It Is Time For Change In Senate District 34

Below are my Opponent's Votes

( 2016-2022 Legislative Calendar )

Most Recently my opponent voted to keep teaching critical race theory and LGBTQ agenda in Oklahoma Schools (HB 1775)

This legislative voting record uses legislation names, tags and descriptions from the American Conservative Union website at https://www.conservative.org/.

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 947 — Providing Voters Greater Transparency of the Fiscal Impact of Petition Ballot Initiatives

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill promotes greater fiscal accountability by strengthening transparency of petition ballot initiatives. Under the bill, initiative petitions must indicate to voters the fiscal impact the proposed measure will have on the state, as well as the potential source of funding or legislative appropriation, including the imposition of a new tax or increase in an existing tax. ACU believes taxpayers are the most important voice on new measures that will have a fiscal impact on the state, supports strengthening government transparency and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 8, 2021 by a vote of 36-8 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

36 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 850 — Authorizing Beauty Professionals and Barbers to Provide Services in Private Residences

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill permits a licensed barber, cosmetologist, hairdresser, manicurist, or certified hair-braider to provide licensed services in a customer’s private residence. These services would be provided privately and are therefore not subject to inspection, rules or regulations by the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. ACU opposes the proliferation of licensing regimes that are primarily designed to restrict competition and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on March 4, 2021 by a vote of 37-8 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

37 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 838 — Hiking Property Taxes and Growing Government Under the Guise of Public Safety

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill represents a new scheme to hike property taxes and grow government under the guise of funding public safety. Under existing law, most all operational costs of cities are funded through sales tax collections. This bill permits localities to establish “public safety districts” in which additional property taxes of five cents per $100 dollars of assessed value may be imposed for purposes of funding public safety. As a result of this scheme, cities will now have more sales tax revenue available for other unnecessary purposes. ACU believes public safety is a core function of government, opposes this measure which further grows government while removing pressure placed on localities to prioritize and cut unnecessary spending and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 10, 2021 by a vote of 31-15 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

31 yea, 15 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 783 — Expanding School Choice by Strengthening the Education Open Transfer Act

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill promotes school choice by reforming the Education Open Transfer Act to reduce barriers for students to transfer to other schools. The bill establishes a framework under which school districts determine their capacity for each grade level and take on student transfers if there is available room. The open seats are to be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability is directed to oversee the process. ACU supports empowering families and reducing taxpayer costs by responsibly expanding school choice and supported the bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 02, 2021 by a vote of 32-15 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

32 yea, 15 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 634 — Providing Public School Employees “Paycheck Protection” from Union Bosses

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill strengthens the right to work without joining a union or paying dues by providing “paycheck protection” from union bosses for public school employees. Under the bill, unions are prohibited from deducting union dues from any public school employee’s paycheck without express written consent. Additionally, written consent is only valid for one year, meaning unions cannot exploit a single instance of consent to deduct wages in perpetuity. This bill is in response to the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court ruling which found that state laws forcing nonunion employees to pay union dues violate the First Amendment’s protections of free speech and association. ACU supports the right to work without joining a union or paying dues, supports efforts to combat the coercion and intimidation of greedy union bosses and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 4, 2021 by a vote of 25-21. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

25 yea, 21 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 608 — Expanding a Crony Incentive Program to Subsidize Hollywood Film Studios

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill further expands cronyism by socializing an even greater amount of private film productions costs onto Oklahoma taxpayers. While an existing program provided $8 million in annual subsidies to the film industry, this bill further boosts handouts to $30 million a year. ACU supports a tax code that is broadly applied with as low of rates as possible for everyone. ACU opposes this cronyism which provides a competitive advantage to one industry while shifting tax burdens to other industries and individuals not favored by government and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 19, 2021 by a vote of 32-14 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

32 yea, 14 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 572 — Strengthening National Security by Defunding “Sanctuary Cities”

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill strengthens national security by prohibiting any municipality or subdivision of the state from enacting a “sanctuary policy”. For example, localities may not restrict or condition cooperation with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer requests, require ICE to obtain a warrant before honoring a detainer request, or provide any other special benefit or privilege to an illegal immigrant. ACU supports efforts to help the federal government perform its constitutional role in enforcing the nation’s immigration laws and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 11, 2021 by a vote of 27-19. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

27 yea, 19 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 523 — Ensuring the Legislature is the Sole Authority to Change Election Procedure

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill helps strengthen election integrity by ensuring the legislature is the sole authority to change election procedure. Specifically, the bill ensures no locality, or state officials such as the Governor, Attorney General, or county election board imposes a change that conflicts with what the legislature prescribed. ACU supports this measure to strengthen election integrity, especially after the actions taken by scores of bureaucrats and judges which undermined the election process under the guise of emergency power during the 2020 general elections and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 3, 2021 by a vote of 37-8. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

37 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 394 — Increasing Government Dependency by Hiking Vehicle Values that Welfare Recipients May Own

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill increases government dependency by allowing welfare recipients to own more expensive vehicles when calculating benefits and eligibility for Oklahoma’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) welfare program. Under the bill, the amount of equity a welfare recipient may have in a vehicle is doubled from $5,000 to $10,000. ACU supports efforts to help people live happier, healthier, more productive lives by encouraging them to become more self-sufficient, opposes this measure which only increases government dependency and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 2, 2021 by a vote of 44-1. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

44 yea, 1 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 383 — Holding Big Tech Accountable for Deceptive and Fraudulent Practices

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill holds “Big Tech” companies such as Twitter, Facebook, and Google accountable for their deceptive and fraudulent practices. These companies have violated their own standards and terms of use by discriminating against individuals on the basis of political views but have avoided accountability for their actions due to a special legal carveout known as “Section 230”. This bill allows users of these platforms to seek justice against the abusers through complaint proceedings overseen by the Attorney General. ACU believes congress incorrectly favored Big Tech through this special legal carveout, which has resulted in discrimination against countless conservatives, including the de-platforming of CPAC speeches. ACU supports this measure to combat the fraudulent and deceptive practices of Big Tech and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 11, 2021 by a vote of 34-12. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

34 yea, 12 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 368 — Protecting Religious Freedom by Limiting the Government’s Ability to Shutdown Religious Services

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill promotes school choice by reforming the Education Open Transfer Act to reduce barriers for students to transfer to other schools. The bill establishes a framework under which school districts determine their capacity for each grade level and take on student transfers if there is available room. The open seats are to be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability is directed to oversee the process. ACU supports empowering families and reducing taxpayer costs by responsibly expanding school choice and supported the bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 02, 2021 by a vote of 32-15 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

37 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 239 — Stifling Charter School Creation with Additional Bureaucracy

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill creates additional hurdles to establish a new charter school by providing the State Board of Education additional reasons to deny sponsorship. ACU supports improving educational outcomes by empowering parents to choose the best educational option for their children through school choice and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on February 10, 2021 by a vote of 30-16. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

30 yea, 16 nay

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 1019 — Increasing Health Insurance Premiums Through Price Controls on Insulin Copayments

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill drives up health insurance premiums for everyone through a new price control on insulin drug insurance copayments. Specifically, the bill prohibits health insurers from charging more than a $30 copayment for a one-month supply of insulin, or $90 for a three-month supply. ACU recognizes that this price control on insurance and other mandates only drive-up premium costs, thereby harming the affordability of insurance for everyone. ACU further recognizes the rise in insulin costs is largely due to the enormous investments manufacturers have made in creating new and improved formulations. ACU opposes price controls which lead to higher insurance costs for everyone and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 13, 2021 by a vote of 32-15 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

32 yea, 15 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1080 — Improving Educational Outcomes Through the Expansion of School Choice

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill helps empower parents to provide the best educational option for their child. Specifically, the bill expands the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Act by increasing the amount of the tax credit from $1,000 to a maximum of $2,800 for single individuals and from $2,000 to a maximum of $5,600 for married individuals filing jointly. Additionally, this bill increases the overall cap on the program from $5 million to $50 million. ACU supports improving educational outcomes by empowering parents to choose the best educational option for their children by expanding school choice and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 18, 2021 by a vote of 36-11 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

36 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 1121 — Expanding Cronyism by Renewing Subsidies to Organizations Hosting Events

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill further expands cronyism by extending the Quality Event Incentive Act until 2026. This program socializes up to $250,000 in event costs for private organizations based on expected increases in sales tax revenue the event may bring. ACU supports a tax code that is broadly applied and with as low of rates as possible for everyone. ACU opposes this cronyism which provides competitive advantages to a select industry and organizations while shifting tax burdens onto other taxpayers not favored by government and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 12, 2021 by a vote of 40-4 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

40 yea, 4 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 994 — Strengthening Private Property Rights by Restricting Eminent Domain to Only Public Needs

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill strengthens property rights and combats abuse of eminent domain (i.e. government seizure of private property) by ensuring eminent domain is utilized only for public purposes. Specifically, the bill states private property may only be taken for a “necessary public use” and with just compensation, and clarifies that economic development, including an increase in tax base does not constitute a public use. This bill is largely in response to one of the most atrocious Supreme Court decisions in Kelo v. New London which held that the private homes were lawfully seized and transferred to a private developer who supposedly would provide a “public benefit” by increasing the value of the properties. ACUF’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights is a leading voice on this issue and advances policies that support the founders’ belief that strong property rights are inherent to a free society. ACU recognizes that the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits “private property … taken for public use, without just compensation,” supports this effort to ensure property owners are properly compensated and protected from having their property seized solely to enrich other private entities and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 11, 2021 by a vote of 30-13. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

30 yea, 13 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 1236 — Combatting Unconstitutional Federal Actions

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill is designed to protect Oklahomans from unilateral and unconstitutional federal actions that violate the Tenth Amendment to the US Constitution. Under the bill, the attorney general is directed to review federal actions or orders given by the president, agencies, or congress and determine their constitutionality. The legislature may then by majority vote seek to exempt the state from an unconstitutional action and have the action declared unconstitutional by a court. ACU supports strengthening individual liberties and combatting unconstitutional federal actions and supported the bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 20, 2021 by a vote of 37-9 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

37 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 1752 — Strengthening Election Integrity by Cleaning the Voter Rolls

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill helps strengthen election integrity by requiring county election boards to remove the names of deceased individuals from voter rolls within 30 days of notification from funeral directors. ACU supports maintaining and updating voter registration databases to help prevent the disenfranchisement of eligible voters due to voter fraud and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 13, 2021 by a vote of 38-8 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

38 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 2078 — Reforming Education Spending to Limit Funding of “Ghost Students”

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill helps safeguard taxpayer funds by reforming the educational aid calculations which permit schools to base their funding on their highest enrollment number over the past two years. A recent analysis from the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs found the state spent $195 million in 2021 to fund at least 55,236 “ghost” students who do not attend classes in the district but are included in enrollment counts used to determine state funding for each district. ACU supports protecting taxpayers from misuse and abuse, which results in the diversion of funds from core government functions while further harming taxpayers and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 31, 2021 by a vote of 27-19 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

27 yea, 19 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2365 — Advancing Discrimination Based on Race and Sex in the State Procurement Process

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill may unnecessarily drive up taxpayer costs by mandating the creation of an “Oklahoma Supplier Diversity Initiative”. Under this initiative, the Department of Commerce must develop a diversity certification program, which provides benefits to individuals of select racial, sexual, and ethnic backgrounds. ACU believes in equal rights under the law for all, and believes it is the role of government to ensure all laws are applied equally. ACU opposes this measure which unnecessarily drives up taxpayer costs to provide benefits to select individuals solely on the basis of characteristics such as race and sex and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 21, 2021 by a vote of 35-12 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

35 yea, 12 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 2774 — Strengthening National Security by Banning “Sanctuary City” Policies

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would strengthen national security and improve public safety by preventing localities from enacting “sanctuary city” policies that violate federal immigration laws by limiting cooperation with federal authorities. Specifically, this bill requires all relevant law enforcement entities to comply with immigration detainer requests issued by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities. ACU supports efforts to help the federal government perform its constitutional role in enforcing the nation’s immigration laws and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 21, 2021 by a vote of 38-9 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

38 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2860 — Expanding Cronyism Through Subsidies to Select Companies that Hire Remote Workers

2021 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill, known as the Oklahoma Remote Quality Jobs Incentive Act, expands cronyism by socializing the employment costs of select companies who hire remote workers. Under the bill, select large companies that have an annual gross payroll for new remote jobs of $1.5 million or more are eligible to receive cash payments from government equating to 5% of the new payroll for 10 quarters. ACU supports free markets and a broadly applied tax code with the lowest possible rates for all individuals and companies. ACU opposes this cronyism which provides competitive advantages to select companies and shifts tax burdens to other individuals and industries (small businesses) not favored by government and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 20, 2021 by a vote of 32-14 and the bill was later signed into law.

 Passed

32 yea, 14 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 3369 — Protecting School Choice by Limiting Fees

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill protects school choice opportunities by limiting inappropriate fees imposed on charter schools. Specifically, the bill reduces the percentage of state aid, from 5% to 3%, that a sponsoring school district can impose on a charter school for administrative services rendered. The measure further prohibits a sponsoring district from charging a charter school any additional fees, unless the fees are for actual services rendered. Currently, some school districts abuse the fee allowance in order to extract more money from charter schools without providing any additional benefit for the charter school. Additionally, the bill also creates a Charter School Closure Reimbursement Revolving Fund as a type of insurance for school districts in the event the district incurs costs due to a charter school closure. ACU supports improving educational outcomes and empowering parents by protecting school choice providers from inappropriate fees and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 12, 2020 by a vote of 38-7 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

38 yea, 7 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 4018 — Forcing Taxpayers to Subsidize Rural Broadband

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill duplicates federal subsidies and establishes a new government commission to subsidize broadband development in rural areas. Under the bill, the Rural Broadband Expansion Council will conduct a study to determine in which areas it recommends taxpayers should be forced to subsidize broadband. ACU believes the market is the best mechanism to determine the need for broadband, does not believe that taxpayers in one area should be forced to subsidize the services of those who choose to live in another area and opposed this bill. The Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on May 22, 2020 by a vote of 43-1 and the bill became law.

 Passed

43 yea, 1 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SJR 40 — Protecting Oklahomans from Lawsuit Abuse through Limitations on Awards

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This resolution would propose an amendment to the state constitution which would protect individuals from lawsuit abuse by establishing a $300,000 cap on noneconomic damages such as compensation for pain and suffering in personal injury cases. (The amendment would provide an exception for cases in which the defendant was proven to have acted in a negligent manner.) The resolution is prudent following the 2019 Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision in Beason v I.E. Miller Services, Inc. which declared unconstitutional Oklahoma’s previously established statutory caps on noneconomic damages in personal injury cases. This resolution would end the constitutionality question by explicitly ratifying the caps to the state constitution. ACU supports providing just legal outcomes and limiting lawsuit abuse which drives up business and ultimately consumer costs and supported this resolution. The Senate passed the resolution on March 12, 2020 by a vote of 26-16. (The resolution failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

26 yea, 16 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1820 — Providing Greater Oversight of State Agencies which Contract with Private Attorney

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would improve oversight of state agencies and their legal activities through a series of reforms. One of the bill’s key provisions would ensure that government attorneys, who are accountable to the People through the political process, would maintain control over the cases assigned to them, rather than being able to delegate authority to unaccountable private attorneys. The bill would also direct the state attorney general (AG) to publish on the AG’s website all contingency fee contracts within five business days of execution and publish all completed payments within 15 days. Additionally, the bill would direct agencies to justify the use of private attorneys to the AG and notify the AG of any ethics concerns between lawyers or their firms and the state agency and its employees. Furthermore, the bill would ensure that contingency fees would be limited based on amounts recovered. ACU supports improving government integrity, supports this measure to prevent unaccountable private attorneys from abusing taxpayer funds and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 9, 2020 by a vote of 38-9. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

38 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 210 — Strengthening Ballot Integrity

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill makes necessary reforms to protect the integrity of the absentee ballot process for the 2020 election during the Chinese coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and for elections in the future. Specifically, the bill clarifies that individuals who wish to cast absentee ballots are required to sign the ballot and have the signature notarized, a crucial component to ensure that only individuals eligible to vote may cast a ballot. This provision is in response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling in The League of Women Voters of Oklahoma v. Ziriax which found that existing state law left open the question of whether notarization was required for absentee ballots. The bill also creates a temporary alternative for the duration of an emergency declaration by which individuals may include a copy of a government-issued photo ID with their absentee ballot instead of the notarization. ACU supports efforts to strengthen ballot integrity and reduce voter fraud and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 7, 2020 by a vote of 38-9 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

38 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 326 — Increasing Oversight of Executive Agencies through Legislative Action

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill is designed to provide a legislative check on the powers of executive branch agencies. Under the bill, the legislature would be permitted to request that a state agency justify the regulatory authority or operations of the agency. The director of the state agency would then be required to respond within 15 days (unless an extension is granted) stating the constitutional provision or legislative statute the agency operates under. A director who fails to respond could be removed for neglect of duty. ACU supports increased government oversight and this check on the power of unelected bureaucrats within the executive branch and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 5, 2020 by a vote of 36-9. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

36 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 521 — Protecting Businesses and Property Owners from Overregulation

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would help protect individuals and businesses from excessive regulation by establishing a check on the power of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC), the state agency which regulates oil and gas drilling, utilities and telephone companies. Specifically, the OCC would be prohibited from imposing any rules or regulations that are more stringent than those established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACU supports reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 10, 2020 by a vote of 37-8. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

37 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 623 — Imposing Burdensome Licensing Mandates on Social Workers

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would grant a private, politically charged organization wide-sweeping power over the licenses of social workers. Specifically, the bill would permit the State Board of Licensed Social Workers to censure and reprimand licensees—or revoke, refuse to renew, or suspend licenses—if a social worker violates the standards of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), a private nonprofit entity. The NASW’s code of ethics explicitly directs social workers to “advocate for…political and cultural values and institutions that are compatible with the realization of social justice” and requires employees to “consider the NASW Code of Ethics as their primary source” about ethical thinking. As a result of ceding this legislative authority over the standards of licensure, the bill would prohibit social workers from practicing their occupation unless they comply with the political beliefs of a dogmatic organization. The bill also contains similar provisions tying other licensed professions to the ethical standards of other private entities such as the American Counseling Association, the American School Counselor Association and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. ACU opposes this absurd ceding of legislative authority, opposes the proliferation of licensing requirements that reduce available services, raise consumer costs and are primarily designed to restrict competition and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on February 25, 2020 by a vote of 30-16. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

30 yea, 16 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1166 — Reforming Occupational Licensing Requirements for Professionals in the Cosmetic Industry

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would remove government-imposed barriers to employment in a variety of professions, including hair braiding, shampooing and cosmetics. For example, the bill would eliminate various fees and hundreds of hours of unnecessary education mandates for these professions. ACU opposes the proliferation of licensing requirements that reduce available services, raise consumer costs and are primarily designed to restrict competition and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on March 12, 2020 by a vote of 35-11. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

35 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1264 — Combatting “Policing for Profit” by Ending Traffic Citation Quotas

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would help prevent “policing for profit” by prohibiting local governments and state agencies from requiring or incentivizing law enforcement officers and judges to meet traffic citation or citation revenue quotas. Specifically, the bill would prohibit law enforcement from evaluating, compensating, or disciplining law enforcement officers based on a predetermined number of traffic citations. Additionally, governmental agencies and officials would be prohibited from requiring or expecting judges to collect predetermined amounts of money from individuals convicted of traffic offenses. ACU opposes policing quotas which prioritize revenue generation over public safety and lead to unequal application of the law and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 10, 2020 by a vote of 35-11. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

35 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1326 — Protecting Businesses from Undue Litigation by Clarifying Workers’ Compensation Laws

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would shield employers from undue litigation by making minor fixes to the workers' compensation system. The bill is in response to a poorly reasoned 2019 Oklahoma Supreme Court decision in Wells v. Oklahoma Roofing & Sheet Metal which could potentially unjustly subject employers to additional damages in workers' compensation claims in the event of an unintentional workplace incident. The bill would clarify that the definition of “compensable injury” in workers’ compensation claims includes injuries of which a major cause was the employer’s knowledge that injury was substantially certain to result from the employer’s conduct. ACU supports efforts to protect employers from lawsuit abuse which could harm employment opportunities and ultimately drives up consumer costs and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 9, 2020 by a vote of 38-9. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

38 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 1423 — Advancing the War on Individual Liberties by Raising the Nicotine Age to 21

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill violates individual liberties by prohibiting adults under age 21 from purchasing tobacco, nicotine or vaping and e-cigarette products. This bill is a result of efforts by the federal government to strong-arm states by threatening to withhold Federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant funding if they do not come into compliance with the new federal nicotine law. ACU believes the usage of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes is a personal liberty issue and those who are old enough to fight for our country are old enough to decide whether to purchase nicotine products and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 3, 2020 by a vote of 28-19 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

28 yea, 19 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1459 — Strengthening National Security and Prohibiting Sanctuary City Policies

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would strengthen national security and improve public safety by preventing localities from enacting “sanctuary city” policies that violate federal immigration laws by limiting cooperation with federal authorities. Specifically, the bill would prevent localities from enacting policies which deter law enforcement from fulfilling inquiries and detainer requests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entities or making inquiries regarding an individual’s immigration status upon probable cause that an individual is present in the country illegally. Additionally, the bill would establish a process by which the state attorney general could issue opinions regarding whether a locality has established sanctuary city policies. Furthermore, the bill would specify that elected officials which violate the bill’s restrictions would be subject to removal from office for official misconduct. ACU supports efforts to help the federal government perform its constitutional role in enforcing the nation’s immigration laws and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 12, 2020 by a vote of 33-10. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

33 yea, 10 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1501 — Further Strengthening Oversight of Federal Funding for State and Local Governments

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would further improve transparency regarding the federal funds used by state agencies and local governments by making improvements to SB 271 from the 2019 session (which ACU scored). Under SB 271, state agencies are required to disclose on their websites how much federal funding they receive and what conditions for the funding are established by the U.S. government. Under this bill, state agencies and local governments would be required to submit that information to the legislature whenever they make a state funding request. As a result, legislators would be better informed throughout the budget process and taxpayers would benefit from greater transparency regarding the spending and activities of their state and local governments. ACU supports strengthening transparency over federal funding, especially considering the state receives and spends over $7.4 billion in federal funds annually, supports this measure to ensure lawmakers have this critical information during the budget process and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 11, 2020 by a vote of 34-9. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

34 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 1588 — Creating a Loophole against Forcing Taxpayers to Support Private Nonprofits Favored by Government

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would violate the principle of voluntary charitable support and would effectively force taxpayers to support private nonprofits favored by government. Under current law, state and local governments are prohibited from appropriating funds to private nonprofits. This bill would exploit a loophole in that principle by permitting state agencies to donate public property and the labor of public employees. Under the bill, public employees would be permitted to volunteer for such organizations while on the taxpayer dime, while utilizing public resources funded by taxpayers. ACU recognizes private charitable and educational efforts are inherent to advancing the public good and maintaining a limited government; however, ACU opposes efforts to force taxpayers to support nonprofit, and potentially political, enterprises favored by government and opposed this bill. The Senate failed to pass the bill on March 5, 2020 by a vote of 21-26.

 Defeated

21 yea, 26 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 1592 — Expanding the State’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill expands the state’s crony Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program from being available only to commercial properties to now being extended to all properties, except single-family residences. The PACE program forces taxpayers to provide property owners with financing (through additional property tax assessments) for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency upgrades to property. ACU does not believe it is the proper role of government to provide financing or loan collection services, opposes the PACE program which harms the lending industry and places taxpayers at risk in the event of a default and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 14, 2020 by a vote of 35-9 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

35 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1682 — Protecting Lenders from Excessive Restrictions from Local Governments

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill protects lending and borrowing opportunities in the state by shielding financial institutions from excessive restrictions imposed by local governments. Under the bill, local governments are prohibited from regulating interest rates, fees, or physical locations, or preventing licensed lenders from engaging in lending practices authorized under the state law. ACU opposes limiting lending and borrowing opportunities through inappropriate government interference which drive up costs and significantly harm borrowers with limited or poor credit and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 9, 2020 by a vote of 40-7 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

40 yea, 7 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1692 — Clarifying that Judicial Interpretation Must Be Based on Statute and Case Law

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would provide greater clarity to judges and jurists regarding which documents are appropriate sources of legal authority. Under current law, Oklahoma courts rely on the U.S. Constitution, the state constitution, federal and state statutes, and case law in order to determine legal outcomes. However, advocates of judicial activism have influenced the courts through “restatements of law” (i.e., treatises on legal subjects) by providing their own interpretations to steer legal outcomes. This bill would resolve that conflict by instructing courts to consider only constitutional and statutory texts, as well as case law precedents adopted by the U.S. Supreme Court and the Oklahoma appellate courts, to guide their jurisprudence. This bill is in response to the American Law Institute’s (ALI) Restatement of the Law, Liability Insurance and specifically declares that the document does not constitute law or public policy if it conflicts with any of the aforementioned authorities. ACU supports the rule of law, opposes efforts to encourage “legislating from the bench” by directing courts to deviate from the law and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 9, 2020 by a vote of 35-11. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

35 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 1718 — Raising Health Insurance Costs through Additional Coverage Mandates

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill drives up health insurance costs by mandating that all private health insurance policies offered in the state provide coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatments. Additionally, the bill prohibits health benefit plans from imposing a non-quantitative limitation on mental health and substance use disorder benefits that are more stringent than those imposed on medical and surgical benefits. As a result of this mandate, which is in addition to countless others, individuals will likely face significantly greater challenges in obtaining low-cost, basic health plans that provide the coverage they prefer. While ACU sympathizes with individuals who rely on this coverage, we oppose health insurance mandates which ultimately make health insurance unaffordable and unobtainable for many individuals and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 11, 2020 by a vote of 44-1 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

44 yea, 1 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 1790 — Expanding Cronyism by Creating Tax Deductions for Select Private Equity Investments

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would create yet another mechanism of cronyism by offering up to $7.5 million in tax deductions for equity investments in select private companies favored by government. Under the bill, individuals who invest in certain technology companies would be eligible to receive tax deductions up to 60% of an equity investment. ACU opposes cronyism and manipulating the tax code which creates competitive advantages for select companies and shifts tax burdens to individuals not favored by government, instead supports a tax code with the lowest possible tax rate for all taxpayers and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 11, 2020 by a vote of 39-4. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

39 yea, 4 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1879 — Reforming the State Public Employee Merit System

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would implement a series of reforms to make it easier for the state to reward high-performing public employees and terminate poor-performing employees. Specifically, the bill would classify employees who are not subject to the state’s merit system as “at-will” employees and would revise the merit system so that agencies can hire on the basis of merit and qualifications. The bill would stipulate that all newly hired employees are considered at-will employees and that current merit-classified positions may maintain their status or shift to the unclassified service. If the employee opts to maintain classified status, the position would remain in the classified service until the employee vacates the position. ACU supports efforts to reduce taxpayer costs and improve government efficiency by reforming a 40-year-old public employment system and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 11, 2020 by a vote of 38-9. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

38 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1891 — Expanding Employment Opportunities by Streamlining License Reciprocity

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would ease government-imposed restrictions on employment by reforming how state agencies are required to evaluate applicants for license reciprocity. Specifically, the bill would require an occupational license or certificate to be issued to Oklahoma residents who held an occupational license in a regulated profession for at least a year in another state before moving to Oklahoma. ACU opposes the proliferation of licensing requirements that reduce available services, raise consumer costs, and are primarily designed to restrict competition and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on March 11, 2020 by a vote of 36-9. (The bill failed to advance in conference committee.)

 Passed

36 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1946 — Protecting Businesses from Lawsuit Abuse Related to COVID-19

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill establishes immunity from civil liability for persons or entities conducting business in the state in actions related to an injury from exposure or potential exposure to Chinese coronavirus (COVID-19). The protections apply in cases when a business was in compliance with federal or state regulations related to COVID-19. ACU supports protecting businesses from lawsuit abuse related to COVID-19 and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 11, 2020 by a vote of 34-11 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

34 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 2760 — Combatting Cronyism by Reducing the Total Amount of Affordable Housing Tax Credits

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would combat cronyism by reducing the total amount of Oklahoma Affordable Housing Tax Credits allocated to all qualified projects. Specifically, the maximum amount of credits annually would be cut by 50%, from $4 million to $2 million. Even if enacted, the $2 million would remain a significant financial incentive which is in addition to the federal government’s low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) which developers may also receive. ACU opposes this taxpayer-funded cronyism, believes the state should instead eliminate excessive zoning and building regulations to solve the housing shortage and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on May 12, 2020 by a vote of 25-20 but the bill was vetoed by the governor.

 Passed

25 yea, 20 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 3350 — Jeopardizing the Solvency of the State Pension System by Further Increasing Pension Payouts

2020 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill further threatens the solvency of the state pension system by adding an estimated $900 million to the state’s unfunded liabilities. Specifically, the bill awards a “cost of living adjustment” (COLA) to an estimated 85% of government retirees by increasing benefits by 4% for public employees retired five years or more and 2% for those retired for at least two years but less than five years. This increase in benefits (for which government employees never contracted) comes at a time when $300 million annually is diverted from other purposes in order to fund the program, according to the Oklahoma Council for Public Affairs. ACU opposes unfunded increases in pension liabilities which places state taxpayers at risk and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 15, 2020 by a vote of 41-5 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

41 yea, 5 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 271 — Improving Government Transparency by Requiring State Agencies to Disclose Federal Funds

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill improves government transparency by requiring state agencies to disclose the amount of federal funding they receive. As a result, lawmakers are able to better prioritize state funds as well as improve preparedness in the event of a reduction in federal funding. Specifically, the bill requires state agencies to publish on their websites the amount of federal funding they receive, an explanation of why the program qualifies for federal funds and any actions that are required as a condition of receiving the funds. Furthermore, agencies are required to list their federal funds into expenditure categories and prioritize them. ACU supports strengthening transparency over federal funding, especially considering the state receives and spends over $7.4 billion in federal funds annually, supports this measure to ensure lawmakers have this critical information during the budget process and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 12, 2019 by a vote of 31-13 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

31 yea, 13 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 365 — Advancing Innovation by Protecting Autonomous Vehicles from Additional Local Regulations

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill advances innovation by establishing a statewide regulatory framework which permits the operation of autonomous vehicles (AVs), also known as “self-driving vehicles.” Under the bill, AVs are permitted to operate across the state and localities are prohibited from imposing additional regulations that would restrict AV testing or operation. ACU supports proactive efforts to embrace innovation and maximize the free-market benefits provided by autonomous technology, supports reducing government regulations to ensure both autonomous and traditional cars and trucks may share the road and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 7, 2019 by a vote of 36-8 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

36 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 608 — Obstructing the Free Marketplace by Interfering in the Distribution Agreements between Alcohol Manufacturers and Wholesalers

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would override the will of the People as stated through a ballot referendum and would obstruct the free marketplace by interfering in the distribution agreements between manufacturers and wholesalers. Specifically, this bill would directly contradict the People’s mandate under State Question 792 (SQ 792) which eased government mandates on the alcoholic beverage industry, including allowing wine and spirit manufacturers to designate a single wholesaler distributor. This bill would contradict SQ 792 by re-imposing the previous mandate that the top 25 manufacturers (measured by sales) must sell their products to every wholesaler in the state. ACU supports strengthening individual liberties and establishing a freer market in the alcoholic beverage industry, opposes overriding the will of the People, opposes government central planning efforts that infringe the right of business owners to decide their own partners in business and opposed this bill. This bill passed the Senate on May 6, 2019 by a vote of 34-11 but the law was declared unconstitutional by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

 Passed

34 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2095 — Expanding Cronyism by Extending Subsidies for Natural Gas-powered Vehicles

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill expands cronyism by extending through 2027 a subsidy program for natural gas-powered vehicles and fuel storage facilities which was set to expire in 2020. Under the bill, tax credits between $5,500 and $50,000 (depending on gross vehicle weight) are awarded to individuals who purchase or convert their vehicle to compressed or liquefied natural gas. The bill also provides tax credits for residential and business natural gas vehicle infrastructure as well as infrastructure used for charging electric vehicles. Altogether, the bill permits $20 million in tax credits to be issued annually. ACU opposes this cronyism which shifts tax burdens to individuals and businesses not favored by government, supports all sources of energy, believes government should not support one source of energy over another and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 30, 2019 by a vote of 32-11 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

32 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 268 — Improving Government Oversight of Public Virtual Charter Schools

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill is designed to strengthen educational outcomes by improving government oversight of public virtual charter schools under the state’s Open Meeting Act. Under the bill, Oklahoma’s five public virtual charter schools, sponsored and authorized by the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, are required to maintain “quorum” (i.e., minimum number of members required to conduct meetings). As a result, the bill helps ensure that the leadership and representatives of the charter school are held accountable and made available to answer questions that lawmakers or the public may have. ACU supports strengthening educational outcomes by upholding the accountability standards of both traditional public and charter schools and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 23, 2019 by a vote of 35-11 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

35 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 1411 — Expanding Cronyism and Enriching Select Developers by Expanding an “Affordable” Housing Tax Credit Program

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill expands cronyism and government interference in the marketplace by expanding an affordable housing tax credit program. Specifically, the bill removes the 150,000 population limit for “qualified projects,” thus further enriching select developers by providing them tax credits for more housing projects. The bill maintains the previous $4 million allocation for the program and developers are also able to receive additional lucrative federal tax credits through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. ACU recognizes that the vast majority of these units are owned by private nonprofits which enrich their businesses by pursuing these credits, for which the rest of the state’s taxpayers must make up the difference. ACU believes the best way to expand truly affordable housing that does not penalize taxpayers not favored by government is by eliminating excessive zoning, land-use and building regulations and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 23, 2019 by a vote of 36-7 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

36 yea, 7 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 1095 — Expanding Employment Opportunities by Clarifying Independent Contractor Classification

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill expands employment opportunities by clarifying in which working circumstances individuals are considered to be either employees or independent contractors. Under previous law, Oklahoma enforced its own definition of “employment” through a flawed “ABC” test which led to confusion about worker classification. This bill remedies that confusion by adopting the Internal Revenue Service’s 20-factor test to determine classification as an independent contractor. Specifically, some of the criteria used by the IRS test (and now Oklahoma) to determine employment status include: whether workers are required to follow set hours of work or perform tasks in a sequence set by the employer, whether workers receive payments of regular amounts at set intervals, and whether workers may quit without liability, among other factors. As a result, workers and employers are afforded greater regulatory certainty, thus providing business owners more flexibility to make greater investments in the workforce. ACU supports expanding employment opportunities by providing greater clarity in employment law and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 11, 2019 by a vote of 34-10 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

34 yea, 10 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1003 — Improving Public Health and Safety and Reducing Taxpayer Burdens through a Voluntary Audit System

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill, known as the Oklahoma Environmental, Health and Safety Audit Privilege Act, improves public health and safety and reduces taxpayer burdens by establishing a voluntary audit system for regulated businesses. Under the bill, businesses regulated under environmental or health safety laws, such as chemical plants and energy facilities, may enter agreements with the state to voluntarily undergo an audit of their compliance with regulations. Companies which enter into these agreements would be required to report and correct their violations and be held accountable for failing to report. Additionally, the bill ensures that violations found in the audits are corrected and made public under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, while prohibiting any other confidential documents, communications and other such private information from being disclosed. This will help ensure improvements to public safety and prevent zealous activists from abusing private businesses which are in compliance with health and safety laws. ACU supports reducing taxpayer burdens by streamlining labyrinthine regulatory regimes, supports improving public health and safety by strengthening transparency of regulatory compliance through self-reporting and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 14, 2019 by a vote of 36-7 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

36 yea, 7 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 826 — Expanding Cronyism by Providing a $3,000 Tax Credit for Individuals who Purchase All-Electric Vehicles

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would expand cronyism by creating a new program to provide tax benefits exclusively to purchasers of all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and public or private plug-in recharging equipment. Specifically, the bill would establish a five-year program to distribute up to $8 million in state tax credits to these government-favored individuals annually and would be awarded as follows: $3,000 for all-electric vehicles, $1,500 for plug-in hybrids, 50% of the cost of private charging stations and 45% of the cost of publicly accessible stations. ACU recognizes that this lucrative tax credit program is in addition to the $7,500 federal tax credit which is already awarded to electric vehicle purchasers. ACU opposes cronyism, believes government should not interfere in the marketplace in order to enrich electric vehicle manufacturers and shift tax burdens to individuals not favored by government and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 13, 2019 by a vote of 28-11. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

28 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 333 — Strengthening Safeguards against Abuse and Protecting Health Care Providers from Legal Liabilities Relating to “Advance Directives”

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill strengthens safeguards to ensure proper care of unconscious or incapacitated patients and protects health care providers from legal liability resulting from dutifully carrying out “advance directives” (i.e., written statements that communicate the medical care choices of an incapacitated patient). Under current law, legal guardians, spouses and other relatives, and other legal representatives are permitted to authorize medical care under advance directives for an incapacitated patient. Under this bill, such representatives and family members are now required to sign an affidavit that they do not have a criminal record of abusing or exploiting vulnerable individuals. Additionally, the bill protects health care providers from legal liability when carrying out advanced directives in good faith. ACU supports strengthening protections against the abuse of incapacitated patients, supports protecting health care providers who dutifully carry out the wishes of patients and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 13, 2019 by a vote of 36-9 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

36 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 649 — Infringing Private Employer-Employee Contracting Rights through Wage Disclosure Mandates

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would infringe the contracting rights of workers and employers by imposing new mandates on “wage disclosures.” Under the bill, it would be unlawful for an employer with 25 or more employees to take any disciplinary action against an employee who discussed or disclosed their wages to another employee. Furthermore, due process would be significantly weakened by eliminating the role of courts to determine findings concerning violations of this measure and other wage related issues and instead grant the Commissioner of Labor authority to determine noncompliance and impose fines. ACU opposes this measure which infringes the right of employees and employers to freely contract and exposes businesses to unnecessary penalties and litigation and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 12, 2019 by a vote of 30-14. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

30 yea, 14 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 645 — Subjecting Businesses to Lawsuit Abuse by Further Expanding “Equal Pay” Mandates

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would subject small business owners and large businesses alike to lawsuit abuse and costly penalties by further increasing employer mandates. Under the bill, the “equal pay” mandate would be further expanded to prohibit an employer from providing an individual of one sex a greater level of “benefits or other compensation” (previously pay) than an individual of another sex. Furthermore, due process would be significantly weakened by eliminating the role of courts to determine findings concerning “equal pay” and instead granting the Commissioner of Labor authority to determine noncompliance and impose fines. Additionally, the bill would increase fines by 300% per alleged violation per pay period which would range from $100 to $200. ACU believes employment discrimination is wrong and business that discriminate will face repercussions in the marketplace. However, ACU opposes this measure which has the potential to devastate small businesses by exposing them to lawsuit abuse and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 12, 2019 by a vote of 40-4. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

 Passed

40 yea, 4 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1 — Improving Accountability of Government Spending through the Creation of the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill improves the accountability of state agencies and their spending through the creation of the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT). Under the bill, LOFT is directed to conduct annual independent comprehensive performance audits of every state agency to ensure that their budgets are designed to fulfill their primary purposes. The bill authorizes the legislature to employ LOFT audits to implement the best budgeting and policy-making practices to improve the efficiency of the agencies. ACU supports improving government transparency and ensuring that government bureaucrats are held accountable to the People and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 24, 2019 by a vote of 38-8 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

38 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2759 — Expanding Cronyism by Providing Tax Credits to Select Cybersecurity Engineers Employed by Government-Favored Companies

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill creates a new mechanism of cronyism designed to enrich institutions of higher education and their graduates from software and cybersecurity programs. Under the bill, graduates of these degree programs who become hired by government-favored employers may claim a $2,200 annual tax credit if they have a bachelor’s degree or higher and an $1,800 tax credit for an associate degree. Altogether, this program is set to cost taxpayers up to $5 million per year. ACU opposes cronyism, believes government should not interfere in the marketplace in order to enrich community colleges and provide competitive advantages to select individuals and businesses favored by government and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 23, 2019 by a vote of 34-10 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

34 yea, 10 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2632 — Increasing Prescription Drug Costs through Government Interference in Private Contracting Agreements

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill drives up prescription drug costs for consumers and employers by imposing a series of new government mandates which are designed to increase the profit margins of certain pharmacies. Specifically, the bill interferes in the private contractual agreements and negotiations between health insurers, pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacies. For example, the bill includes price controls which prevent health insurers or pharmacy benefit managers from providing discounts or reducing co-pays for consumers who purchase their drugs from “in-network” pharmacies. ACU opposes this government interference in the marketplace and private contract negotiations which is designed to enrich select parties and ultimately drives up consumer costs and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 16, 2019 by a vote of 47-0 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

47 yea, 0 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 993 — Reducing Health Insurance Costs by Permitting the Sale of Short-Term Health Plans Exempt from Obamacare Mandates

2019 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill would reduce health insurance costs by further deregulating the sale of short-term health plans which are exempt from many of Obamacare’s draconian insurance mandates. Under the bill, short-term health plans would be permitted for a duration of one year (previously six months) and would be able to be renewed up to 36 months, the full duration permitted under federal regulations as amended by the Trump administration. These plans are typically much cheaper options as they are not mandated to provide the “essential health benefits” under Obamacare. ACU has long opposed Obamacare which has led to enormous increases in health care costs, supports providing consumers the freedom to purchase health care plans free of Obamacare mandates and supported this as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on May 13, 2019 by a vote of 36-10 and the bill was signed into law.

 Passed

36 yea, 10 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 1011 — Increasing Income Taxes by Capping Deductions

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill caps the state income tax deductions at $17,000, thereby hiking taxes on thousands of earners by limiting the amount of deductions they may itemize on their returns (charitable deductions excluded). Higher tax burdens suppress economic growth, which reduces family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU opposes this tactic to bypass the state’s constitutional protections against tax hikes and take an additional $100 million per year out of the private sector and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 28, 2018 by a vote of 28-18.

 Passed

28 yea, 18 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 1086 — Raising Taxes by Eliminating Capital Gains Deductions

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill results in a net tax increase in excess of $450 million by prohibiting taxpayers from deducting from their state adjusted gross income the capital gains they earned from the sale of real property or ownership interest in Oklahoma companies. ACU opposes this back-door tax increase which harms investment and economic growth and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 15, 2018 by a vote of 30-9.

 Passed

30 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1465 — Preventing Local Governments from Banning Bags and Containers

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill prohibits a city or local government from banning or imposing taxes on plastic bags or other auxiliary containers, such as reusable bags, bottles or containers. ACU believes that the government (including both state and local) should not limit an individual’s choice in how they take their groceries home and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 14, 2018 by a vote of 25-12.

 Passed

25 yea, 12 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 960 — Ensuring School Employees Can Opt-Out of Union Dues

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill prohibits a school district from creating any conditions or requirements in order for employees to terminate a payroll deduction to a union or professional organization. Under the bill, employees are still required to issue a written request to the school district in order to terminate the deduction. ACU supports paycheck protection and believes employees should be able to opt-out of any union and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 5, 2018 by a vote of 33-10.

 Passed

33 yea, 10 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 1585 — Providing Special Tax Credits and Hiring Advantages to Vehicle Manufacturers and Engineers

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill provides up to $3 million in tax credits to companies that manufacture motor vehicles in the state, and up to $2 million in tax credits to individuals who have earned engineering degrees. Under the bill, a motor vehicle manufacturer is provided with a tax credit up to 10 percent (or $12,500) of the annual salary paid to each engineer whom they employ, provided that the engineers graduated from an institution of higher education in the state and were not previously employed in vehicle manufacturing. Additionally, each engineer is provided with a $5,000 state income tax credit for becoming employed in vehicle manufacturing. ACU opposes providing select businesses and individuals with special tax favors, which distort the marketplace and place other businesses and individuals with higher tax burdens at a competitive disadvantage and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 1, 2018 by a vote of 32-10.

 Passed

32 yea, 10 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 86 — Holding State Highway Construction Projects Hostage to Municipalities and Special Interests

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill prevents the state from constructing any highway that bypasses a municipality unless, in addition to all other state and federal studies, an economic impact study on the affected municipalities is conducted, and each municipality’s board approves the project. The bill is designed to “protect†businesses and municipalities from potential lost revenue that the highway may cause. ACU opposes creating a mechanism by which each municipality has veto authority, thereby usurping legislative authority, and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 1, 2018 by a vote of 32-11, but it was vetoed by the governor

 Passed

32 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1212 — Expanding Protections for Second Amendment Rights by Establishing “Constitutional Carry” 

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill expands protections for Second Amendment rights by permitting individuals ages 21 and older to either conceal- or open-carry a firearm if they are not disqualified from owning a gun. An individual must still submit to a background check to purchase a firearm, but prior to this bill, an individual had to obtain a special permit, pay fees and attend a training course. The bill also prohibits anyone who is in the country illegally from possessing a firearm. ACU supports the founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 2, 2018 by a vote of 33-9

 Passed

33 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SJR 70 — Avoiding Tax Increases by Providing Greater Flexibility to Utilize Existing Funds

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill proposes an amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution (subject to voter approval) that provides school districts with greater flexibility to use their existing funds, thereby reducing pressure for statewide tax increases. Specifically, the bill allows ad valorem taxes collected for the school building fund to be used for expenses associated with the general operations of a school district. ACU supports protecting taxpayers from tax increases by better utilizing existing funds and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 2, 2018 by a vote of 28-15.

 Passed

28 yea, 15 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 2932 — Establishing Work Requirements for Work-Ready Medicaid Enrollees

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to seek a waiver from the federal government so that the state can implement work, education, or job training requirements for work-ready adults who are eligible for SoonerCare, the state’s Medicaid program under Obamacare. ACU supports reasonable work requirements for welfare benefits to help reduce intergenerational poverty and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 3, 2018 by a vote of 35-8

 Passed

35 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1140 — Protecting Religious Freedoms of Private Child Placement Agencies

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill prohibits private child placement agencies from being forced to participate in any adoption or child placement which violates the agency’s written religious or moral beliefs. ACU believes in equal rights under the law for all, and supports the religious protections provided under the First Amendment and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 3, 2018 by a vote of 33-7.

 Passed

33 yea, 7 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2756 — Extending and Expanding a Tax Credit for Alternative-Fuel Vehicles and Infrastructure

2018 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill extends, until the year 2023, an income tax credit for the purchase of clean-burning motor vehicles and infrastructure, such as vehicles propelled by hydrogen or natural gas. Furthermore, the bill expands eligibility for the tax credit to purchasers of electric vehicles and charging equipment. ACU opposes tax breaks to select businesses that distort the marketplace and place those not favored by the government at a disadvantage and opposed this bill. The Senate failed to pass the bill on April 18, 2018 by a vote of 23-17. (Twenty-five votes were required.)

 Passed

23 yea, 17 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 1019x — Governmental Agency Spending Cuts

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill cuts funding for 50 government agencies by an average of 2.5 percent. The $60 million in total cuts are to help make up for the state’s budget shortfall. ACU supports this fiscally responsible measure as opposed to increasing taxes and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on November 17, 2017 by a vote of 29-14, but the provisions were vetoed by the Governor.

 Passed

29 yea, 14 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 508 — Expanding the Sale of Homemade Food

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill grants individuals the right to sell homemade food products at farmers markets and other off-site locations. Expanding entrepreneurship promotes economic growth, which leads to greater family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU supports “food freedom” and the right for individuals to freely sell food products and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 9, 2017 by a vote of 34-8.

 Passed

34 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 806 — Expanding Child Care Center Regulations

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill implements a number of regulations governing how child care centers in the state operate. The bill establishes nutrition standards, physical activity requirements, and places limitations on screen time and video games. ACU opposes this infringement on parental rights and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 21, 2017 by a vote of 29-14.

 Passed

29 yea, 14 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 506 — Subsidizing Select Food Establishments

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill provides loans and grants to grocery stores and food establishments in certain areas of the state considered “underserved”. Under the bill, the funds can be used for a wide range of purposes including start-up costs and energy efficiency measures. ACU opposes the use of taxpayer funds for measures that distort the free market and place other businesses at a competitive disadvantage and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 22, 2017 by a vote of 31-11.

 Passed

31 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 1993 — Extending the Cosmetology Licensing Board

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill extends the sunset date of the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering until the year 2021. When entrepreneurship is suppressed, the resulting decline in economic growth leads to a reduction in family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU opposes the extension of a board, whose actions restrict competition, resulting in higher consumer costs and reduced economic mobility and entrepreneurship, and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 30, 2017 by a vote of 31-12.

 Passed

31 yea, 12 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 1577 — Enhancing Government Accountability

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill requires the State Department of Education to include on its website an itemized list of all vacant or unused properties that it owns or directly controls. ACU supports the right of taxpayers to view how their funds are being utilized and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 10, 2017 by a vote of 36-6.

 Passed

36 yea, 6 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 1894 — Establishing End-of-Life Protections

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill establishes a clear hierarchy of individuals who are designated to make healthcare and end-of-life decisions for patients incapable of making such decisions for themselves. ACU Foundation’s Center for Human Dignity engages heavily on end of life issues such as this. ACU supports family decision making and efforts to protect vulnerable patients from being denied life-preserving care and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 24, 2017 by a vote of 33-9.

 Passed

33 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 1868 — Providing Overtime to Government Employees

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill requires the state to provide overtime pay instead of “comp time” to all state employees earning under $30,000 a year. ACU opposes this implementation of overtime, which leads to potential government waste and increased taxpayer costs, and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 25, 2017 by a vote of 29-15.

 Passed

29 yea, 15 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 1999 — Requiring Reauthorization of Agency Regulations

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill requires that all rules enacted by state agencies sunset every four years. Furthermore, the bill establishes a joint review committee to recommend their reauthorization or rejection. ACU supports efforts to eliminate burdensome and unneeded regulations and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 25, 2017 by a vote of 29-15.

 Passed

29 yea, 15 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 2128 — Holding Trespassers Liable for Damages

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill holds an individual who is arrested or convicted of trespassing liable for any personal or real property damages they caused. In addition, any entity that compensates an individual for trespassing is also held liable for damages. The ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights staunchly defends the property rights of American citizens, which are inherently protected by the U.S. Constitution. ACU supports efforts to safeguard property and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 26, 2017 by a vote of 36-4.

 Passed

36 yea, 4 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2131 — Establishing Tourism Development Tax Incentives

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill provides a tax credit of up to 25 percent to companies that create or expand tourism attractions in the state. The tax credits are based upon the project costs and are capped at $15 million a year. ACU opposes the practice of distorting the free market by providing tax credits to government favored companies and industries and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 26, 2017 by a vote of 35-8.

 Passed

35 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 1913 — Expanding Small Loan Lending

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill makes it legal for small loan moneylenders to issue loans of up to $1,500 and charge interest rates of up to 17 percent per month. ACU supports the right of individuals to freely lend to one another and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on April 27, 2017 by a vote of 28-16 but the bill was later vetoed by the Governor.

 Passed

28 yea, 16 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 170 — Reversing Tax Cuts

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill repeals a measure passed in 2014 that provided a mechanism to reduce the top marginal tax rate. Currently, the tax rate is 5 percent and was set to drop to 4.85 percent. Higher tax burdens suppress economic growth, which reduces family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU opposes this tactic which reduces economic growth, and instead supports measures that shrink the size of government in order to address the state’s budget shortfall, and opposed this bill. The Senate passed this bill on May 8, 2017 by a vote of 32-9.

 Passed

32 yea, 9 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 445 — Expanding School Choice

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill increases the tax deduction that can be claimed by private donors giving to non-profits that provide student scholarships. Educational attainment yields substantial economic returns for families and for states, which is illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU supports the expansion of school choice and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 9, 2017 by a vote of 38-4.

 Passed

38 yea, 4 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 426 — Raising Fees on Tire Sales

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill establishes a new mandatory used tire recycling fee on all motor vehicles titled in the state and adds trailer and semitrailer tires to the list of tires that are assessed a recycling fee. In addition, the bill permits revenue that is collected to be used for “other environmental programs” and for projects intended to “increase market demand” for products made from used tires. ACU opposes unnecessary fee hikes and the usage of such funds for unrelated causes and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 9, 2017 by a vote of 37-5.

 Passed

37 yea, 5 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 697 — Restricting New Regulations

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill states that an agency rule or regulation can only be created to implement the laws or policies set forth by the legislative branch of government. In addition, the bill requires that every three years all rules are evaluated and a specific reference is made to the law granting that authority. ACU supports the restraint of the regulatory state, and the restoration of lawmaking authority to the legislative branch, and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 10, 2017 by a vote of 32-14, but the bill was later vetoed by the Governor.

 Passed

32 yea, 14 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2351 — Special Interest Manufacturing Tax Breaks

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill extends certain tax breaks to select manufacturing companies. ACU opposes the practice of awarding special tax breaks to select companies and industries, which raises the tax burden on companies not favored by the government, and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 19, 2017 by a vote of 31-11.

 Passed

31 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 867 — Expanding Energy Production

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill expands the ability of individuals to utilize horizontal drilling methods in order to recover underground oil and natural gas. ACU supports regulatory reforms that reduce costs and expand energy production and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 20, 2017 by a vote of 26-19.

 Passed

26 yea, 19 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 1720 — Mandating Property Insurance Discounts

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill forces all property insurance companies to provide homeowners with a rate reduction or discount if their property meets certain building standards. The bill also directs insurers to submit their discount rates and rating plans to the state’s insurance commissioner. ACU opposes these government mandates which distort the free marketplace and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 24, 2017 by a vote of 32-12.

 Passed

32 yea, 12 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 848 — Spending Cut Prevention

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill prevents the Department of Human Services from making any budgetary cuts to numerous programs and services within the agency. ACU opposes mandates which interfere with the ability of agencies to reduce spending, especially at a time when the state is facing a significant budgetary shortfall, and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 24, 2017 by a vote of 42-3.

 Passed

42 yea, 3 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 1491 — Reducing Child Care Facility Licensing Regulations

2017 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill reduces the licensing burdens of the state’s child care facilities licensing act. Under the bill, facilities in rural counties with programs that provide less than 21 hours of weekly care are exempt from the act, and the child enrollment age of summer youth camps is reduced. Expanding entrepreneurship promotes economic growth, which leads to greater family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU opposes burdensome licensing standards that restrict competition and increase consumer costs and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 26, 2017 by a vote of 25-18.

 Passed

25 yea, 18 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 1198 — Increasing Executive Authority

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill authorizes the Department of Labor to bypass the legislative process and establish penalties for violations of the Oklahoma Occupational Health and Safety Standards Act and the Asbestos Control Act. ACU opposes this expansion of executive branch authority and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 3, 2016 by a vote of 33-10.

 Passed

33 yea, 10 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2267 — Medicaid Reimbursement Scheme

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill forces private hospitals (but not government hospitals) to pay a fee so the state can obtain a matching grant from the federal Medicaid fund to increase Medicaid reimbursements to hospitals. ACU opposes this manipulation of the wasteful and dysfunctional Medicaid system and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 26, 2016 by a vote of 38-8.

 Passed

38 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 1607 — Open Records Act Exemptions

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill exempts from the Open Records and Open Meetings Act any entity created by a joint venture entered into by the Oklahoma University Medical Trust or the University Hospitals Trust or an entity created by an acquisition by these trusts. ACU supports strengthening taxpayer accountability and government transparency and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 25, 2016 by a vote of 47-0.

 Passed

47 yea, 0 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 3164 — Franchise Rule Reform

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill clarifies the law related to seasonal employment so that businesses only operating for six months or less out of the year are not responsible for unemployment compensation for the rest of the year and clarifies the franchise law in response to a National Labor Relations Board ruling, saying that even if the company name is on a franchise store, the franchisee is considered the owner of the business. ACU supports common sense regulatory reform and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 23, 2016 by a vote of 43-1.

 Passed

43 yea, 1 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1604 — Eliminating "Refundable" Tax Credits

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill makes the earned income tax credit in the state non-refundable as part of an effort to eliminate a budget shortfall. ACU supports returning the earned income tax credit to its original purpose of reducing the tax burden on working families instead of the welfare cash payment it has become and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 16, 2016 by a vote of 30-11.

 Passed

30 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1603 — Energy Efficiency Tax Credits

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill ends the energy efficiency tax credit for home construction. The credit was awarded through a complicated formula involving home size and adherence to an international energy efficiency code. ACU opposes government interference in home construction and using the tax system for favored government programs and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 16, 2016 by a vote of 35-5.

 Passed

35 yea, 5 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 687 — Massage Therapy Licensing

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill sets up a new bureaucracy to administer massage therapy licenses and sets requirements for the license, including five years of work experience in Oklahoma and 500 hours of education. When entrepreneurship is suppressed, the resulting decline in economic growth leads to a reduction in family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU opposes the proliferation of licenses that are primarily designed to reduce competition and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 4, 2016 by a vote of 34-6.

 Passed

34 yea, 6 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 2248 — Sales Tax Ballot Measures

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill requires sales tax levies submitted to county voters for approval be limited to one subject for each measure. ACU opposes forcing voters to vote up or down on multiple tax increases on different subjects and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 20, 2016 by a vote of 39-6.

 Passed

39 yea, 6 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2929 — Employer Mandate

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill prohibits employers from firing or "discriminating against" an employee for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing other employees' wages. ACU opposes this government interference with employer- employee relations, primarily designed to open up avenues for more lawsuits, and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 20, 2016 by a vote of 39-8.

 Passed

39 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 3156 — Regulatory Reform of Education

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill gives public schools some of the same flexibility enjoyed by charter schools while maintaining requirements for schools to maintain a grade of “C” or better on their A-F report cards. Educational attainment is an important cultural value that yields substantial economic returns for families and for states, which is illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU supports reforming rigid public school regulations to benefit students and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 19, 2016 by a vote 31-14.

 Passed

31 yea, 14 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2820 — Musical Therapy License

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill creates a new bureaucracy to administer examinations and licenses for musical therapy. Those issued a license must have a bachelors' degree in musical therapy and log 1,200 hours of training. When entrepreneurship is suppressed, the resulting decline in economic growth leads to a reduction in family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation's Family Prosperity Index. ACU opposes the proliferation of licenses that are primarily designed to reduce competition and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 19, 2016 by a vote of 38-7.

 Passed

38 yea, 7 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

HB 2962 — Health Insurance Mandate

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill requires all health insurance policies to include coverage for autism but exempts companies that can show it would require more than a one percent increase in premiums for consumers. ACU opposes these mandates that drive up the cost of insurance for everyone and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 14, 2016 by a vote of 36-5.

 Passed

36 yea, 5 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

HB 3142 — Open Records Website

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill creates an open records website that will allow the public to obtain on one website any public document available under the open records act. ACU supports increased government transparency and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 14, 2016 by a vote of 30-11.

 Passed

30 yea, 11 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1379 — Preventing the EPA Clean Power Mandate

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill prohibits state agencies from developing or implementing the federal EPA's clean power mandate, now stalled due to a court injunction, unless the Attorney General determines that action is required. ACU opposes the EPA mandate which will drive up the cost of energy for everyone and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 10, 2016 by a vote of 34-8.

 Passed

34 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1264 — Education Spending Oversight

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill requires school districts to submit quarterly statements of expenditures to the state Department of Education and for these statements to be turned over to the Office of Management. ACU supports strengthening oversight of government spending and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 10, 2016 by a vote of 37-8.

 Passed

37 yea, 8 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1187 — Public School Deregulation

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill allows public schools to have some of the same flexibility as charter schools in the areas of teacher hiring and pay, among other provisions. Educational attainment is an important cultural value that yields substantial economic returns for families and for states, which is illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU supports school choice and reforming the education bureaucracy and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 10, 2016 by a vote of 25-20.

 Passed

25 yea, 20 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1462 — Defunding Sanctuary Cities

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill prevents local governments from adopting a "sanctuary" policy that limits law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal agencies to report on anyone's immigration status and makes these "sanctuary cities" ineligible for state grant programs. ACU supports enforcement of federal immigration laws and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 9, 2016 by a vote of 35-7.

 Passed

35 yea, 7 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 770 — Open Meetings Act

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill expands the state's open meetings act to include the Judicial Nominating Commission. ACU supports government transparency and open meetings whenever possible and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 9, 2016 by a vote of 40-4.

 Passed

40 yea, 4 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SB 1130 — Legislative Authority to Amend Regulations

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill authorizes the legislature to amend executive agency rules by joint resolution and allows the legislature to write their own rule through a joint resolution. ACU supports giving the legislature authority on major regulations and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 8, 2016 by a vote of 26-15.

 Passed

26 yea, 15 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted FOR:

SB 1206 — Taxpayer-Funded Marketing Promotion

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This bill permits municipalities to tax hotels with 50 or more rooms in order to fund marketing promotions for private and public events. ACU believes government should not be in the marketing business and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 7, 2016 by a vote of 32- 13.

 Passed

32 yea, 13 nay

 

 

JJ Dossett voted AGAINST:

SJR 64 — Voting ID

2016 — Oklahoma — Senate

This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring voters to state their name to an election official and produce proof of identity. ACU supports strengthening ballot integrity and protections against voter fraud and supported this resolution.

 Passed

39 yea, 8 nay