Controversial Bills Clear Committee Deadline, Tax Cut Plan Does Not

It was a busy and contentious deadline week at the Oklahoma State Capitol. 

Most bills that do not deal with the state budget had to advance out of their final committee by Thursday. Several controversial bills did make the cut, while a tax cut project of the House speaker did not. 

A bill to ban state agencies from mandating vaccines narrowly cleared committee with several exceptions for schools, hospitals and local governments. 

A measure that would put doctors who perform abortions behind bars moved one step away from the governor's desk. During debate Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, said eliminating abortion is more important than the historical fight to irradicate slavery. He said he stands by that analogy. 

A last-minute bill to ban transgender girls from participating in women's sports won committee approval Thursday. 

Two bills by House Speaker Charles McCall to eliminate corporate income tax and cut personal income tax did not get a Senate hearing. Republican Senate Leader Greg Treat said the door is still open on the personal tax cut, but the corporate proposal is off on the table.