The Oklahoma State Legislature's Utilities Committee convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss and advance House Bill 1666, which aims to streamline the process for county road grading. The committee unanimously approved the bill, which includes an amendment to clarify language that had previously caused confusion.

Representative Cantrell introduced the bill, explaining that the amendment removes unnecessary language that had been included in the proposed committee substitute (PCS). This change was made following discussions with industry stakeholders who indicated that the original wording was not needed. The revised bill now focuses solely on the definition of grading, ensuring that counties can maintain roads without extensive regulatory hurdles.

The key issue addressed by House Bill 1666 stems from a 2017 regulation requiring counties to file an 811 ticket for every mile of road before grading, which could delay maintenance for up to 72 hours. The new legislation allows counties to perform grading as long as they do not alter the existing road or ditch flow line, thus expediting necessary maintenance while still adhering to safety regulations.

The committee's decision to pass the bill reflects a collaborative effort to resolve past legislative challenges and improve local road maintenance processes. With a unanimous vote of 6-0, the bill is set to move forward, promising to enhance the efficiency of county road operations across Oklahoma. The committee concluded the meeting, encouraging members to stay engaged for future discussions.