By Margaret Hicks
Eagle Staff Writer
mhicks@theoklahomaeagle.net
In 2017, Oklahoma State Rep. Regina Goodwin, HD 73, authored eight bills. House Bill (HB) 1357, in her first term, the Caregiver Support Act was signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin on April 25, 2017. In 2018, Rep. Goodwin plans to present eight bills, which include the following four.
Shackled While Giving Birth Oklahoma is one of the states that have legislation that prohibit women in prison from being shackled while giving birth. Rep. Goodwin said, “The fact that there is a law in place and women are still being shacked demonstrates that the law is being broken. We need enforcement of the law and advocates to be sure women are treated well.
Teacher Pay Increase Sought Rep. Goodwin is asking for a teacher pay increase in the amount of $3,000. This will be the third introduction of this bill. On February 6, 2017, she introduced HB 1359. “Our teachers are fleeing the state. They are so deserving of more pay; we have to begin to show we care. Restoring gross production taxes on the oil and gas industry could bring in $500 million per year and help raise funding for ourteachers,” said Rep. Goodwin.
Clarifying Conditions For Voter Eligibility Rep. Goodwin will be reintroducing a bill to clarify language on the existing voting law as it relates to felons. Rep. Goodwin said she has shown the language to college graduates and nongraduates and both find the following wording (which is on the voter registration application) to be confusing, “Felons — A convicted felon may not register for a period of time equal to the time of the original sentence. A convicted felon who has been pardoned may register.” Rep. Goodwin says if you are sentenced to five years, once you’ve served five years you can vote. Some people wrongly think if you are sentenced to five years, you have to serve five years, and then wait an additional five years before you can vote. According to Rep. Goodwin, “The election board gets a number of calls on this issue.” She stated further that former inmates said that they were told they would never be able to vote.” That billed has successfully passed out of committee and yet waits to be heard on the house floor.
