Oklahoma state legislators have decided to pause and more closely review the conversation around storm chasing and public safety, particularly House Bill 2426, which is designed to regulate the practice. Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, in a move reflective of the complexities of the matter, has called for a deeper examination before the bill goes any further. According to the Oklahoma House of Representatives by Fetgatter, Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, is set to conduct an interim study on the proposed legislation. The bill, which has already passed the House and moved to the Senate, aims to offer state licensing to professional storm chasers, granting them certain privileges when in the field.
The core of the bill would allow professionals affiliated with media outlets or certain university research programs to obtain a severe-weather tracker license. This credential could enable them to use specific flashing lights on their vehicles, providing the capability to navigate through red lights and closed roads during severe weather events. However, this proposal has seemed to stir a mix of emotions and concerns. Rep. Fetgatter stated, "Many people have concerns on all sides of this issue," and encouraged stakeholders to "sit down together to work out reasonable solutions." He expressed the interim study is a chance "to keep this bill alive as we dig deeper into the details around storm chasing in our state," as per the Oklahoma House of Representatives press release.
According to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, this bill isn't intended to hinder storm chasers currently operating in Oklahoma but rather to aid in public safety by equipping certain individuals with tools that enhance their abilities to keep communities safe. It's emphasized that unlicensed storm chasers wouldn't be prohibited from their current activities.
Sen. Mann elaborated on the reasoning behind the bill, mentioning the rise in storm-related traffic and congestion that has occasionally delayed media outlets in delivering crucial information and prevented first responders from promptly reaching those in need. "This was the impetus for writing House Bill 2426," Mann said. The planned study aims to bring multiple parties, including law enforcement and first responders, to the table to create a more comprehensive approach to the bill. The study intends to work out to more effectively respond to the merits of both media trackers and safety officials, as per the Oklahoma House of Representatives press release.
