The efforts of two eastern Oklahoma Republican lawmakers to remove some motor vehicle enforcement powers from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission were formally opposed Tuesday by the state regulators.
By a vote of two-one, commissioners came out against Senate Bill 691 and Senate Bill 617 authored by LeFlore County Sen. Mark Allen and Muskogee Rep. Avery Frix.
SB691 would make changes in the bonds posted by truckers.
“It would be very detrimental to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission,” charged Brandy Wreath, the OCC’s Public Utilities Division Director in a presentation to the three commissioners.
“If passed and signed by the governor, as of July one, our officers would be unfunded.”
Wreath also urged commissioners to oppose a second measure by Sen. Allen and Rep.Frix. SB 617 would remove transportation enforcement from the commission, especially at ports of entry and transfer it to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
“This would have very serious unintended consequences,” said Wreath as he explained the measure to the commissioners. “We have had numerous meetings about this and I can assure you no effort has been left on the table. It has some pretty serious flaws in it.”
He said the biggest flaw is the failure to address the judication issue. Wreath said SB 617 would transfer fines to the district courts.
“This makes it an unfunded program,” he added.
Commissioners voted to fight the two bills. Commissioners Dana Murphy and Bob Anthony supported their opposition to the two measures while Commission chairman Todd Hiett voted no.
Records show SB691 has passed out of committee and the next step is considered on the House floor.
SB 617 won unanimous approval in the full Senate and was sent to the House Transportation Committee where it received committee support.