Sterling Zoe Rubottom
The second session of the OIL 51st Legislature has covered a wide range of controversial topics, with two signed into law by Gov. Shirey including ORU-007 on taxation and OBU-002 on marriage licenses and premarital counseling.
But now, as the second day wanes to a close, the stakes are raised with the introduction of Senate bill ORU-017.
The “State Fruit” Act of 2019 by Sen. von Atzigen (ORU) aims to say bye to the berry and hello to the bean, granting ‘beans’ as the official Oklahoma fruit and its very own Bean Day, to be commemorated on each third Saturday of November.
As most botany fanatics know, beans are highly controversial for their contested classification. So it is no surprise that this bill raised some eyebrows when it hit the floor.
Sen. von Atzigen addressed some of the questions presented by the delegates:
But they don’t classify as fruit?
“I’m aware of what a bean is.”
But “State fruit” is singular and “beans” is plural?
“I view it as a collective entity.”
But won’t Bean Day contribute to global warming?
“That’s a sacrifice I think I’m willing to make.”
But what festivities will take place on Bean Day.
“Whatever you can imagine. I want to leave that up to the people.”
“I support the bean bill, because as a vegetarian it means more recognition.” said Senator Williams from University of Tulsa.
Others were not so certain.
“Everybody’s gonna be eating beans,” said Senator Stanton. “And that’s gonna be terrible.”
Amendments were made, including changing the state fruit name to “cool beans” and then replacing it with “your mom” altogether. It was also amended that “coffee shall be known as Bean Juice” by Sen. Standingwater.
The floor escalated when Sen. Mencke amended to strike the effective date and declare an emergency, the bean bill to be effective immediately “for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.”
Despite the emergency, the bill was quickly tabled in order to hear House bill SE-505 the “Dana Act” which passed in the house in a 25-1 vote.
While it looks like Oklahomans won’t be celebrating Bean Day this weekend, von Atzigen managed to have the last word.
“People table a lot of beans.”
To inform yourself on the potentially new state fruit, visit thebeaninstitute.com.
