OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — A bill aimed at increasing legislative oversight and public input into the activities of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) passed through committee on Thursday. The bill, HB 1939, was introduced by Representative Danny Sterling (R-Tecumseh) and proposes significant changes to the way future turnpike projects are authorized.
Under the provisions of the bill, legislative approval for certain turnpike projects would expire after a set period. Once this authorization expires, lawmakers would gain the ability to influence the continuation of the projects. The bill aims to provide communities and individuals directly impacted by the projects a clearer understanding of how these developments would affect them.
Sterling expressed support for the bill, stating that it would provide much-needed transparency and give residents a voice in projects that could disrupt their properties or municipalities. “The legislature really has no input as far as future turnpikes because of the legislators in the past who put that into play. This bill allows people who will be directly impacted to see exactly what’s going on,” said Sterling.
Despite its passage, the bill has sparked division among lawmakers. During the committee meeting, one representative voiced opposition, questioning the rationale behind halting turnpike projects altogether. “I have a hard time grasping this. That we got to stop them because they’re all evil? I don’t believe that,” the representative said, indicating a concern that the bill may create unnecessary roadblocks for essential infrastructure projects.
Other lawmakers, however, supported the bill, arguing that the intent is not to sabotage the OTA, but rather to ensure that the public is properly informed. “I don’t see anything in the language that says something about it being evil or we need to stop the OTA,” said one representative backing the bill.
Randy Carter, a representative of Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation, highlighted the broader issues of eminent domain and property rights that have led to increased calls for more oversight of the OTA. Carter argued that eminent domain should not be used primarily for economic development purposes and emphasized the importance of ensuring that public input is part of the process. “This bill will help with the process of the public being more informed about what’s going on,” Carter stated.
The passage of HB 1939 is part of a larger push for greater transparency and accountability in the state’s handling of turnpike projects. Advocates, including Carter and others, believe this bill is one step toward ensuring that local residents have a stronger voice in decisions that directly affect their communities.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, its fate will depend on further debate and negotiations among lawmakers. While some fear it could slow the development of necessary infrastructure, others see it as a vital move toward ensuring that future turnpike projects serve the best interests of Oklahomans.
