Editor's note: This story was updated at 4:48 p.m. on April 11 to include a statement from Sen. Mark Mann.
Rep. Scott Fetgatter (R-Okmulgee) announced in a press release Thursday that he would be doing more research into storm chasing in Oklahoma before advancing House Bill 2426.
The bill, which passed in the House of Representatives and was engrossed to the state Senate in March, would create an optional severe weather tracker license for professional storm chasers.
In the press release, Fetgatter, the author of the bill, said Sen. Mark Mann (D-Oklahoma City), the principal Senate author of the bill, would be conducting an interim study on the legislation.
“As Representative Fetgatter worked in the House, it became clear that there were concerns from law enforcement and our first responder agencies,” Mann wrote in the press release. “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.”
Fetgatter wrote in the release that the study is designed to clarify misunderstandings about the intent of the bill.
“Our interim study will help continue this conversation and determine the path of the legislation going forward,” Fetgatter said.
As part of the bill, licensed storm trackers would be authorized to display green and yellow flashing lights on their vehicles during severe weather events, according to the press release. The intention is to allow the vehicles to go through red lights and use closed roads and highways.
The release reads that purchasing a license would not be a requirement and storm chasers could still operate without one.
In an interview with OU Daily Friday, Mann said they were motivated to conduct more research on the bill because they received input that they believe could improve it.
“We decided rather than passing something and circling back next year that we wanted to use the time this summer to do the study," Mann said.
Mann wrote in the release that the purpose of the bill is to allow media outlets and first responders to act quickly.
“Oklahoma is known for our severe weather," Mann wrote. “And our media meteorologists and storm trackers have been on the cutting edge of innovation in the collection and delivery of lifesaving information.”
“It’s important we give (meteorologists and storm chasers) the appropriate tools to do their jobs safely and well,” Fetgatter wrote in the release.
A joint statement from Travis Meyer, chief meteorologist for KOTV Channel 6, and David Payne, chief meteorologist for KWTV Channel 9, was also included in the press release.
Meyer and Payne both expressed support for Fetgatter and Mann’s legislation.
“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,” Meyer and Payne issued in the joint statement.
Meyer and Payne also wrote they will work on the bill this summer with Fetgatter and Mann to help them gain more understanding around severe weather.
This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure and Ana Barboza.
