Marissa Murrow Act, aiming to prevent impaired driving, passes through Oklahoma House

The Marissa Murrow Act, named after the 19-year-old student killed by a drunk driver in 2020, passed through the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Learn more about the bill's background and how lawmakers say it will prevent future deaths.

Monday, April 14th 2025, 8:00 am

By: Addie Crawford

OKLAHOMA CITY -

The Marissa Murrow Act, which lawmakers say will prevent cases of impaired driving by requiring bartenders serving alcohol at event venues to hold a separate license, passes through the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

What is the Marissa Murrow Act?

Apart from requiring event venue bartenders to hold a separate liquor license, the Marissa Murrow Act would also require bartenders to undergo training to help identify inebriation.

Work to pass the legislation began following the death of 19-year-old University of Central Oklahoma student Marissa Murrow in October of 2020.

Murrow was killed in a wreck when the other driver, Malcolm Penney, drove under the influence.

Penney was on the way home from a wedding when the crash occurred, which led to questions about how alcohol was being served outside of bars and restaurants.

"It doesn't require anything more from bartenders," Marissa's mother Kristy said. "It just ensures the same regulations across the board no matter where they are."

Why was the bill being created?

Kristy said the bill is designed to prevent these types of incidents from happening so that innocent drivers can be safe.

"We are looking for real legislative change," Kristy said. "It's not just families who have been affected who should do something about it."

The organization Victims of Impaired Drivers reports that, on average, nine Oklahomans lose their lives each week due to substance-impaired driving.

Where does the bill go from here?

The Marissa Murrow Act passed the House 82-2 and will go to the Oklahoma State Senate for consideration.

If approved there, the bill will go to Gov. Kevin Stitt for approval.

When will the changes be implemented?

If passed and approved by Stitt, the Murrow Family says the bill will go into effect on Nov. 1, however, due to special events already planned, the changes will begin to be seen in July of 2026.

Addie Crawford

Addie has a passion for storytelling and loves to meet new people in the Oklahoma City community. She joined the News 9 morning team in January of 2023 after interning and reporting part-time while studying at the University of Oklahoma.