My Beliefs
Every Oklahoman and every American is entitled to rights which were purchased by the blood of those who gave the last full measure of devotion for our freedoms. Those freedoms, embodied in the bill of rights and subsequent amendments to the Constitution give everyone the ability to be able to live their life without fear of discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, national origin or religion. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 would not have passed had it not been for Republicans standing up for the rights of those being oppressed by bigotry and hate. At the same time, however, fear of out of control lawsuit costs are a major factor to businesses who might otherwise want to locate in a state. For Oklahoma to remain competitive, our system of justice must not be tilted away from fairness and equity between the parties towards legal fees and unneeded burdens.
My Record
Civil Rights: In 2011, I authored legislation to transfer all the rights and duties of the Human Rights Commission to a new entity within the Attorney General’s office: the Office of Civil Rights Enforcement. Empowered by being headed by the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the State in the Attorney General, Oklahoma elevated the importance of protecting people from illegal discrimination in employment and housing. Also in 2011, I authored a law which expanded the rights which are provided in Oklahoma statute to all employees of the state to provide uniformity for process and expectation. This measure also extended protections for genetic information discrimination and modernized the laws as it relates to peoples with disabilities.
Good Samaritans: I authored and passed House Bill 1603, which provided immunity from lawsuits to good samaritans who use an automated external defibrillator to save someone’s life.
Lawsuit Reform: I’ve helped to both draft and pass positive changes to our judicial system, including Oklahoma’s landmark 2009 Tort Reform Act and the 2011 Lawsuit Reform package of bills.
American Law in American Courts: I adamantly support only American Law in American courts. That’s why I voted to put State Question 755 on the ballot. The measure, which Oklahomans approved, amended our state Constitution to ban Sharia law being used in Oklahoma courts. I will always fight to uphold this position.
Worker’s Compensation Reform: Along with the Speaker of the House in 2009, I authored and passed House Joint Resolution 1041 to require Senate Confirmation of Worker’s Compensation Judges. This measure became law without the vote of the people through the worker’s compensation reform package passed in 2010 and was retained in the re-write of Title 85 (the Workers’ Compensation statutes)