Legal Issues         

Tattooing

Hello, everybody-- Hope this finds all of you doing well. 
Here's some more positive legislative news, which Holly sent out on April 30. 
 I'm very relieved that SB1830 died a quiet death, and am very grateful to all of you for attending our Freedom Rally March 15. 
 I echo Holly's opinion that everyone that showed up did much to help ensure SB1830's demise--as long as it was alive, the threat of a Mandatory Universal Helmet Law for our state continued to exist. 
Even so, we still need to stay watchful and make sure this issue isn't attached to anything at the last minute--the price of Liberty continues to be Eternal Vigilance!    I'm also glad the proposed Seat Belt Fine Increase died as well--that could've resulted in Law Enforcement Checkpoints sprouting up all over the state, assaulting the Fourth Amendment in the guise of a revenue-generating measure. Lastly, 
 I'm VERY pleased to announce that SB806, the proposal to Regulate and Legalize Artistic Tattooing, was passed in the Oklahoma State Senate TODAY! 
 The bill now will head to Governor Brad Henry's office for signature. 
 We don't anticipate an Emergency Clause will be included, so the law, when signed, will go into effect on November 1--that'll provide tattoo artists a few months to satisfy the requirements the Health Department will lay down. 
 Those of you who have interfaced with the Legislature for awhile will remember that ABATE of Oklahoma advocated this type of legislation and spearheaded a campaign for its passage over five years ago. 
 Many thanks to all lovers of Freedom and Artistic Expression out there that weighed in with their legislators on this important First Amendment and Public Health issue--you might also want to phone in your appreciation to Sen. Frank Shurden and Rep. Al Lindley for working so hard to author this bill and shepherd it through the many obstacles it encountered. With the Governor's signature, a long and embarrassing chapter in our state's history should draw to a close. 
 Well, that's it for now--I hope this news brightens your day as it did mine! 
 Thanks for listening, and for your efforts in joining ABATE to improve Quality of Life for ALL Oklahomans by following up on the issues we've kept you informed on. Please contact the ABATE Hotline at: 405-329-7254, or contact me if you have any questions. 

Yours in Freedom, 

Tiger Mike Revere 

State Coordinator,

ABATE of Oklahoma, Inc.