The 2009 Legislative session generated a flurry of activity as legislators addressed several important topics such as tort reform, health care reform, reorganization of the child welfare system, and alternative energy initiatives. Balancing the state budget in a challenging economic climate was also a major accomplishment.
The legislature identified and protected four core functions of state government, including education, health care, corrections, and transportation while implementing responsible reductions in other state agencies to stabilize the appropriations for fiscal year 2010.
A plan to reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits in Oklahoma while protecting the advancement of legitimate complaints became a reality this year. Statistics indicate as many as 70 percent of medical lawsuits are deemed inauthentic and thrown out of court, yet millions of dollars are spent each year defending these unmerited cases. The result is increased medical cost and deterrents for doctors who practice in Oklahoma. In an effort to promote efficiency within the judicial system and make Oklahoma more attractive to doctors and businesses, House Bill 1603 limits “non-economic” awards while granting full recovery for legitimate claims. The new law places limits on court-shopping and requires a certificate of merit from an expert prior to advancing a professional negligence case. Limiting frivolous lawsuits could lead to a more secure business atmosphere, lower health care costs and increased access to medical services.
Providing affordable and innovative health insurance options was also a key accomplishment this year. House Bill 2026 strengthens and promotes Insure Oklahoma, a program designed to provide premium assistance to small business employers and employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. The measure also creates a basic preventative coverage option to allow young, healthy Oklaho mans to purchase more affordable policies. An estimated 48 percent of young working adults ages 19-34 do not have health insurance because of high cost.
Furthermore, the Legislature implemented several reforms within the Department of Human Services to improve outcomes for children who are at-risk of abuse or neglect. In addition, Title X, the section of law guiding services for children in state custody, was rewritten to eliminate decades of duplication, confusion, and contradiction. Judges, attorneys, and child welfare workers will now have a clear path to work together for the benefit of children in Oklahoma.
Finally, several initiatives produced this session focused on expanding Oklahoma’s energy capabilities. Incentives were implemented to promote the use of vehicles that operate on compressed natural gas. The Quality Jobs Act also was expanded to attract and entice wind energy companies to locate in Oklahoma. Additional efforts concentrated on strengthening research and development of alternative energy.
I believe the work completed in the 2009 session will be instrumental in helping Oklahoma reach its potential as we continue to move forward. Feel free to contact me anytime with input, opinions or questions related to state government. I can be reached at (405) 557-7345 or by email at krissteele@okhouse.gov <mailto:krissteele@okhouse.gov>.
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The 2009 Legislative session generated a flurry of activity as legislators addressed several important topics such as tort reform, health care reform, reorganization of the child welfare system, and alternative energy initiatives. Balancing the state budget in a challenging economic climate was also a major accomplishment.
The legislature identified and protected four core functions of state government, including education, health care, corrections, and transportation while implementing responsible reductions in other state agencies to stabilize the appropriations for fiscal year 2010.
A plan to reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits in Oklahoma while protecting the advancement of legitimate complaints became a reality this year. Statistics indicate as many as 70 percent of medical lawsuits are deemed inauthentic and thrown out of court, yet millions of dollars are spent each year defending these unmerited cases. The result is increased medical cost and deterrents for doctors who practice in Oklahoma. In an effort to promote efficiency within the judicial system and make Oklahoma more attractive to doctors and businesses, House Bill 1603 limits “non-economic” awards while granting full recovery for legitimate claims. The new law places limits on court-shopping and requires a certificate of merit from an expert prior to advancing a professional negligence case. Limiting frivolous lawsuits could lead to a more secure business atmosphere, lower health care costs and increased access to medical services.
Providing affordable and innovative health insurance options was also a key accomplishment this year. House Bill 2026 strengthens and promotes Insure Oklahoma, a program designed to provide premium assistance to small business employers and employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. The measure also creates a basic preventative coverage option to allow young, healthy Oklaho mans to purchase more affordable policies. An estimated 48 percent of young working adults ages 19-34 do not have health insurance because of high cost.
Furthermore, the Legislature implemented several reforms within the Department of Human Services to improve outcomes for children who are at-risk of abuse or neglect. In addition, Title X, the section of law guiding services for children in state custody, was rewritten to eliminate decades of duplication, confusion, and contradiction. Judges, attorneys, and child welfare workers will now have a clear path to work together for the benefit of children in Oklahoma.
Finally, several initiatives produced this session focused on expanding Oklahoma’s energy capabilities. Incentives were implemented to promote the use of vehicles that operate on compressed natural gas. The Quality Jobs Act also was expanded to attract and entice wind energy companies to locate in Oklahoma. Additional efforts concentrated on strengthening research and development of alternative energy.
I believe the work completed in the 2009 session will be instrumental in helping Oklahoma reach its potential as we continue to move forward. Feel free to contact me anytime with input, opinions or questions related to state government. I can be reached at (405) 557-7345 or by email at krissteele@okhouse.gov <mailto:krissteele@okhouse.gov>.
