Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, received the Senate’s approval for Senate Bills 96 and 603. Both measures were approved unanimously in the Senate and will now advance to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Senate Bill 96 requires cell-cultured meats or insect-protein food products to be labeled as such.

“This measure will offer transparency to consumers, ensuring they know exactly what makes up the food or nutritional supplement they are purchasing,” Hamilton said. “By ensuring that food product labels explicitly identify cell-cultured or insect-based ingredients, consumers can make more confident and informed decisions and purchase products that align with their dietary preferences, values or health needs.”

Senate Bill 603 requires any action brought as a result of disputes relating to repairs or improvements made on real property or fixtures attached to real property to be brought in the county where the real property is located.

“Senate Bill 603 is another important piece of legislation aimed at safeguarding Oklahoma consumers, specifically those entering contracts for work on their property. With this policy in place, disputes can be resolved more efficiently and fairly by eliminating delays caused by determining the appropriate venue for the case,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton extended appreciation to his colleagues for their support of these measures, and emphasized the need for action on Senate Bill 1119, a bill aimed at ensuring greater transparency in the initiative petition process.

“I’m thankful for my colleagues’ support of these measures to protect Oklahoma consumers, but our work is not yet done when it comes to protecting the rights of Oklahoma voters. Senate Bill 1119 will ensure that voters are fully informed about the sources of influence behind signature-gathering efforts, enabling them to make more educated decisions about the initiatives being proposed,” Hamilton said.

Senate Bill 1119 requires any person circulating an initiative petition for signatures to be a registered voter in Oklahoma and to display a notice showing whether the person collecting the signatures is being paid to circulate the petition and if so, by what person or entity.

“I look forward to presenting this measure before the full Senate and working to secure passage of this policy that will ensure Oklahoma voters are actively involved in collecting signatures throughout the initiative petition process, rather than allowing special interest groups or out-of-state representatives to control the process,” Hamilton added.