Moore Bill on Marijuana Grow Reclamation Passes in House

1-393

April 21, 2022

Provided Press Release

Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton received passage of Senate Bill 1697 through the House Wednesday. The bill, authored by Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, in the Senate, would require all applicants for a medical marijuana commercial grower license and commercial grower licensees to file with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) a bond in an amount of no less than $25,000 for each license sought or held that covers the land where the licensee will conduct grow operations.

“This bill is part of our effort to make sure that we have a safe and legal medical marijuana industry in Oklahoma, pursuant to what Oklahomans voted for in State Question 788,” Moore said. “When some of these businesses go up in smoke, our counties are left holding the bag for land that is difficult to reclaim and reuse for other purposes after it gets abandoned. This bill makes sure there is more accountability for those deciding to open a marijuana grow business.”

The bill also allows for OMMA to require a higher amount for the bond depending upon the probable difficulty of reclamation with consideration for topography, hydrology and revegetation potential.

As we strengthen our medical marijuana laws to ensure only legitimate businesses are in operation, we need to make sure these business owners have some skin in the game,” Jech said. “Unfortunately, right now, businesses that shut down and walk away from their grows are leaving behind a mess that is costly for the state. By requiring a minimum $25,000 bond for each commercial grower license sought, we are ensuring that if these grows are abandoned, the state will have the funds to clean up the land and reclaim that property without it being a burden to Oklahoma taxpayers. I’m thankful my colleagues saw the necessity of this measure, and I’m excited to see it go to the governor’s desk for his consideration.”

“In addition to more accountability, this bill will protect rural Oklahomans from expensive reclamation,” Moore added. “SB1697 has an added benefit of helping us root out illegal grow operations and discourage those who would try to skirt our laws. It’s a win for all Oklahomans and I look forward to Gov. Stitt’s approval of the legislation.”

SB1697 will now be sent to the governor’s desk for review and approval.

Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

2604221310_1333520

Elk City Public Schools Honors Staff of the Year

Elk City, OK — Elk City Public Schools recognized two standout employees during a professional development day last Friday, naming its 2025–2026 Support Staff and Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Mike Sparks said the annual awards highlight

2604221100_1156469

Old Town Museum is Getting New Look

Elk City, OK – An Elk City landmark is showing its true colors. According to museum curator Anna Wray, the Old Town Museum has undergone lots of structural work from top to bottom, and this is being

2604220814_1581491

SWOSU Names Gerry & Phyllis Church Scholar

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has named Danni Sottile of Elk City, Oklahoma as the Dr. Gerry & Phyllis Church Scholar for Academic Year 2025-2026. Sottile is a senior majoring in Mathematics Education. The

2604170858_333085

Two Injured in Jackson County Crash on U.S. 283

Jackson County, OK – Two drivers were injured in a two-vehicle collision Thursday morning along U.S. Highway 283, approximately 10 miles south of Altus, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m.

2604161159_1965639

Coordinated Effort Leads to Arrest in Threat Case

Sayre, OK – A coordinated response between local law enforcement agencies helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation in Beckham County, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Sheriff Manning said his office assisted the Mangum Police Department

2604081415_10710849

SWOSU Names Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholars

Weatherford, OK – Five students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) have been named Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholars for the academic year 2025-2026. The 2025-2026 Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Scholars are: Janae Barker of Sayre, Oklahoma,

2604071516_1235925

SWOSU Names Dr. Jerry G. Nye Memorial Scholars

Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has selected the Dr. Jerry G. Nye Memorial Scholarship recipients for the 2025- 2026 academic year. Makinly Raulston is a senior from Elk City, Oklahoma. Grayson Williams is a