Just had another amazing year at Serve Durant with my family! This multi-church outreach event occurs annually right here in Durant, Oklahoma, and it's become a favorite day for us. It's such a blessing to see churches in our city coming together to serve our community. For multiple years now, we've partnered with city government, civil services, and benevolent organizations to accomplish as many service projects as we can in one day. This year, we worked at Durant Intermediate School, where we helped to make their playground safer for the kids by putting tire shreds out and also spruced up the sidewalks with a fresh coat of paint. We love seeing the body of Christ in our city come together to not just be churches in Durant but FOR Durant. Thank you to all the churches, government officials, and organizations who made this event possible. We can't wait for the next Serve Durant! #servedurant #communityservice #loveforourcity #familyfun
STATE FINANCIAL UPDATE: February 2023![]()
February General Revenue Fund (GRF) collections 20.7% above estimate![]()
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OKLAHOMA CITY —General Revenue Fund collections in February totaled $501.4 million, which is $100.1 million, or 24.9%, above the monthly estimate. This is $58.8 million, or 13.3%, above collections in February 2022. Total GRF collections for the first eight months of fiscal year 2023 are $5.7 billion, which is $968.7 million, or 20.7%, above the estimate, and $569.9 million, or 11.2%, above prior year collections for the same period.![]()
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"February GRF numbers show the state to be in a good position for a significant contribution to the Rainy Day Fund at the end of fiscal year 2023," said state Chief Operating Officer and Interim OMES Director John Suter. "The exact contribution amount is still being determined and will rely heavily on key revenue factors during the remainder of the fiscal year, such as natural gas prices that have recently declined. Regardless, it has been a record setting first eight months of collections for the state."
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Week 5![]()
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It was a busy week as we heard over 150 measures on the House floor. I want to briefly discuss some of the more noteworthy bills that passed. ![]()
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First, House Bill 2130, authored by Rep. John George, passed the House floor, allowing courts to order drunk drivers to pay child support if they kill a minor's parent.![]()
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Specifically, HB2130 would allow the court to order any person convicted of drunk driving or other intoxicating substance that causes a parent or guardian to be fatally injured in an accident to pay child support. It would last until each child reaches 18 years of age or when the child graduates high school.![]()
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HB2130 is known as Bentley's Law, an initiative started by Missouri resident Cecilia Williams and named for her grandson, Bentley, whose parents were killed by a drunk driver.![]()
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We must hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions. Driving under the influence is a decision that impacts so many lives and is incredibly irresponsible. ![]()
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Next, House Bill 2010, known as "Andy's Law," authored by Rep. Dean Davis, passed. The bill is named after Andrew Free, the son of Brett and Cassi Free of Broken Arrow. He died in 2020 of open-air carbon monoxide poisoning after a day spent wakeboarding with his family at Lake Eufaula. He was nine years old.![]()
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The bill aims to alert boat passengers to the potential dangers of open-air carbon monoxide poisoning and to be alert to watch for symptoms. Cassi was in the House gallery on Wednesday to witness the bill's passage. This legislation will protect health and save lives. ![]()
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On Wednesday, the "Shannon Hanchett Act," authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, passed the House. It would recommend at least 20% of active-duty law enforcement officers train in crisis intervention. It would also require that an officer must document the reasoning behind not getting a mental health evaluation done on an individual who appears to be or states that such person is mentally ill, alcohol-dependent, or drug-dependent.![]()
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HB2157 is named after Shannon Hanchett, a small business owner known as the "Cookie Queen" to her Norman neighbors. She passed away in Dec. 2022 after spending 12 days in jail following an arrest while suffering a mental health crisis. Hanchett grew up in Rep. Roe's House district.![]()
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I plan to continually inform you of what is happening at the Capitol. Again, thank you for electing me to serve District 21.![]()
It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-557-7366 or cody.maynard@okhouse.gov.