Agricultural News
Oklahoma Farm Bureau's John Collison Pleased With Progress Made During Legislative Session
Thu, 30 May 2013 18:05:14 CDT
Following the adjournment of the latest legislative session, John Collison, vice president of public policy and corporate communications with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, said Oklahoma farmers and ranchers were well served by their legislators. He said there were several victories for all of agriculture this session especially in the area of water resources and tort protection for agritourism.
Collison said the first victory of the session came when legislators approved a measure allowing the processing of horses in the state.
"House Bill 1999 got a lot of attention and a lot of fuss over something that became a bigger issue than it really was. We came out successful on that bill and, again, that bill allows people to find a useful end for horses that have had a useful life.
"At the very end of the session we had another major victory with the passing of Senate Bill 965 that was authored by Senator Marlatte and Representative Mike Jackson which reorganizes the water resources board. We have places today that have never been represented on a water board, like southeast Oklahoma. We've got gaps today-massive gaps today in northwest Oklahoma. And the Water Resources Board is an important board that we make sure we're using water the correct way.
"That was an issue that was wide open for the whole session and we had a lot of input. The cities didn't seem to like it as much as we did. But, again, for all the state of Oklahoma, Senate Bill 965 was a huge issue and an issue that's just one step in a massive issue that will take us on into the future--water."
Unlike other years, Collison said the legislators didn't leave any important issues hanglng. He said he was very pleased legislators passed liability protection for farmers and ranchers who invite tourists onto their property. He said he was also happy that lawmakers passed a measure allowing wider hunting of feral hogs.
Collison said he doesn't yet have a clear picture of issues that will come to the fore for next year's legislative session. He said Farm Bureau members will hold meetings all across the state to set the agenda.
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