Guthrie Advances First Measures Through Senate Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby, has secured committee approval for Senate Bills 20 and 944, marking the first bills advanced by the freshman lawmaker.

The Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee unanimously approved SB 20, which would allow street-legal utility vehicles to travel on U.S. highways with a posted speed limit of 50 mph or less.

“The advancement of this legislation is a crucial step forward for transportation in Bixby and for communities across our state that are facing similar challenges related to connectivity and mobility within their transportation infrastructure,” Guthrie said. “I’m eager to continue working on this legislation and seeing it across the finish line to ensure Bixby residents can utilize State Highway 64 to reach all corners of our community while operating utility vehicles.”

Guthrie also received approval from the Senate Public Safety Committee for Senate Bill 944. The measure seeks to strengthen Oklahoma’s hazing laws by increasing penalties and fines for acts that endanger an individual’s physical or mental health and establishing a felony charge for hazing incidents resulting in bodily harm. SB 944 also offers protections for students or organizations who report hazing incidents.

“Senate Bill 944 will increase accountability and strengthen deterrence against hazing in all forms. By clarifying definitions, increasing penalties, promoting awareness and education, and encouraging reporting, we send a clear message: Oklahoma will not tolerate actions that endanger the health or wellbeing of our youth,” Guthrie said.

SB 20 and SB 944 are now eligible for consideration by the full Senate.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Brian Guthrie at 405-521-5675 or Brian.Guthrie@oksenate.gov.