Anna Pope (OSU)
To open the first reading Parliamentarian Craig Slagle (OSU) began by asking the legislature a question.
“Do you like going fast?” Slagle said. “Then I have the perfect bill for you to vote for.”
Slagle’s blunt approach to his reading gained laughter from a few members of the body. Comparing it to Germany’s Autobahn, Slagle said this bill will make all speed limits on interstate highways advisory except on exit ramps, work zones and metropolitan areas.
Members of the body asked questions concerning safety and clarification on aspects of the bill. When asked, Slagle said his bill could have the potential to increase tourism, lower speeding tickets for college students who are returning home to families, expand the personal freedom to speed, potentially limiting human trafficking and could increase desirability to live in the State of Oklahoma.
Rep. Emily King (OU) added a friendly amendment stating once a year the state will hold a real-life game of Mario Kart on the roads. Slagle met this with resounding support.
When questioned over safety of the real-life Mario Kart game, Slagle said people will enter this knowingly.
“Anyone who is in favor of that (real-life Mario Kart) is hands-down in favor of natural selection,” Slagle said.
When asked why this bill is written, Slagle said he wants to drive his Toyota Camry as fast as he can, and this will give him the chance to get pulled over for going over 100 miles per hour. But more importantly, Slagle said he hopes this bill can serve as a steppingstone for the state to start fixing problematic roads.
However, Slagle said he would be fearful for his life if House Speaker Ashley Schultz would also be driving on a road with only advisory speed limits.
Just before the time for questions ended Rep. John Thomas (ORU) asked if this bill is enacted into law, would Slagle in his Toyota like to race him in his Subaru. To this, Slagle said abso-freakin-lutely.
The House of Representatives passed this bill and it will go on to the Senate Chambers.