The Latest in Oklahoma: June 16, 2024
A&A Advocates
Gov. Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2024-11, aiming to counteract Chinese Communist Party influence and bolster Oklahoma’s defenses against potential threats posed by foreign adversaries. The order implements measures that focus on risk assessment and auditing, defending state assets, and securing the state supply chain. Read the full order here.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond and 42 other attorneys general have reached a $700 million nationwide settlement to resolve allegations related to the marketing of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and body powder products that contain talcum. The lawsuit addresses claims that the company deceived consumers in advertisements related to the safety and purity of some of its talc powder products. As part of the lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson has agreed to stop the U.S. manufacture and sale of its baby powder and body powder products containing talc.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously ruled in favor of Edmond Public Schools in a battle over books in its school libraries – ruling that Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters and the state Department of Education overstepped their authority in trying to force Edmond schools to ban The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.
The City of Tulsa, Tulsa Regional Chamber, Tulsa County Board of Commissioners, Tulsa County Sheriff and Oklahoma Military Department are not liable for creating a public nuisance or unjust enrichment stemming from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and its aftermath, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday in an 8-1 decision. Read the issued opinion here.
What We’re Watching
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced on Tuesday that Executive Director Scott Thompson has retired after about 10 years serving in this position. The board selected Rob Singletary to replace Thompson as executive director.
“Medicaid reform isn’t optional. Through SoonerSelect, we approached it in the most fiscally conservative and efficient way possible. SoonerSelect is providing an additional $500 million for hospitals across the state, creating new taxpayer protections, and holding down costs for patients and the state. I am proud of the way OHCA has managed this transition, and while there will always be bumps in the road when rolling out programs of this size, Ellen Buettner and OHCA have been responsive and strategic in rolling this out.” – Gov. Kevin Stitt celebrating 60 days of SoonerSelect