We are being heard! keep sharing and signing.  So far at least 2 representatives have stated that they do not currently support the bill.  Senator Carri Hicks posted her thoughts on tiktok today.   Rep. Thomley has been quoted on her opposition in the Oklahoman article from today.  Lets keep fighting for our amazing kiddos! 

Below is an email we received back from Senator Carrie Hicks.  

From: Carri Hicks <Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov>
Date: February 3, 2025 at 3:51:50 PM CST
To: Erick martinez <eima23692@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: SB 1017 Violates IDEA, Threatens Special Education, and Harms Oklahoma’s Families and Economy

Thank you for reaching out about SB1017. I strongly oppose this bill & share many of your concerns. As of now, it hasn’t been scheduled for a committee hearing. I want to provide a bit more info on the legislative process, as many folks are understandably worried about SB1017’s impacts. 

First Reading

Looking at a bill’s information page, you’ll see “First Reading” on its history tab. This just means the bill has been filed & it’s title has been “read” for the first time - it does not mean the bill is being heard. 

Second Reading referred to (committee)

The next step for a bill after it’s been filed is to be assigned to committee. For example, SB1017 has been assigned to Health & Human Services and Appropriations (some bills go through two committees). This does not mean it will be heard. The committee chair decides whether or not they’ll hear the bill. 

Where We’re at Now

That’s as far as SB1017 has gone. It will now be up to the HHS chair to hear the legislation. If you’d like to be notified if it’s been scheduled for a hearing, you can sign up for the Legislative Electronic Notification System (LENS). LENS will send you an email every time the bill progresses through the legislative process. 

A bill’s history page will fill up with each step it completes, here’s an example of a bill that’s gone through the entire process to become law. Thanks again for reaching out & making your voice heard. Engaging in the process, though at times difficult and emotionally taxing, is crucial to this process. There’s strength in numbers & collective action could tip the scale in preventing harmful legislation from moving forward.

 

 

 
Senator Carri Hicks
Senate District 40
Oklahoma State Senate
p:
(405) 521-5543
w:
www.oksenate.gov  e: carri.hicks@oksenate.gov