The Latest in Oklahoma: October 11, 2024
A&A Advocates
Last week The FBI arrested Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old from Oklahoma City, for allegedly planning an Election Day attack inspired by ISIS. Tawhedi, who entered the U.S. on a special visa in 2021, aimed to target large crowds with a co-conspirator. He had taken recent steps to advance his plans, including buying AK-47 rifles. Charged with supporting a foreign terrorist organization, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Oklahoma’s Contingency Review Board rejected a consent decree aimed at addressing mental health services in county jails, intensifying tensions between Governor Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The agreement proposed a 21-day maximum wait time for court-ordered mental health services, but opposition centered on cost concerns and operational impact. Oklahoma Department of Mental Health Director Allie Friesen argued the decree would disrupt services statewide, while plaintiffs’ attorney Paul DeMuro accused Friesen of spreading misinformation.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld two Biden administration environmental regulations aimed at reducing methane and mercury emissions, despite opposition from industry groups and Republican-led states. The methane rule targets emissions from existing oil and gas wells, while the mercury rule updates standards for coal-fired power plants. These rules are part of a broader effort by the administration to combat climate change. The Court is still reviewing a third EPA rule focused on carbon emissions from coal-fired plants.
Oklahoma State Representative Tom Gann is warning that Automated License Plate Recognition could undermine legal cases if evidence collected by the technology is ruled inadmissible. Gann’s concerns arise from a recent court case where ALPR data was excluded from evidence. He argues that such surveillance could violate Fourth Amendment rights, while advocates stress that misuse of ALPR technology could jeopardize individual rights and lead to unjust legal outcomes. Gann plans to introduce legislation restricting ALPR use in Oklahoma.
State Questions on November Ballot
November’s ballot includes two state questions: one on voting rights and another on how Oklahoma allocates taxpayer funds for infrastructure projects. Click the link to learn more before November 5.
Update on Interim Studies
Interim studies are on a roll, and continued updates and reports will be available in the coming weeks. Click the links to view House studies and Senate studies.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Oklahomans know what it means to stand beside our fellow Americans in times of need,” Governor Stitt said on sending aid to North Carolina and surrounding areas affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton. “We will continue to serve our neighbors with strength and compassion because that’s who we are. Oklahoma has sent a helicopter rescue unit, water rescue teams, emergency operations personnel, urban search and rescue units, and a public health team to help in any way they can. My prayers are with the Americans who continue to recover from Helene, as well as our friends on Florida’s Gulf coast as they brace for Hurricane Milton.”