Oklahoma Representative Scott Fetgatter is tapping the breaks on House Bill 2426 to further study the idea of providing a license for professional storm chasers. The idea brought about several concerns, even though the intent was to give storm chasers for the media and certain research institutions more privileges to operate during severe weather.
Fetgatter and HB 2426 Senate author, Senator Mark Mann, are planning to hold an interim study later this year to bring stakeholders to the table. By pausing the bill, it will be eligible to be taken up next session.
“Many people have concerns on all sides of this issue. I would encourage them to sit down together to work out reasonable solutions. In the meantime, it’s worthy that we keep this bill alive as we dig deeper into the details surrounding storm chasing in our state.
“I appreciate all those who work to keep citizens alert and aware of severe weather conditions in Oklahoma. Tornadoes and other natural disasters create so much destruction annually in our state, and our meteorologists and storm chasers help to keep us all safe. It’s important we give them the appropriate tools to do their jobs safely and well,” said Fetgatter.
