Pro Tem Treat Comments on Passage of House Bill 4156

Treat: Legislation necessary due to federal inaction to protect Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today commented on the Senate passage of House Bill 4156 by a 39-8 vote. 

The bill works to combat the illegal immigration crisis in the United States, created by the inaction of the federal government. 

Senate Pro Tem Treat said the legislation is necessary to protect Oklahomans. 

“This measure protects immigrants here legally, while ensuring law enforcement have the tools necessary to go after criminals,” Pro Tem Treat said. “The southern border crisis has created a scourge of illegal activities, including an increase in fentanyl, human trafficking and crime in our communities because of the inaction and abject failure at the federal level to secure our borders. The Oklahoma Legislature is taking the necessary action to protect our citizens. Doing nothing is unconscionable and this legislation is the appropriate measure to keep Oklahomans safe and uphold the rule of law.”

The provisions of House Bill 4156 include:

• The bill makes clear that those immigrants who have legal authorization to be in the country under federal law are exempt from the provisions.
• A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a maximum $500 fine.
• Subsequent offenses or offenses committed during a crime would be a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a maximum $1,000 fine.
• The bill requires the individual to leave the state within 72 hours following his or her conviction or release from custody.