Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today announced he has decided to take a deeper dive into the issue of storm chasing in Oklahoma before advancing House Bill 2426.

He said Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, will be holding an interim study on the legislation that would allow professional storm chasers to obtain state licensing giving them special accommodations while tracking severe weather. The bill earlier passed the House and was engrossed to the Senate.

“Many people have concerns on all sides of this issue,” Fetgatter said. “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.”

HB2426 would create an optional severe weather tracker license for those professionally employed by a media outlet or affiliated research program at specified universities. This would have allowed licensed storm trackers, during severe weather events, to be authorized to use green and yellow flashing lights on their vehicles so they could proceed through red traffic lights and travel on closed roads and highways.

Storm chasers choosing not to purchase the license would still be allowed to operate as they do now.

Fetgatter said many misunderstood the intent of the legislation.

“This was not to stop or disrupting any storm chaser that currently comes to Oklahoma to help residents stay aware of dangerous weather,” he said. “Our interim study will help continue this conversation and determine the path of the legislation going forward. I believe the proper role of government is public safety, and this is a necessary discussion.”

Mann, the Senate author of the bill, added, “Oklahoma is known for our severe weather, and our media meteorologists and storm trackers have been on the cutting edge of innovation in the collection and delivery of vital lifesaving information. We have also seen a rise in storm-related traffic and congestion, which has resulted in delays in the ability of those media outlets to deliver that information and our first responders to quickly respond. This was the impetus for writing House Bill 2426.

“As Representative Fetgatter worked in the House, it became clear there were concerns from law enforcement and our first responder agencies.

“With today’s announcement, I am excited to hold a joint study this legislative interim to bring those stakeholders to the table and work out the specifics on this legislation, which will empower our media trackers to continue protecting and informing the public while also addressing the legitimate concerns of our law enforcement and first responder communities.”

Travis Meyer, chief meteorologist for KOTV Channel 6 and David Payne, chief meteorologist with KWTV Channel 9, issued the following joint statement in support of the legislation.

“We support a bill that protects the citizens of Oklahoma from our extreme and violent weather. This includes fires, winter weather and, of course, severe weather. This bill would enable the people who have the highest and farthest reach to the viewers of Oklahoma the ability to give them lifesaving information 365 days a year.

“The bill would by no means restrict anyone from anywhere from chasing our extreme weather. This bill just gives the small amount of us the ability to warn Oklahomans of dangerous and life-threatening weather.

“We are looking forward to working with Representative Fetgatter and Senator Mann over the summer on this important legislation.”