PERSPECTIVE February 10, 2023
OKFB highlights legislative focus areas for 2023 session very year, the first full week in February brings about a new legislative session in Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau public policy team has been working diligently to pore over thousands of submitted bills for the coming year. The OKFB Board of Directors released the organization’s legislative priorities in January after Farm Bureau members set grassroots policy for 2023 during the 2022 OKFB Annual Meeting last November. These priorities include top issues such as rural infrastructure, landowner advocacy, marijuana and issues concerning Oklahoma’s future – many of which can be found in legislation available for consideration at the state Capitol this year. Expanded county government and ad valorem taxes
After a review of submitted bills, one theme that often rises to the top each year is legislation relating to ad valorem taxes and the expansion of county government. Counties and municipalities often look to ad valorem taxes as a way to generate income, but Farm Bureau members have long opposed new or increased ad valorem taxes as farmers and ranchers are often unfairly impacted by property taxes when they possess a large amount of capital that does not always generate a profit. Similarly, expanding county zoning authority and hazard mitigation districts is something Farm Bureau members oppose for many of the same reasons. With bills filed on both subjects, the OKFB public policy team will maintain an active role in the conversation at the Capitol.
Marijuana
A number of bills have been filed on marijuana regulation and usage in Oklahoma. OKFB members support the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority’s enforcement and compliance efforts as well as increased transparency in marijuana businesses. Additionally, with a referendum vote on State Question 820 in early March to potentially legalize the recreational use of marijuana, Farm Bureau members stand strongly opposed with firm policy against the content of the state question.
Four ways to stay involved in the legislative process:
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Animal care standards
OKFB is keeping a close eye on several bills relating to animal care standards, including changing housing practices in the hog industry and establishing certain rights for pets. The hog housing legislation comes in response to California’s Proposition 12, which expands the required space for breeding hogs and places restrictions on the pork that can be sold in California.
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OSU Veterinary Medicine
OKFB was pleased to see legislation filed in support of Oklahoma State University’s veterinary medicine program. With a shortage of largeanimal veterinarians in rural Oklahoma, Farm Bureau members strongly support the land-grant institution’s endeavors to grow and improve Oklahoma’s only college of veterinary medicine.
Watch OKFB’s 2023 legislative preview Find the full preview video at: okfb.news/Preview23
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Sign up for Action Alerts By signing up, you are opting to receive text message updates from Farm Bureau for policy initiatives. Learn more about the OKFB Action Alert system at okfb.news/takeaction. OKFB will send alerts only when your voice is needed most. Tune in to our weekly legislative Zoom calls Tune in every Friday at noon during legislative session to hear weekly updates on what OKFB is doing at the state Capitol. Contact your field representative for information on how to get connected. Watch Lincoln to Local and legislative updates Be sure to follow OKFB on Facebook and Twitter (@okfarmbureau) to watch Lincoln to Local, OKFB’s biweekly video series during session. A weekly written legislative update will also be posted to our website every Friday at okfarmbureau.org. Schedule County Capitol visits Contact your field representative to inquire about scheduling a visit to the state Capitol with your county. Visiting counties have the opportunity to speak with their legislators on important issues and policies for agriculture and rural Oklahoma.