The 2025 Legislative Kickoff program, held at the Oklahoma Bar Center, featured a panel discussion focused on legislation expected to be considered during the spring 2025 session. From left moderator Clay Taylor, panelist Rep. Erick Harris, moderator Brett Robinson and panelist Rep. Collin Duel.

The month of March in Oklahoma often feels like a wild ride. In this 31-day span, we might experience four seasons of weather – sometimes all within a 24-hour period. The happy news is that by the end of this month, we can be fairly certain spring will have sprung. Brighter days are almost here!

Those who make a profession or a habit of tuning into the Oklahoma Legislature are also accustomed to a certain amount of unpredictability. Legislative bills that begin as one thing may be substantially changed during the “sausage-making” process. When a bill is finally passed, it may have shape-shifted into something totally different than what was first publicized. And that process is now well underway. By the end of March, the deadline will have passed for the third reading of bills and joint resolutions within their chamber of origin. Then, the process begins all over again in the opposite chamber.

I am grateful for our Legislative Monitoring Committee, which stays busy every spring keeping tabs on these procedural deadlines. This year, we have an active and committed group of volunteers currently tracking numerous bills that could impact your practice and the administration of justice.

Legislative Monitoring Committee Chair Teena Gunter, general counsel at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, discusses civil litigation during the “90 Bills in 90 Minutes” segment of the Legislative Kickoff program.

I would particularly like to thank committee Chair Teena Gunter and Co-Chair Brett Robinson, who are leading the committee this year. During our recent Legislative Kickoff event, Ms. Gunter was also a featured speaker in the “90 Bills in 90 Minutes” portion of the program, presenting on the topic of proposed legislation affecting the practice of civil litigation. Other event speakers and covered topics were Kensey Wright, family law; James Rucker, governmental law; Mark E. Bright, criminal law; Anthony Hendricks, technology; Judge Thad Balkman, courts; Terrell Monks, estate law; Kaylee Davis-Maddy, energy and environment; and Hayley Jones, education. Attendees also heard from a legislative panel moderated by Brett Robinson and Clay Taylor and featuring panelists Rep. Collin Duel and Rep. Erick Harris.

I would like to congratulate everyone who volunteered their time and energy to make this year’s event a success. Annually tracking hundreds of bills is a huge undertaking, and I can’t thank you enough for doing your part to keep our membership informed. And if you missed the Legislative Kickoff in person, don’t worry – our OBA CLE Department has you covered! The program is available on demand and is approved for 3 hours of MCLE credit. Access the program online at https://bit.ly/4hvYRMf.

Later this month, you will have the opportunity to join your colleagues at the annual OBA Day at the Capitol, where you may continue the discussion and take a deeper dive into bills of interest as legislation continues to wind its way through the process. You will also have the opportunity to join other members as they cross the street and meet face-to-face with lawmakers, offering professional expertise and advice as they consider the critical legislation that affects neighbors, communities and clients. Registration information will be coming soon.

While we may not always necessarily agree with the decisions made at 23rd and Lincoln, it is important that we, as lawyers and citizens, participate in the conversation. Building relationships builds bridges. My best advice for dealing with shifting weather, both literal and metaphorical? Embrace the unpredictability – at least it’s never boring.

To contact Executive Director Johnson, email her at janetj@okbar.org.