The failure of the Oklahoma Senate to bring House Bill 1220 up for a full chamber vote before Thursday’s floor deadline disappointed Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman.
“I’m deeply disappointed that Senate leadership didn’t see fit to bring this important bill up for a floor vote,” Standridge said.
HB 1220 would protect utility ratepayers by prohibiting municipalities from passing franchise fees or taxes related to the Winter Storm Uri securitization onto ratepayers. Standridge is the bill’s primary Senate author.
“House Bill 1220 passed unanimously in the House and has broad support among senators. The inaction on this critical legislation means Oklahoma families and local businesses will be forced to absorb roughly $150 million in new utility taxes on their electric and natural gas bills. That’s completely unacceptable.”
“Throughout this session, I’ve stood with my conservative colleagues to advocate for tax cuts that will give more money back to all Oklahomans. It’s concerning that instead of prioritizing tax relief, Senate leadership has allowed a massive tax hike to fall on the backs of ratepayers. Oklahomans deserve better than backdoor tax increases buried in their monthly bills. I will continue fighting for House Bill 1220 to get a hearing, so ratepayers aren’t saddled with excessive utility taxes and fees for decades to come.”
