House Passes Measure To Change Alcohol Laws

Oklahomans could soon purchase full-strength beer, and wine after the House approved a resolution to modernize the state’s alcohol sales laws Thursday.

Senate Joint Resolution 68, would place a question on the November ballot to allow voters to call for constitutional changes necessary to allow the sale of strong beer and wine in grocery and convenience stores.

It already passed the Senate with a vote of 28-16.

3/2/16 Related Story: Oklahoma Senate Oks Ballot Measure To Change Alcohol Laws

The House voted 61-30 for the measure with the title stricken, which is a procedural move that forces the bill into conference committee where lawmakers can make changes.

However, the measure didn’t come without a debate Thursday. Republican Rep. Todd Russ of Cordell said Native Americans process alcohol differently than other races and are "predisposed to alcoholism."

The comments drew an angry response from Tulsa Republican Rep. Dan Kirby, the chairman of the House Native American Caucus, who called the comments out of order.