and other vital businesses - is a growing concern that threatens the safety, well-being, and productivity of workers. The Chamber supports legislation to protect these vital workers and ensure their safety. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS The Chamber supports legislation and policy to promote the effective use of Public Improvement Districts (PID) as an economic development tool. WIND SUBSIDIES The Chamber supports ending the Manufacturer’s Sales Tax Exemption for new wind facilities and requiring the Zero- Emissions Tax Credit to be claimed only as a credit (and not as a refund). GUN LEGISLATION The Chamber supports the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the responsible expansion of gun-owner’s rights in Oklahoma. However, the Chamber will oppose legislation that would allow open/concealed carry of guns into local athletic and high-economic impact events (many of which are required by contract to prohibit weapons), including horse shows, the Oklahoma State Fair, Olympic Qualifiers on the Oklahoma River, high school and collegiate sporting events. The Chamber will oppose legislation to allow guns to be carried on college campuses, as well as legislation to prohibit state and local governments from contracting with companies based upon the company’s position on firearms. The Chamber will lead the efforts of the “Oklahomans for Business and Property Owners’ Rights” coalition to defend against harmful gun legislation and work with the National Rifle Association, the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association and other stakeholders to improve and clarify existing gun laws while, at the same time, ensuring the protection of property rights and public safety. CRIMINAL JUSTICE/SENTENCING REFORM The Chamber supports legislation and funding for sentencing reforms and rehabilitation programs to ease the financial drain on Oklahoma’s criminal justice system, lessen the burden on jails and prisons throughout the state and allow nonviolent offenders to enter the workforce more quickly. The Chamber supports full funding for the County Community Safety Investment Fund, managed by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services pursuant to the terms of SB 844 (2023) and State Questions 780 and 781 (2016).
The Chamber also supports: 1) continuing smart sentencing reform; 2) improving bail and jail practices; 3) making reentry and supervision improvements to reduce fines and fees, enhance workforce opportunities and increase public safety; and 4) securing additional treatment funding. HOMELESSNESS/ATTAINABLE HOUSING The Chamber supports data-driven, results-oriented state and local policies that address homelessness through coordinated systems of care and solutions targeting root causes such as mental health, housing access, criminal justice reform, and substance use. The Chamber also supports legislation that drives public and private investment in attainable, workforce, and mixed-income housing to promote growth and community reinvestment. The Chamber will also oppose policies that would make it more difficult for communities to address homelessness in their area. MENTAL HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE Enhancing mental health infrastructure is essential to improving workforce participation, reducing absenteeism, and lessening the economic and social costs of untreated mental illness and substance use disorders. The Chamber supports state and local efforts to strengthen Oklahoma’s behavioral health system by increasing the availability of treatment beds and expanding the network of qualified service providers. MARIJUANA The Chamber supports additional legislation to address issues related to the state’s marijuana industry, including: 1) unlicensed growers/black market sales; 2) illegal land purchases; 3) damaging use of pesticides; 4) uncontrolled water use; and 5) impaired driving. PENSION REFORM The Chamber supports protecting the pension reforms which have improved the long-term fiscal condition of the state. WATER The Chamber will work with the governor, state Legislature, City of OKC and other regional stakeholders to ensure the availability of a long-term water supply for central Oklahoma. OIL & GAS TAX The Chamber supports a stable oil and gas tax structure which promotes the investment of drilling capital in Oklahoma.
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