The efforts of two Oklahoma legislators to create a “licensing” law for storm chasers in the state are stirring up a storm of their own.
Members who attended the recent National Storm Chaser Summit in Overland Park, Kansas discussed the two bills, SB158 by Sen. Mark Mann of Oklahoma City and House Bill 2426 by Rep. Scott Fetgatter of Okmulgee. Mann’s bill won approval this past week in the Senate Retirement and Government Resources Committee while Fetgatter’s bill received support earlier in the month in the Oklahoma House Business Committee.
Erik Fox, a WeatherNation storm chaser told OK Energy Today he’s helping Rep. Fetgatter to craft a bill and “not kill it,” as claimed by one publication.
“I’m working with the legislature where everybody benefits. I was asked to get involved to work on the House bill,” he explained. “But my focus is on the safety side of this issue. What I like about the bill is it forces training.”
Fox believes training is an issue in Oklahoma when it comes to chasing severe weather.
“Law enforcement doesn’t get trained properly,” he added.
He said he likes what is being crafted in the House bill because it contains “a little bit of common sense.”
But Fox does not support Sen. Mann’s bill for a number of reasons including a provision that states, ” Except for primary vehicles of professional severe weather trackers, all vehicles prescribed in subsection A of this section shall be equipped with sirens capable of giving audible signals as required by the provisions of Section 12-218 of this title and flashing red lights as authorized by the provisions of Section 12-218 of this title.”
Under the bills, storm chasers as defined by the two legislators, would be licensed and the licenses could cost up to $500 with a $250 annual renewal fee.
Sen. Mann’s measure won approval on a vote of 8-0 in committee where he spoke of the need for the legislation to help storm trackers travel Oklahoma roads and highways more safely during severe weather. Only storm trackers employed by FCC licensed radio or TV stations or employees from universities with meteorology programs would be able to travel as first-responders.
“These individuals would be able to use green and white emergency lights on their vehicles, and could travel in excess of the speed limit and travel through red lights,” Mann said. “We know these teams are vital to informing the public, helping save lives in our state. SB 158 will enable them to do their jobs more quickly and safely so they can help keep Oklahomans informed about dangerous weather events.”
Under Mann’s legislation, up to five storm trackers from each qualified media outlet or higher education institution would be extended the ability to travel as a first responder. Those individuals would have to complete an emergency driving course and have ID issued by their employer. The vehicle would also have to display markings identifying its use for severe weather tracking as well as the employer, and utilize white and green emergency lights. The act would allow storm trackers to exceed speed limits as long as speeding does not endanger life or property, and proceed past a red light or stop sign after slowing down as necessary for safe operation. They would still be required to yield to emergency vehicles.