OF 2022.

A LACK OF TRANSPARENCY SEEMS TO BE ONE OF THE MAIN ISSUE FOUND IN THE AUDIT.

>> NO AUDITOR WANTS TO FIND EVIDENCE LIKE THIS.

>> STATE AUDITOR CINDY BRYD'S ASSESSMENT INCLUDED AN EVALUATION OF INTERNAL CONTROLS, OVERSIGHT OF PUBLIC FUNDS AND ADHERENCE TO BOARD POLICIES.

>> ANY DOLLAR WASTED IN EDUCATION IS CHEATING A CHILD OUT OF THE NEEDED RESOURCE, AND WE HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO MAKE SURE THAT THE MONEY WE ALLOCATE TO SCHOOLS GET TO THE TEACHERS AND THE STUDENTS WHO NEED IT.

>> ACCORDING TO STATE AUDITOR CINDY BRYD, UNDER FORMER SUPERINTENDENT DEBORAH GIST, THERE WAS A SYSTEMIC LACK OF INTERNAL CONTROLS AND PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF THE DISTRICT PURCHASING PROCESS.

>> WHICH ENABLED MISMANAGEMENT AND POTENTIALLY PLACED MILLIONS OF ADDITIONAL TAX DOLLARS IN JEOPARDY.

SECOND, NON-COMPLIANCE FLOURISHED DUE TO THE ADMINISTRATION'S LACK OF TRANSPARENCY WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD AND WITH THE PUBLIC.

>> BYRD SAYS FORMER CHIEF OF LEARNING AND TALENT OFFICER DEVIN FLETCHER WAS THE CATALYST FOR THE AUDIT.

BYRD BELIEVES FLETCHER ALTERED OR ISSUED FAKE INVOICES ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT.

WHILE FLETCHER PLEADED GUILTY IN 2023 TO WIRE FRAUD TOTALING $603,000, AUDITORS FOUND AN ADDITIONAL $221,503 OF MISAPPROPRIATED FUNDS.

>> THE DISTRICT'S INITIAL CONCERNS WERE CENTERED ON ONE VENDOR, BUT WE DISCOVERED THAT FLETCHER HAD ENGAGED IN WRONGFUL ACTIVITIES WITH AT LEAST FIVE CONSULTANTS.

>> HE WAS SENTENCED TO 30 MONTHS IN PRISON.

FOLLOWING THIS GOVERNOR STITT SUBMITTED THE FORMAL REQUEST FOR AN AUDIT.

>> THE GOVERNOR IS NOW CALLING FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO PURSUE ADDITIONAL LEGAL ACTION: "THE RELEASE OF THE AUDIT IS ONLY THE FIRST STEP IN HOLDING WRONGDOERS ACCOUNTABLE.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NEEDS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION AND BRING CHARGES WHEREVER POSSIBLE.

THIS CAN NEVER BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN IN OKLAHOMA AGAIN."

BYRD SAYS FLETCHER WAS A PART OF A MUCH LARGER PROBLEM.

DURING THAT TIME DR. DEBORAH GIST SERVED AS THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE DISTRICT, MORE THAN 1,400 DISCREPANCIES WERE FOUND.

>> EVEN BEFORE FLETCHER BEGAN HIS ACTIVITIES IN 2018, MULTIPLE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS CREATED AND FOSTERED A CULTURE OF FINANCIAL NON-COMPLIANCE.

CERTAIN DISTRICT LEADERS ROUTINELY DISREGARDED LAWS AND POLICIES DESIGNED TO PROTECT TAXPAYER MONEY.

WE DISCOVERED THAT TPS CONSISTENTLY FAILED TO PROPERLY VERIFY AND DOCUMENT THE RECEIPT OF VENDOR SERVICES.

>> AUDITORS FOUND THAT TPS ADMINISTRATORS OFTEN FOUND WAYS TO CUT THE SCHOOL BOARD OUT OF THE PURCHASING PROCESS ENTIRELY.

>> ULTIMATELY, THE BOARD SHARES RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF THE DISTRICT.

HOWEVER, GIST'S TEAM TOOK MEASURES TO HIDE INFORMATION, INCLUDING EVIDENCE ABOUT UNAUTHORIZED EXPENDITURES FROM BOARD MEMBERS.

>> THE CURRENT TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MET FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE AUDIT WAS RELEASED ON THURSDAY NIGHT.

>> THE TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD POLICY REQUIRES A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS OR RPF TO BE MADE BEFORE PURCHASES LARGER THAN $50,000 ARE MADE.

THE STATE AUDITOR AND INSPECTOR'S OFFICE CONDUCTED A REVIEW OF OVER $37.7 MILLION IN EXPENDITURES FROM THE SCHOOL YEAR 2015 TO 2023.

OF THAT $37 MILLION - $25 MILLION WAS SPENT IN VIOLATION OF THE DISTRICT RPF POLICY >> FOR EXAMPLE, TPS VENDOR, THE ACHIEVEMENT NETWORK RECEIVED MORE THAN $782,000 FROM TPS WITHOUT SUBMITTING A BID.

TPS DISREGARDED THE RFP REQUIREMENT BECAUSE THE EXPENDITURE WAS LATER REIMBURSED WITH DONOR FUNDS VIA THE FOUNDATION FOR TULSA SCHOOLS.

>> THE FOUNDATION FOR TULSA SCHOOLS IS A NON-PROFIT THAT PROVIDES FUNDING SUPPORT FOR THE TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT.

>> TPS ADMINISTRATORS ROUTINELY USE THE FOUNDATION TO REIMBURSE EXPENDITURES FOR VENDORS CIRCUMVENTING COMPETITIVE BIDDING.

TPS INITIALLY PAID THE ACHIEVEMENT NETWORK WITH TAXPAYER DOLLARS.

NOW, EVEN IF THE EXPENDITURE IS SUBJECT TO DONOR REIMBURSEMENT, THE BOARD'S POLICY HAS TO BE FOLLOWED.

ACCORDING TO BOARD POLICY, NO EMPLOYEE SHOULD HAVE OUTSIDE BUSINESS INTEREST THAT MIGHT INTERFERE WITH THE EMPLOYEOSE JUDGEMENT.

THEY FOUND $500,000 IN BONUSES WERE GIVEN TO EMPLOYEES WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORIZATION.

TULSA REPRESENTATIVE AND FORMER TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER, JOHN WALDRON ATTENDED THE TPS AUDIT PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY.

HE WAS DISAPPOINTED TO HEAR THAT FUNDS WERE USED IMPROPERLY BUT SEEM OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE DISTRICT'S FUTURE.

>> PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS OPERATE SOMETIMES WITH VERY MEAGER RESOURCES.

I SPENT MY OWN MONEY OFTEN TO BUY BOOKS FOR A - A MAKESHIFT LIBRARY IN MY CLASSROOM AND WE OFTEN HAD TO MAKE DO WITH WHAT WE HAD.

SO YEAH, IF YOU HEAR THAT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ARE BEING SPENT FOR CONSULTANTS OR YOU KNOW THAT AN INTERN GETTING PAID $2,000 A MONTH, THAT'S, YEAH, I MEAN THAT, THAT COULD BE DEMORALIZING TO YOU, BUT I WANNA REMIND YOU THAT THESE ARE PAST PRACTICES.

TPS HAS A CHANCE TO CLEAN UP THOSE PRACTICES AND DO A BETTER JOB MOVING FORWARD.

>> FRIDAY AFTERNOON, TPS SENT US A STATEMENT SAYING IN PART.

THEY ARE IN AGREEMENT THAT THERE ARE AREAS IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT.

AND THEY ARE ALREADY ADDRESSING SOME OF THOSE ISSUES.

RICH.

>>> THERE'S BI-PARTISAN AGREEMENT THAT SCHOOL LUNCHES SHOULD BE FRESHER AND HEALTHIER THAN THEY CURRENTLY ARE.

NOW, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND FORESTRY IS OFFERING AN INCENTIVE PROGRAM TO HELP.

REPORTER STEVE SHAW HAS THE DETAILS.

>> YOU LIKE PIZZA.

HEY I'M WITH YOU GIRL.

>> THERE'S PROBABLY NOTHING QUITE AS PRECIOUS AS KINDERGARTNER'S FILING IN FOR LUNCH.

>> DESIRAE.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE FRUIT?

MAC AND CHEESE.

MAC AND CHEESE >> MIDWEST CITY'S SOLDIER CREEK ELEMENTARY IS PART OF THE MID-DEL SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ABOUT 13,000.

VERY SOON, THIS DISTRICT AND MANY OTHERS WILL START SEEING WHAT MIDDEL THINKS IS A BETTER VARIETY IN THE LUNCHROOM.

IT'S CALLED THE OKLAHOMA LOCAL FOOD FOR SCHOOL PROGRAM.

IT'S A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD AND FORESTRY.

>> SO YOU CAN PURCHASE FRUITS, VEGETABLES, EVEN RAW MEAT.

FRESH.

UM FRESH YES STRAIGHT FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS.

AND THEN WE CAN ACTUALLY PUT THAT RIGHT INTO OUR SCHOOLS.ONTO OUR SALAD BARS, INTO OUR MAIN ENTREES, AND THEN GIVE THESE KIDS LOCAL PRODUCE FROM FARMS FROM KIND OF RIGHT OUTSIDE THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.

>> THE OKLAHOMA STATE LEGISLATURE ALLOCATED JUST OVER $3 MILLION FOR THIS PROGRAM IN 2025.

HOW'S THAT FOOD?

GOOD.

LOVE IT?

YEAH.

>> MERIRUTH SELLERS IS MARKET DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD AND FORESTRY.

>> THE STATE LOCAL FOOD FOR SCHOOLS PROGRAM WAS BORN OUT OF INSPIRATION FROM THE FEDERAL PROGRAM A FEW YEARS AGO THAT WE SAW SOME AMAZING ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR OUR FARMERS, AND OUR SCHOOLS HAD SUCH A GREAT RESPONSE THAT WE DECIDED TO CARRY THAT OUT TO A STATE PROGRAM.

>> AND MANY OF OUR SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PROTEIN LIKE BEEF AND POULTRY AND ARE ABLE TO STORE THAT A LITTLE BIT LONGER.

AND A LOT OF THEM ARE SERVING FRESH HAMBURGERS AND ROASTS, AND ALL KINDS OF GOOD STUFF.

ROASTS?

IN SCHOOL?

ABSOLUTELY!

>> THIS IS THE WAY IT WORKS.

THE NON-PROFIT OKLAHOMA CITY FOOD HUB OPERATES OUT OF THE REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF OKLAHOMA.

FARMERS LIKE THIS ONE WHO DROVE IN TUESDAY FROM CEDAR SPRINGS FARM IN OKLAHOMA CITY DROP OFF THEIR FRESH STUFF.AT THE REGIONAL FOOD BANK.

THE FOOD IS THEN DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS.

>> WELL WHAT WE DO IN THE LOCAL FOOD FOR SCHOOL PROGRAM IS KIND OF MAKE IT EASIER FOR ALL OF THE FARMERS TO CONNECT WITH THE SCHOOLS.

SO WE WILL AGGREGATE FROM A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT FARMS IN ONE LOCATION TO MAKE SURE THERE IS ENOUGH TO FILL ALL OF THE ORDERS AND THEN THE SCHOOLS CAN LOG ONTO OUR WEBSITE AND BUY FROM A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT FARMS IN ONE SPACE, AND THEN WE KIND OF HANDLE ALL OF THE INVOICING AND PAYMENTS TO TO JUST MAKE IT EASIER TO PARTICIPATE.

>> OKAY YOU CAN TRY THIS.

WELL WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO WITH THAT?

YOU CAN EAT IT.

REALLY?

YEAH.

IT'S SHARN.I NEED MY GREENS!

>> CHRISTY WHITE HAS OPERATED PRAIRIE EARTH GARDENS IN OKLAHOMA CITY FOR TEN YEARS.

SHE SAYS SHE'S PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE PROGRAM.

>> IT WILL BE WONDERFUL TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE LOCAL FOOD FOR STUDENTS.

AND IT'S GOOD FOR US SO WE CAN SELL IN BULK TO SOME PLACE.

IT WILL HELP US WITH OUR PAYROLL, AND PLUS IT'S GOOD AND HEALTHY FOOD FOR THE CHILDREN.

>> GENERALLY SPEAKING, LOCAL PRODUCE COSTS A LITTLE MORE THAN CONVENTIONAL PRODUCE FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS.

UM BUT THE PROGRAM LOCAL FOOD FOR SCHOOLS WILL HELP TO OFFSET THE DIFFERENCE IN THOSE COSTS.

SO THAT THE SCHOOLS WHO WANT TO BUY LOCAL PRODUCE CAN PURCHASE IT AT A SLIGHTLY HIGHER COST.

DECLARATION.

>> THE ARGUMENT IS SINCE THE EMERGENCY TERMINATED IN 2023, THE GOVERNOR FORFEITED THE TEMPORARY POWERS.

>> WHEN HE ENDED THE EMERGENCY, THAT ENDED HIS ABILITY TO JUST WAVE A MAGIC WAND.

>> THE FIVE YEARS OF REMOTE WORK HAS RESHAPED A LOT OF THE WAY THE STATE DOES BUSINESS.

>> WHEN WE SENT EMPLOYEES HOME, THE VARIOUS AGENCIES SOLD OFF OR FAILED TO RENEW LEASES FOR A NUMBER OF THE OFFICES WHERE THE PEOPLE WORKED.

SO THEY HAD NO PLACE TO RETURN TO.

>> THE EXECUTIVE ORDER DOES CARVE OUT SOME EXCEPTIONS TO REMOTE WORK.

INSISTS THE ORDERS SHOULDN'T BE CONTROVERSIAL.

>> THE FEW PEOPLE THAT REFUSED TO COME BACK INTO THE OFFICE, I SAID, HEY, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, WE'LL MAKE SURE THEY COME BACK IN.

>> WHO GETS TO DECIDE WHERE THE STATE EMPLOYEES WORK?

>> TO THE HEAD OF THE AGENCY.

>> REFERRING TO A STATUTE CALLED THE OKLAHOMA PERSONNEL ACT.

A STATE AGENCY SHOULD HAVE SOLE AND FINAL AUTHORITY -- DESMOND I GO -- >> THERE IS ARGUMENT WHERE THE GOVERNOR IS IS IT HEAD OF THE HEAD -- >> THERE'S THE IDEA THAT THE GOVERNOR IS THE ONE THAT PUT THIS IN TO MOTION, IT'S HIS ARGUMENT.

I THINK THAT AGAIN THE PROBLEM WITH THE ARGUMENT IS THAT IT'S NOT THE ONLY LAW IN PLACE.

THAT IT WAS PUT INTO STATUTE BETHE LEGISLATURE.

-- BY THE LEGISLATURE.

THE LEGISLATURE PASSED THE CERTAIN LAWS AND DIDN'T GIVE THE GOVERNOR POWER TO CHANGE THAT.

>> IN JANUARY, PRESIDENT TRUMP FILED A SIMILAR EXECUTIVE ORDER LIMITING FEDERAL REMOTE WORK.

TO A BROADER EXECUTIVE PUSH VIA THE PRESIDENT OR THE GOVERNOR TO EXERT MORE CONTROL OVER THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

>> WHAT'S INTERESTING ABOUT THIS IS IT'S TRYING TO CREATE THIS ONE SIZE FITS ALL PARAMETER.

WHEN THE STATUTES REALLY CLEARLY PROVIDE INSTEAD A MUCH BROADER PARAMETER FOR AGENCIES THEMSELVES TO EVALUATE THEMSELVES AND TO EVALUATE HOW WELL THINGS ARE WORKING.

>> THE LEGAL INQUIRY WILL BE TESTED IN COURT WITH THE FIRST HEARINGS MARCH 3.

BUT THERE'S A QUESTION OF PRODUCTIVITY.

>> I THINK MOST AGREE WITH ME, PEOPLE ARE MOST PRODUCTIVE IN THE OFFICE.

>> I THINK WE OUGHT TO HAVE A HEALTHY CONVERSATION HERE AT THE CAPITOL ABOUT WHEN IT MAEKZ SENSE TO HAVE REMOTE WORK, AND IF THE GOVERNOR WANT TO MAKE A THE CASE FOR THAT, THERE'S SOMETHING CALLED THE BULLY PULPIT.

BACK TO THE DAYS OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT.

WHERE HE CAN MAKE HIS CASE TO THE PUBLIC AND HAVE THE PUBLIC REACH OUT TO THE LEGISLATURE TO ENACT THOSE KINDS OF LAWS.

THAT'S THE WAY IT'S SUPPOSED TO WORK.

>> TO EXPECT THE JUDGE RULES IN HIS FAVOR, THE JUDGE WILL APPEAL.

IT'LL TAKE SOME TIME.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> DUSTIN ROWE HAS BEEN SWORN IN, ACCORDING TO THE HIGH COURT IN 2019, ROWE IS A LIFELONG RESIDENT AND ENROLLED MEMBER OF THE CHICKASAW NATION.

>> REFORM THE SAME, WHEN PUBLIC GOOD MADE -- LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IF WE INVEST IN THE DEMOCRACY.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> ALSO BEEN SELECTED TO SERVE IT'S VICE CHIEF JUSTICE OF OKLAHOMA'S HIGHEST COURT.

AND ALSO THIS WEEK, FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE WILL ANNOUNCE TO REPLACE DRUMMOND.

>> IN OKLAHOMA THE PATIENT BILL OF RIGHT FAIL TO PASS IN THE LEATHER LAST YEAR.

BUT THAT DIDN'T STOP A CITIZEN LOBBYIST, TO GET IT OVER THE FINISH LINE DURING THIS SESSION.

>> HE'S TRYING TO MAKE SURE TO ALL, >> ABSOLUTELY, RICH.

BRAND IS TRYING TO MAKE SURE HIS FELLOW OKLAHOMANS DON'T EXPERIENCE THE SAME TYPE OF TRAGEDY THAT HE DID WHEN HIS WIFE DIED.

AND HAS LEARNED HOW THE LONG, COMPLICATED PROCESS OF PASSING LEGISLATION WORKS.

>> IT NEVER MADE IT TO THE SENATE FLOOR.

IT WENT THROUGH THE HOUSE, UNANIMOUSLY, THE SENATE COMMITTEE.

>> THAT'S WHERE THE THINGS ENDED FOR THE MEASURE LAST YEAR.

WE MET BRAND AND HIS FAMILY IN 2023.

IT WAS DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC, AND EVEN THOUGH SHE DIDN'T HAVE THE VIRUS, SHE WAS SLAETED FROM THE -- ISOLATED FROM HER FAMILY BEFORE SHE PASSED AWAY.

THEY DIDN'T WANT ANOTHER FAMILY TO EXPERIENCE THE TRAGEDY THEY DID.

MR.

BRAND IS A CITIZEN LOBBYIST OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.

>> IT'S NOT LIKE WHAT EVERYONE THINKS IT IS.

THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS GO ON UP HERE, AND YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME UP HERE, LOBBYING WHAT YOU WANT TO GET DONE.

>> THE BILL HAS TO GO THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS AGAIN.

>> I FEEL CONFIDENT IT'LL GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE.

BUT I'M STILL NERVOUS.

>> A FEW MINUTES LATER, BRAND WAS IN THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ROOM.

>> WE HAD REPRESENTATIVE -- TO REPRESENT HOUSE BILL 1600.

>> AND HOUSE BILL 1600, KNOWN AT&T LAUREN BRAND PATIENT BILL OF RIGHTS.

TO ENSURE EVERY PATIENT IN OKLAHOMA RECEIVES SAFE, RESPECTFUL AND INFORMED CARE.

>> MR.

BRAND, I HAD POSTED -- I WAS DOING A DIAPER DRIVE FOR MY CHURCH.

HE MESSAGED ME, AND SAID HE HAD SOME DIAPERS THAT HE WASN'T USING AND WANTED TO DONATE THEM.

>> SHE WAS TOUCHED BY THE STORY ABOUT HIS FAMILY.

>> WHEN HE SHARED WITH ME THE DETAILS OF THE STORY AND I DUG DEEP AND DID THE RESEARCH OF HER CONDITION AND THE CARE SHE RECEIVED, I THOUGHT WE HAVE GOT TO HAVE SOMETHING IN OKLAHOMA STATUTE THAT SETS A STANDARD OF CARE ACROSS ALL OKLAHOMAENS OF DIGNITY AND RESPECT AND COMMUNICATION THAT THEY'LL RECEIVE.

>> PARTICIPATING IN -- PARTICIPATING IN THE EXPERIMENTATION OR RESEARCH AND THAT'S BEEN REMOVED.

WHY WOULD YOU NOT BE ASKED TO GIVE CONCEPT TO MEDICAL RESEARCH OR EXPERIMENTATION.

>> THERE ARE LAWMAKERS THAT HAVE QUESTIONS.

THAT'S WHERE THE LOBBYISTS -- >> THEY CAN'T BE SUBJECT EXPERTS ON ALL.

THEY COME HERE FROM SCHOOL TEACHERS, REAL ESTATE LAWYERS, YOU EXPECT THEM TO KNOW ABOUT EVERYTHING?

THEY CAN'T DO IT.

THEY NEED LOBBYISTS, CITIZEN LOBBYISTS TO HELP GUIDE THEM IN THE WAY.

>> HE FOUNDED THE LOBBYING FIRM, ANYONE WANTING TO MAKE A CHANGE IN THE CAPITOL NEEDS TO REALIZE IT TAKES TIME.

>> IT TOOK ME TEN YEARS TO PASS ONE BILL OUT HERE.

IT TAKES TIME.

NOBODY COMES OUT HERE AND PRODUCES MIRACLES THE FIRST YEAR.

>> BRAND HAS BEEN INFORMING LEGISLATORS AT THE BILL.

>> I THINK -- I HAVEN'T READ IT.

BUT ONCE YOU TOLD ME ABOUT IT, REPRESENTATIVE -- [INAUDIBLE].

>> APPRECIATE IT.

>> IT'LL COME IN HANDY IF THE BILL COMES TO THE HOUSE FLOOR.

>> WE HAVE MOTION, A SECOND TO REDISCUSSION.

>> BRAND WATCHED AS THE COMMITTEE PLACED THEIR VOTES.

>> THE 5-1 MARGIN PUSHED THE BILL FORWARD TO THE NEXT COMMITTEE.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO HONOR THE CONSTITUENT BRAND IN THE ROOM TODAY.

HE HAS WORKED TIRELESSLY ON THIS BILL.

>> IT'S A BIT OF A RELIEF.

NOW I HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THE NEXT COMMITTEE IT'LL GO THANK YOU.

>> HE DIDN'T INTEND TO BE A CITIZEN LOBBYIST, BUT IS DETERMINED TO HONOR HIS WIFE'S MEMORY.

>> SHE DIDN'T LIKE THE SPOTLIGHT AT ALL.

SHE WOULD PROBABLY BE MAD AT ME FOR DOING THIS.

BUT SHE WOULD PROBABLY BE PROUD OF IT.

>> BEFORE HOUSE BILL 1600 CAN MAKE IT TO THE FULL HOUSE, IT MUST GAIN THE SUPPORT OF THE HOUSE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE BEFORE AN EARLY MARCH DEADLINE.

THERE'S ALSO A COMPANION BILL IN THE SENATE.

RICH.

>>> LESS THAN TWO AND A -- ALSO, BLACK HISTORY DAY.

>> HE'S NOT A STRANGER TO THE OKLAHOMA STATE CAPITOL.

IT WAS FORMER REPRESENTATIVE TURNED TULSA MAYOR NICHOLS.

AN ELECTION HE WON LAST NOVEMBER.

AND WE WORKED ON A VARIETY OF ISSUES.

THAT HE TOUTED IN HIS CAMPAIGN.

RANGING FROM PUBLIC EDUCATION, TO HEAD COACH TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE ISSUES.

SOME OF THE THINGS HE TALKED ABOUT IN HIS SPEECH.

>> THE BILL THAT WOULD CHANGE THE DATES FOR SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS, HAVE PASSED.

WHY DO SOME FEEL THE BILL IS NEEDED.

>> HOUSE BILL 1151 WOULD MOVE THOSE ELECTIONS TO THE NOVEMBER ELECTION DATES.

IN THE INTERIM STUDY OVER THE SUMMER, AN ANALYST INDICATED THE TURN OUT OF THE TWO ELECTION DATES ARE VERY DIFFERENT WITH MORE PEOPLE TURNING OUT IN NOVEMBER THAT TURN OUT IN THE MARCH ELECTIONS.

THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE MOVE THERE.

THERE'S OTHER BILLS IN THE PROCESS THAT WOULD REDUCE THE DATES AND PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON THE ELECTION DATES WE'RE MORE FAMILIAR WITH.

THE PRIMARIES IN JUNE, THE RUN OFF IN AUGUST, AND THE GENERAL IN NOVEMBER.

>> I ALSO WANT TO ASK YOU OF AN A SENATE BILL TO MAKE IT ILLEGAL FOR EMPLOYEES TO STRIKE A PROTEST.

>> THE BILL, IT WOULD PROHIBIT STATE AND PUBLIC WORKERS IN GENERAL FROM PROTESTING DURING THE WORK HOURS.

THEY WOULD BE ALLOWED TO IN THE OFF HOURS OR TAKE LEAVE TO DO SO.

THIS WOULD AFFECT A NUMBER OF PUBLIC WORKERS IN THE STATE.

WHO ALL OF WHICH COME TO THE CAPITOL FOR EVENTS, PROMOTING THEIR AREA OF WORK.

THERE'S PROBABLY STILL WORK TO BE DONE.

>> SENATE BILL 484 BY SNAR -- ORIGINALLY BEGAN PROHIBITING CITIES UNDER THE POPULATION OF 300,000 FROM PROVIDING SERVICES TO HOMELESS RESIDENTS.

THE BILL NOW WOULD REQUIRE THAT HOMELESS SHELTERS BE LOCATED 3,000 FEET OR MORE FROM PLACES LIKE SCHOOLS OR PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND OTHER FACILITIES WHERE THE CHILDREN CONGREGATE.

IT WAS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE.

>> FINAL QUESTION, PROPOSING A BAN ON THE USE OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENTED -- >> THEY DON'T, THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT'S DISCUSSED AT THE CAPITOL FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

UNDER THE PROPOSAL, THOSE CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ON INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RECEIVE CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT.

NOT EVERY DISTRICT HAS THE POLICY.

THEY MUST HAVE A FORMAL POLICY AND THE PARENT HAS TO OPT INTO THAT.

BUT THIS WOULD PROHIBIT ENTIRELY FOR THE DISABLED CHILDREN.

NOW IT MOVES TO THE HOUSE.

>> SEAN, WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>> YOU'RE VERY WELCOME.

>>> LESS THAN TWO AND A HALF-YEARS AFTER CONSTRUCTION BEGAN, THE OKANA HOTEL AND RESORT IN DOWNTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY IS NOW WELCOMING GUESTS.

THAT STORY TOPS THIS WEEK'S STATE-WIDE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW WITH JASON DOYLE.

>> THE $400 MILLION OKANA RESORT AND INDOOR WATER PARK IS OFFICIALLY OPEN IN OKLAHOMA CITY'S HORIZON'S DISTRICT, JUST OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN AND BRICKTOWN.

THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY AND THE CHICKASAW NATION HAVE PARTNERED ON THE TOURISM PROJECT.

THE HOTEL IS 11 STORIES AND HAS 404 SUITES.

THE INDOOR WATERPARK IS 100,000 SQUARE FEET WITH A LAZY RIVER AND 15 WATER SLIDES.

OTHER AMENITIES INCLUDE A FULL-SERVICE DAY SPA, 13 RESTAURANT AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS, AND A 20,000 FOOT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER.

THE RESORT EMPLOYS MORE THAN 400 WORKERS AND IS EXPECTED TO GENERATE AN ECONOMIC IMPACT OF $98 MILLION IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION.

OKLAHOMA CITY BASED LSB INDUSTRIES REPORTS A 2024 NET LOSS OF $19.4 MILLION COMPARED TO 2023'S NET INCOME OF $27.9 MILLION.

THE COMPANY REPORTS THE LOSSES LAST YEAR ARE CONNECTED TO $37.8 MILLION IN TURNAROUND COSTS FOR ITS PRYOR AND CHEROKEE FACILITIES AND APPROXIMATELY $11.7 MILLION IN ONE-TIME, NON-CASH CHARGES RELATED TO WRITE DOWNS OF COMPANY ASSETS.

LSB HAS REDUCED ITS DEBT BY 17% LAST YEAR AND HAS REPURCHASED APPROXIMATELY 1.5 MILLION SHARES OF STOCK FOR ABOUT $12.1 MILLION.

THE COMPANY LEADERS EXPECT THE DEMAND FOR IT CHEMICAL PRODUCTS TO REMAIN STEADY THIS YEAR.

TULSA BASED INDUSTRIAL HEATING AND AIR MANUFACTURER AAON REPORTS FULL YEAR NET INCOME OF $168.8 MILLION IN 2024.

THAT'S DOWN BY MORE THAN 5% OF THE COMPANY'S PROFITS IN 2023.

AAON LEADERS SAY THAT THE COMPANY WAS IMPACTED BY AN INDUSTRY-REGULATED REFRIGERANT TRANSITION.BUT HAS SEVERAL PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO PAY OUT IN 2025.

LAST YEAR, THE COMPANY COMPLETED NEW FACILITY IN TEXAS AND PURCHASED ANOTHER IN TENNESSEE.

BOTH LOCATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO RAMP UP TO FULL OPERATION THIS YEAR.

TULSA BASED ONEOK PROVIDED ITS OUTLOOK FOR 2025, AND IT SEEMS THE COMPANY BELIEVES IT WILL SEE AN 11% INCREASE IN NET INCOME IN 2025.

JASON DOYLE, THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>>> SOME STORM CHASERS ARE CONCERNED THAT A BILL INTRODUCED IN THE CURRENT SESSION WOULD FAVOR SOME CHASERS OVER OTHERS-- IT WOULD REQUIRE A YEARLY LICENSE AND ALLOW THEM TO ACT AS EMERGENCY RESPONDERS FOLLOWING A TORNADO.

IN OUR "INDEPTH" DISCUSSION THIS WEEK-- MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD SPEAKS WITH PEOPLE BOTH IN FAVOR AND OPPOSED TO THE IDEA.

CASSIDY?

>> JOINING US IS ERIC FOX, FOR WEATHER NATION, AND SENATOR MANN FROM OKLAHOMA CITY.

GENTLEMEN, THANK YOU BOTH FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING US.

>> SENATOR, START US OFF BY GIVING AN OVERVIEW OF THE BILL.

>> WELL, YES.

REPRESENTATIVE'S BILL WAS THE ORIGINAL VERSION THAT WE STARTED WITH.

I HAVE AMENDED AND PASSED THE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE, THAT EVENTUALLY -- AND SO I'LL STICK WITH THE -- WHAT I THINK WE'RE WORKING FROM.

WHAT THAT DOES IS -- DOESN'T STOP ANYONE THAT WANTS TO CHASE A STORM RECREATIONALLY OR OTHERWISE, THEY CAN STILL DO THAT.

THAT WAS NEVER THE INTENT OF THIS LEGISLATION.

I THINK THE FIRST BILL THAT WE STARTED WORKING WITH WAS CONFUSING, AND I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR, THIS IS NOT GOING TO STOP ANYONE FROM DOING WHAT THEY'RE CURRENTLY DOING.

IT ALLOWS THE RADIO STATIONS AND THE WEATHER STATIONS THAT REPORT THE WEATHER TO HAVE FIVE VEHICLES TO RUN WITH A GREEN LIGHT, HAVE TO YIELD TO PLES, FIRE AND AMBULANCE.

IT WOULD ALLOW THEM TO YIELD, RUN A RED LIGHT LEGALLY, AND MOVE FROM POINT A TO POINT B.

EACH OF THE VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO TAKE A DRIVING COURSE, AND WORK THE STATION -- AT LEAST A MILLION DOLLARS OF LIABILITY ON THE VEHICLE.

AND THAT'S PRETTY MUCH WHAT THE BILL DOES.

IT'S PRETTY SIMPLE.

THERE'S NOT A LICENSING FEE.

THE STATIONS THAT ARE AFFECTED WILL CONTROL THAT IF THEY CHOOSE TO.

THE BILL DOESN'T REQUIRE THEM TO.

>> ERIC, WHAT'S YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> THE CURRENT BILL, I DON'T LIKE IT FOR MANY REASONS.

I THINK THERE'S GOOD REASONS TO DO IT, THERE'S GOOD POINTS IN THE BILL.

THE TRAINING ASPECT IN THE BILL IS NEEDED ACROSS THE BOARD.

AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NATIONAL STORM CHASERS SUMMIT, THE REASON I FOUND IT IS TO IMPROVE THE TRAINING IN STORM CHASING.

MY CONCERN IS THE EMERGENCY VEHICLE, AND ALLOWING THE LIGHTS AND GIVE MORE LEEWAY TO STORM CHASERS THAT DON'T NEED IT.

I'M ALSO A FIRST RESPONDERS, I'M A POLICE OFFICER.

AND I THINK THIS WILL CREATE MORE PROBLEMS ON THE ROADWAY THAN IT'LL HELP.

JUST WITH THE ASPECT OF THE BILL.

DO I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A REGULATION AND OVERSIGHT A BIT?

YES.

THAT'S MAINLY THE TRAINING ASPECT OF WHAT WE'RE DOING.

ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE WORKING WITH THE MEDIA.

I DO HAVE FIRST AMENDMENT ISSUES, THE MIOED OUTLETS WILL -- MEDIA OUTLETS WILL BE REGULATED OF WHO THAT IS.

I HAVE SOME FIRST AMENDMENT ISSUES WITHIN THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN THE BILL.

BUT THE MERIT OF THE BILL, I DO UNDERSTAND IT.

THIS ALL STARTED FROM A LOCAL TV STATION THAT COULDN'T GET THROUGH TO FOLLOW A STORM THAT HAD A TORNADO ON IT.

BUT THE MERIT OF THE BILL IS DOWN THE RIGHT PATH BUT I THINK THE MESSAGING IS WRONG.

AND TRYING TO LIMIT THE MEDIA.

BUT IT'S A WORKING BILL, RIGHT.

THAT'S THE WAY WE HAVE LEGISLATION THE WAY IT'S BUILT.

BOTH HAVE OPENED UP THEIR HEARTS AND MINDS TO US, TO MAKE THIS A BETTER BILL.

>> SENATOR TALKED ABOUT THIS A BIT, BUT THE BILL WOULD ALLOW THE STORM CHASERS TO SERVE AS EMERGENCY RESPONDERS AFTER A TORNADO.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT AND THE TRAINING.

>> THE BILL DOESN'T STORM CHASERS, NOR WILL IT BE ON THE BACK, OF PEOPLE TRACKING AND REPORTING THE WEATHER.

THEY'RE NOT A FIRST RESPONDERS.

BUT IT ALLOWS THEM TO OPERATE IN A LIMITED WAY LIKE A FIRST RESPONDERS.

AGAIN, THEY WOULD HAVE TO YIELD TO POLICE, FIRE AND AMBULANCE, BUT IT GIVES THEM LEEWAY TO MOVE QUICKER AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED WITHOUT BREAKING THE LAW.

THEY WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A FIRST RESPONDER TO RENDER AID.

>> THEY WOULD HAVE THE PRESSURE ON THEM.

BUT THE ABILITY TO GET THE INFORMATION TO PEOPLE.

>> I WILL SAY THIS, A LOT OF THE STORM TRACKERS THAT I'VE TALKED TO, THEY DO STOP.

IF THEY SEE SOMEONE IN NEED OR INJURED, THEY'LL STOP, UNTIL THE POLICE SHOW UP.

IN THE ROLE OF A FIRST RESPONDER TO RENDER THAT AID IS NOT WHAT THIS BILL DOES.

>> AND ERIC, YOU'VE BEEN STORM CHASING FOR YEARS.

TELL US A BIT WHAT STORM CHASERS SERVE OVERALL.

>> EYES AND EARS ON THE GROUND FOR THE LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

SO OVERALL, THE WHOLE ASPECT IS SAFETY, AND I AGREE WITH SENATOR MANN, I DON'T KNOW A STORM CHASER OUT THERE THAT WOULDN'T STOP AND HELP.

WE'RE REALLY DOING BASIC FIRST AID, CPR AND STOP THE BLEED.

SOMETIMES WE'RE THERE BEFORE THE FIRST RESPONDERS.

BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PROPER TRAINING TO DO THAT.

AND REALLY DRIVE AND NOT BE DISTRACTED.

THERE'S SO MANY ASPECTS TO STORM CHASING THAT PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE IS OUT THERE.

WE'RE THERE TO BE EYES AND EARS FOR EVERYONE IN THE WEATHER COMMUNITY.

SOMETHING WE DO, AND I'M A HUGE BELIEVER IN WHAT THE LOCAL TV STATIONS DO HERE.

THEY REALLY PAY ATTENTION TO WEATHER.

THE EYES AND EARS, START WITH THE LOCAL TV STATIONS AND EVEN NATIONALLY.

WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT STREAM WITH MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AT A TIME, OUT THERE.

REALLY POPULAR STORM CHASERS.

IF WE SAVE ONE LIFE, AND ONE PERSON IS WATCHING THE STREAM AND IT SAVES THEIR LIVES, WE SHOULDN'T LIMIT WHO GETS THROUGH.

>> SENATOR, WILL ANY PIECE OF THIS BILL LIMIT WHO GETS THROUGH.

>> I DON'T PERCEIVE THIS BILL AS LIMITING ANYONE.

BECAUSE THERE'S CURRENTLY NO -- CURRENTLY NO LEGISLATION DEALING WITH THIS AT ALL.

IT'S A FREE FOR ALL.

I DON'T SEE IT CHANGES ANYTHING FOR ANYONE, EXCEPT THOSE WHO DO QUALIFY OFF THIS BILL.

WE HAVE HAD DISCUSSIONS TO THE POINT THAT WAS JUST MADE, HOW DO WE LOOK AT OTHER NEWS SOURCES TO INCLUDE THEM IN THIS AND THE PARAMETERS.

I AM SYMPATHETIC TO THE IDEA THAT THERE ARE WEATHER CHANNELS ON THE INTERNET THAT HAVE A HUGE FOLLOWING.

HOW DO YOU INCLUDE THEM, BUT I DON'T WANT SOMEONE THAT'S CHASING JUST TO START A YOUTUBE CHANNEL THAT NOBODY FOLLOWS AND HAVE THEM TO DO THE SAME THING.

THE IDEA IS NOT TO EXCLUDE ANYONE BUT TO EMPOWER THE PEOPLE WHO PROVIDE US DATA IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORM AND THE EYES ON THE GROUND TO MAKE IT EASIER ON THEM SO WE CAN SEE THAT.

I THINK THOSE PEOPLE, YOU KNOW YOU FOLLOW THE METEOROLOGISTS AND THE RADAR AND ALL THAT.

BUT IT'S CLOSE TO YOUR HOUSE, YOU WANT THE STORM CHASERS.

IT'S A MILE AWAY, AND I SEE THIS.

THE WHOLE PURPOSE IS TO MAKE IT EASIER AND SAFER FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS TO DO THEIR JOB.

>> WHO QUALIFIES FOR THIS?

>> THE WAY WE HAVE WRITTEN THE BILL IS IT WOULD BE ANY SCC LICENSED TELEVISION STATION, RADIO STATION OR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY THAT HAS A METEOROLOGICAL PROGRAM.

UP TO FIVE VEHICLES, CLEARLY MARKED AND IDENTIFIED.

A GREEN AND WHITE LIGHT AND IF THEY'RE GOING TO RUN WITH THE LIGHT, THEY HAVE TO HAVE THE PERSON DRIVING TO BE IDENTIFIED BY THE STATION WITH INFORMATION AND THAT -- IDENTIFICATION AND THAT PERSON HAS TO HAVE TAKEN A DRIVING COURSE.

>> DO YOU THINK THIS MAKES IT HARDER FOR INDEPENDENT STORM CHASERS?

>> YES AND NO.

DO I BELIEVE IT'LL LIMIT THE STORM CHASING, YES.

BUT SOMETHING I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH, WE HOPE TO TALK ONE ON ONE ABOUT THIS, TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE.

I ADDRESSED IT, THERE'S NO NEED TO BLOCK THE ROADS AT TIMES.

THERE'S TIMES TO BLOCK ROADS AND TIMES NOT TO.

AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, THERE'S -- UNFORTUNATELY IF YOU'RE BLOCK ROADS, I HAVE PURE EVIDENCE PHYSICAL HE WAS WHERE THE BLOCKING ROADS HAVE KILLED PEOPLE IN OKLAHOMA.

IT'S NOT FAULT TO OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL, THEY'RE DOING WHAT THEY THINK IS BEST.

THE LACK OF TRAINING IN LAW ENFORCEMENT IS AN ISSUE ON THE ROADWAYS AND IT'S A CONCERN I HAVE WITHIN THIS BILL.

NOW IT'LL BE -- TO BLOCK ROADS, AND IF YOU HAVE I-35 BACKED UP BECAUSE YOU'RE BLOCKING A ROAD AND THE STORM TURNS RIGHT, YOU COULD HAVE 4 OR 500 PEOPLE IN HARM'S WAY BECAUSE OF GOOD INTENTION POLICE OFFICERS.

IT'S ALMOST HAPPENED HERE IN OKLAHOMA THIS LAST YEAR.

ACTUALLY I WAS A POLICE OFFICER AT THE TIME, I WAS ABLE TO GET WITH A TROOPER, CAN WE MOVE THE CARS OUT, AND THEY LISTEN TO ME, THEY KNEW ME.

THERE'S INSTANCES OF THIS HAPPENING.

IT'S A TRAINING ISSUE.

IF THIS BILL IS GOING TO PASS THE TRAINING IN LAW ENFORCEMENT NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED.

UNFORTUNATELY, IT'LL HAPPEN AT SOME POINT, IF WE CONTINUE TO BLOCK ROADS OR ADD TO IT, YES, IT'LL HAPPEN.

I BELIEVE THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS, THOUGH IS THERE'S TIMES THERE'S AMATEURS, I'VE BEEN FOLLOWED BY PEOPLE OUT OF OKLAHOMA CITY.

I LIVE HERE.

THE NEXT THING I KNOW, I HAVE A CAR AND THEY KNOW ME.

THEY FOLLOW ME IN OKLAHOMA.

THAT NEEDS TO BE STOPPED.

AND REGULATED.

THAT'S WHY I'M NOT A 100% AGAINST THIS BILL.

HOW DO WE DO THAT WITHOUT HARMING THE PERSON WITH A METEOROLOGICAL DEGREE.

AND THE OTHER CONCERN IS THE RESEARCH GROUP.

THERE'S A RESEARCH GROUP COMING OUT THIS YEAR.

SOMETHING I'M WORKING WITH SENATOR MANN, AND I BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION, THEY'RE OPEN MINDED TO IT.

IF WE DON'T BLOCK ROADS.

FOR THE STATE OF TEKSZ, NO ISSUES.

>> THE BILL COULD BE MADE MORE CLEAR.

THE ONLY REASON WE PUT IN THE ROADBLOCK, THAT'S OBVIOUSLY UP TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES.

REALLY WHAT WE INTENDED AND IF YOU THINK ABOUT THE STORM CHASER ON THE STORM, PROBABLY 99% OF THE TIME, LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS NOT HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO BLOCK THE ROAD.

WE INCLUDED THAT AND MAYBE THEY WOULD, BUT WE INCLUDED THAT BASICALLY FOR WINTER STORMS.

THERE ARE TIMES STATIONS WHICH REALLY IS NOT STORM TRACKING WOULD COVER, YOU HAVE I-35 CLOSED BETWEEN HERE AND TULSA BECAUSE OF A WINTER STORM.

I THINK THERE'S THINGS WE CAN DO TO TIGHTEN THAT UP AND MAKE IT CLEARER.

THAT'S THE INTENT.

AS FAR AS THIS BILL AUTHORIZING ROADBLOCK, THAT'S NOT WHAT IT'S INTENDED TO DO.

CURRENT LAW HANDLES THAT.

WE CAN CLARIFY THAT IN THE BILL.

>> WE'RE AT OUT OF TIME, I WANTED TO SEE IF YOU HAVE FINAL THOUGHTS.

>> YEAH, IT'S ABOUT LIFE SAFETY AT THE END OF THE DAY AND KEEPING PEOPLE OF OKLAHOMA SAFE AND TRY TO PREVENT DEATH FROM TORNADOS IN THIS STATE.

IT'S THE MOST DANGEROUS STATE IN THE NATION BECAUSE OF THE TORNADOES.

IT'S A CENTRAL HUB.

I BELIEVE THE INTENT OF THE BILL IS IN GOOD SPIRIT.

I HOPE WE DON'T TAKE PEOPLE'S RIGHTS AWAY.

IN THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS, AND I FEEL LIKE WE CAN GET THERE.

OPEN DIALOGUE, AND STILL CONTINUING.

I APPRECIATE THE TIME AND EFFORT, AT THE END OF THE DAY KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE.

>> SENATOR.

>> I'LL ECHO THAT SENTIMENT.

WE STARTED THIS BILL AND IT'S REALLY EVOLVED.

WE HAVE VISITED WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE PROFESSIONAL STORM TRACKERS, AND RECREATIONAL, AND WE CONTINUE TO EVOLVE THE BILL.

I SUSPECT AS WE MOVE FORWARD AND MESSENGER THE TWO BILLS, THERE'LL BE MORE TWEAKS.

WE'RE OPEN MINDED AND WE WANT THIS TO BE A PUBLIC SAFETY BILL BUT NOT INFRINGE ON WHAT EVERYONE IS CURRENT ENGAGED IN.

IT'S YOUR RIGHT, IF YOU WANT TO GO CHASE A STORM AND HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL SET TO DO THAT, THAT'S YOUR RIGHT TO DO THAT.

>> THAT'S DEMOCRACY IN PROGRESS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I APPRECIATE YOU WORKING SO DILIGENTLY ON THIS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> VERY GOOD CONVERSATION.

THANK YOU.

>>> THE BETTY PRICE ART GALLERY OFFICIALLY REOPENED INSIDE THE STATE CAPITOL THIS WEEK, CLOSED FOR FIVE YEARS FOR RENOVATIONS.

THE GALLERY IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC AND FEATURES MANY OF OUR STATE'S MOST ICONIC ARTISTS.

THE GRAND RE-OPENING CEREMONY ON TUESDAY, FEATURING A RIBBON CUTTING AND COMMENTS FROM STATE LEADERS.

IT INCLUDES A COLLECTION OF MORE THAN 200 WORKS AND IS LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE CAPITOL BUILDING.

>> THE WORKS IN THE STATE ART COLLECTION EXHIBIT THE VISION OF OUR CREATIVES, THEIR INNOVATION AND TECHNICAL MASTERY OF THEIR CRAFT.

THE WORKS REFLECT EACH ARTIST'S STORIES AND EXPERIENCE, WHICH ARE UNIQUE AND INNUMERABLE, AND THEY OFTEN SHOW DIFFERENT VANTAGE POINTS THAT REVEAL MUCH ABOUT OURSELVES AND WHO WE ARE AS OKLAHOMANS.

>> THE PEOPLE OF OKLAHOMA CAN BE CERTAIN THIS COLLECTION, THEIR COLLECTION GARNERS THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF REGARD AND APPRECIATION FOR ITS MASTERFUL WORKS.

AND WE CAN BE CONFIDENT IT CAPTURE STORIES OF THE WORLD AROUND US AS ONLY THE MOST SKILLED OKLAHOMA ARTISTS CAN CAPTURE.

>> IN ADDITION TO THE PRICE GALLERY, A ROTATING SERIES OF ART EXHIBITS WILL ALSO RETURN TO THE CAPITOL'S NORTH, EAST AND GOVERNOR'S GALLERIES.

>>> ON THE NEXT EDITION OF THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT".

HOW A.I.

IS HELPING OKLAHOMANS FIND NEW JOBS.

NOAH MACK WILL SHOW US HOW A NEWLY-LAUNCHED GOOGLE APP IS MAKING THE SEARCH FOR A NEW CAREER, A LITTLE EASIER.

FRIDAY AT 7!

WE'LL LEAVE YOU NOW WITH SOMETHING THAT SOUNDS PRETTY INTERESTING: AN EXHIBIT CALLED, "RAVEN AND THE BOX OF SUNLIGHT" SHOT AND EDITED BY OUR OETA PRODUCTION TEAM.

FOR ALL OF US WHO PLAY A ROLE IN PUTTING THIS NEWSCAST ON THE AIR EACH WEEK-- I'M RICH LENZ, HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!