Legislative Issues 2022

THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITYCITY COUNCIL MEETING

NOVEMBER 9, 2021

Process

City Manager asks Department Heads for items they believe require a legislative fix either on the state or federal levelItems are considered by the Council Legislative CommitteeCommittee makes recommendations to CouncilStaff works with our contracted consultants to secure bill authors and guide bills through the legislature

State Legislative Issues Accomplished in 2021

Changes to the Open Meeting Act to allow Virtual Public Meetings while the state of emergency was in placeEnabling legislation for Public Safety Districts

Allow municipalities to set public safety policies for public events

Clean up provisions regarding property returns, transfers and destruction orders

Enable COTPA/EMBARK to license CDL drivers

Allow streetcar operator to tow vehicles blocking streetcar rails

Clarify rules for metal recyclers to improve compliance and deter metal theft

Provide greater ability for cities’ zoning rules to be considered in billboard placement

State Legislative Issues 2022

Priority IssuesLocal control over local issues

Increase Funding for Transit

Continue funding the Heartland Flyer rail service

Preserve the existing sales tax base and encourage efforts to diversify revenue for municipalities

Preserve municipal ability to address derelict properties and enforce codes, zoning and design standards

State Legislative Issues 2022

Initiative Issues for 2022Clarify the statute in Title 60 governing public trusts to make it consistent with the competitive bidding act.Public Records and Privacy InterestsPublic Records Release: update the fee structure and cost recoupment

Clean up contradictory language in statute governing weapons transportEnabling legislation for redevelopment of blighted areasClean up public safety district legislation for clarification

Amend EMS response statute to address service delivery issues

State Legislative Issues 2022

Key Support IssuesPrevent fraud in sales tax collection

Open Meeting Act to allow Virtual Public Meetings

Update Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORLTA) to increase protection

Changes to the Capitol-Medical Center Improvement and Zoning District

State Legislative Issues 2022

Key Support Issues (continued)Support for programs promoting healthy food

Address mental health issues for first responders through effective internal programs

Support the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in exploring revenue options for operations

State Legislative Issues 2022

Support IssuesRetain tools for economic development such as the Quality Jobs Program, Tax Increment Financing, successful tax credits and Quality Jobs.

Increased resources allocated to cities and towns for infrastructure

Support efforts to maintain Clean Air Act attainment in Oklahoma

Support criminal justice reform efforts

State Legislative Issues 2022

MonitorWater rights and supply issues

Efforts to limit dates for local elections

State fee structure with municipal impacts

Monitor medical marijuana implementation and potential impact on city operations

Monitor issues related to competitive bidding and construction contracting

Federal Legislative Issues 2022

Priority issuesPandemic-related expenses and community support

Infrastructure investment

Funding for Transportation and Transit

Airport transportation infrastructure

Implementation of Opportunity Zones in Oklahoma City

Economic Development and Local Grant Programs

Federal Legislative Issues 2022

Support issuesFAA Operations in Oklahoma City

Tinker Air Force Base

Amtrak/Passenger Rail Service

National Weather Service operations in Oklahoma

Long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program

Monitor IssuesImplementation of internet sales tax collection

Retention of tax-free status of municipal bonds

Enforcement and definitions of compliance with the Clean Air Act and EPA standards

Issues that affect water and wastewater

Federal Legislative Issues 2022