Sen. Scott’s bills to help Oklahoma’s children and seniors head to Governor’s desk

OKLAHOMA CITY – During the 11th week of session, Sen. Paul Scott (R-Duncan) had another bill signed into law and two more heading to the Governor’s desk.

After receiving unanimous approval in both legislative chambers, House Bill 1074 was signed into law Monday.  It requires DHS to verify the applicability of the Indian Child Welfare Act within three months of a child, to whom it might apply, being taken into custody. The department is also required to conduct a nationwide relative search within three months of a child being taken into custody, for the purpose of identifying a fit and willing relative with whom to place the child. The new law will go into effect November 1, 2019.

HB 1075 was unanimously approved in both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor this week.  It requires that every child taken into DHS custody be provided, within seven days, an assessment of his or her physical, medical, mental health and educational needs and requires the assessment be updated at regular intervals while the child is in the department’s custody. If signed, the bill will become effective November 1, 2019.

“House Bills 1074 and 1075 are an effort to protect the best interests, health and safety of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens, our children,” said Scott.  “I want to thank Rep. Brian Hill for bringing these important issues forward and allowing me to carry them in the Senate; and I also want to thank my colleagues in both chambers for their support of Oklahoma’s youth.”

SB 990 was a request from the Silver Haired Legislature and is on the way to the Governor’s office after strong support from the legislature. The bill requires any premium rate filing for a Medicare supplement policy to be approved by the Insurance Commissioner and communicated to the policyholder annually only during the open enrollment period (between Sept. 1 and Oct. 30). Each increase will take effect on January 1 of the following year. Rep. Brad Boles is the bill’s House author. 

“I was happy to carry this bill for the Silver Haired Legislature and for our state’s seniors,” said Scott.