The development of legislation is a very important and – at times – a very contentious part of the policymaking process. In the 2021 session, the Oklahoma Legislature passed SB 658to prohibit schools and universities from implementing a mask mandate or requiring vaccination against COVID-19. This bill was passed by the House Public Health Committee on April 7, 2021, and was later passed by the full House in its final form on May 26, 2021.
Listen to the committee hearing here.
Click on the link
Using the navigation tools to the left, click on April 7, 2021
Click on the recording for the Public Health meeting
Skip to 12:09 PM
Listen to the floor hearing here.
Click on the link
Using the navigation tools to the left, click on May 26, 2021
Click on the recording for Legislature Day 66
Skip to 1:49 PM
After listening to the bill’s hearing both in committee and on the floor, reflect on these questions in a brief write-up:
How is the tone of a committee hearing different than that of a floor hearing?
What was the most compelling argument by those in favor of the bill?
What was the most compelling argument by those in opposition to the bill?
Do you think anyone’s vote actually changed during the committee hearing? The floor hearing?
Why do you think the bill ultimately passed despite the opposition?
