April 26, 2023
OK House of Rep. Press Release
Legislation allowing restaurants and school cafeterias to donate leftover food without threat of civil liability, except in certain circumstances, has been signed into law.
House Bill 1542, authored by Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, grants civil immunity to restaurants and school cafeterias donating leftover food.
“Unfortunately, the lack of protection from civil action has prevented Oklahoma’s restaurants and school cafeterias from donating perfectly good food to those in need,” Moore said. “It’s my hope that this legislation will help address food shortage issues within the state and open the door to more restaurants and cafeterias interested in donating leftovers.”
The bill provides for civil action in situations where the restaurant or school cafeteria willfully or negligently donate spoiled food.
“We have many seniors, individuals and families who are living with food insecurity, while restaurants and school cafeterias feel they have no choice but to throw away nutritious, good food,” said Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, who authored the bill in the Senate. “This new law is aimed at encouraging those restaurants and schools who would like to help address hunger in our state to do so. I appreciate the support of our fellow members and thank Governor Stitt for signing this bill into law.”
HB1542 was signed into law April 19 and will take effect Nov. 1.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
OSIDA to Explore Space Launch Feasibility and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advancements in Western Oklahoma
November 13, 2024 The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is set to meet to discuss critical advancements that could position western Oklahoma as a hub for space launches and unmanned aircraft systems. The authority’s agenda includes
Elk City Named Among U.S. Favorite Towns by WorldAtlas
November 13, 2024 Elk City has earned a spot on an impressive list of U.S. towns, recently highlighted by WorldAtlas. This recognition places Elk City alongside other beloved Oklahoma towns, including Bartlesville, Durant, Tahlequah, Guthrie, Ponca City,
Child Neglect Arrest in Elk City Apartment
November 13, 2024 A child neglect case has emerged following an eviction at an Elk City apartment, with disturbing conditions leading to the arrest of two adults.
Elk City School Board Approves EMT Program
November 12, 2024 The Elk City School Board met Monday night for their regular monthly meeting and, among other things, approved a new program that Superintendent Mike Sparks says will give high school students an opportunity to
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell Tours Western Oklahoma for Route 66 Centennial Preparations
November 12, 2024 In preparation for the centennial celebration of Route 66, Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell has been busy visiting Western Oklahoma communities along the ‘Mother Road,’ gauging their needs and observing their preparations for the
Weatherford Man Charged with Soliciting Sexual Conduct with a Minor
November 12, 2024 A Weatherford man faces a felony charge of soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor via technology.
Recent Rains Ease Drought in Parts of Oklahoma, But Majority Still Impacted
November 11, 2024 Recent rains have certainly helped western and southwest Oklahoma’s drought status; however, more than 67 percent of Oklahoma remains in some degree of drought. According to the latest data released on Thursday by the
Latest Sales Tax Revenue for Local Cities Shows Mixed Results
November 11, 2024 Sales tax revenue figures for September 2024 reveal varied results across Western Oklahoma cities compared to the same month last year. Elk City led the gains with a 4% increase, amounting to $1,324,434.66, up
Preview: Elk City Board of Education Regular Meeting
November 11, 2024 On Monday, the Elk City Board of Education will hold its regular November meeting.
Reckless Driver Arrested in Beckham County with 47 Grams of Methamphetamine
November 8, 2024 More details have emerged about the woman arrested late last month in Beckham County after being found with illegal drugs during a traffic stop.
Clinton Man Charged with Sexual Battery While in Custer County Jail
November 8, 2024 A Clinton man faces charges of sexual battery while in custody at Custer County Jail.
Clinton City Council Approves Hospital Sale, Sets Special Election for Voter Approval
November 8, 2024 During a special meeting of the Clinton City Council on Thursday night, a letter of intent from Rural Hospital Solutions (RHS) was approved, allowing RHS to begin managing Clinton Regional Hospital on Monday.
Flood Watch Issued for Western Oklahoma as Heavy Rain Approaches
November 7, 2024 A flood watch is now in effect for several counties in western Oklahoma, including Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, and Washita, extending through Friday evening. Heavy rainfall is forecasted
Elk City Man Charged with Second-Degree Burglary After Early Morning Break-In
November 7, 2024 A 52-year-old Elk City man is being held in the Beckham County Detention Center after being charged with second-degree burglary.
SW Oklahoma Organizations Received National Association of Development Organizations 2024 Impact Award
November 6, 2024 SWODA Press Release The Southwest Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) and the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SORTPO) based in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, has received a 2024 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National
Multiple Sentences and Probations Issued in Childress County Court
November 6, 2024 On Thursday, October 24, 31 pleas took place in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County.
Oklahoma Election Day Results: Trump Dominates, Local Incumbents Retain Seats
November 6, 2024 Tuesday was Election Day across the country, and in Oklahoma, Republican Donald Trump maintained strong support, winning the state decisively with 66% of the vote. Locally, Trump’s backing surged even higher, receiving 75% of
SWOSU Announces 2024 Homecoming Court and Parade Float Winners
SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) wrapped up this year’s Homecoming festivities on Saturday, Oct. 26, where Landry Freeman and Carlie McKinnon were crowned 2024 Homecoming King and Queen. The announcement took place during halftime
Enid Man Arrested for Child Endangerment, Driving Violations, and Marijuana Possession
November 5, 2024 An Enid man faces multiple charges after being arrested last month for child endangerment, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, possession of marijuana, and speeding.
Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Connection with Elk City Fentanyl Death
November 5, 2024 A man from Elk City has been charged with first-degree murder following an overdose death. According to an affidavit filed in Beckham County, 36-year-old Jose Antonio Acevedo is accused of selling the deadly drugs
Sayre Couple Released on Bond After Facing Child Neglect Charges
November 4, 2024 A Sayre couple was recently released from the Beckham County Detention Center following charges of child neglect.
Beckham County Detention Center to Implement New Surveillance and Body Cams
November 4, 2024 The Beckham County Detention Center will be receiving upgraded surveillance equipment.
Election Preview: Western Oklahoma Voters Prepare for a Major Election Day
November 3, 2024 On November 5, 2024, voters will head to the polls for the General Election, deciding on high-stakes races and measures that span from local government seats to state and national issues. Early voting, which
Power Outage Affects 740 Beckham County Residents Due to Storms
Beckham County, Oklahoma — Severe storms have left 740 Beckham County residents without electricity, affecting approximately 6.7% of the county’s total customers. The outage, first reported earlier today, is expected to last as utility crews work to
WPLS and SWOSU Host Best-Selling Author James Patterson
November 1, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The Western Plains Library System (WPLS) and Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) hosted best-selling author James Patterson on Oct. 22, drawing a sold-out audience with all VIP Gold and Silver tickets
