A measure named after a college student killed by a drunk driver has been passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Marissa Murrow was a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma when she was hit by a drunk driver in a head-on collision in October 2020. The driver had been overserved alcohol at a wedding venue.
Marissa's parents, Jeff and Kristy Murrow, have been working with Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, to help prevent similar incidents. Hill, who represents the Murrows' hometown of Mustang, filed House Bill 2369, which would require bartenders serving alcohol at event venues to hold a separate license.
"This bill is not just about policy; it’s about protecting children and families and ensuring that tragedies like Marissa's never happen again," Hill said. "By requiring proper training and accountability for those serving alcohol at these event venues, we are taking meaningful steps to prevent senseless loss. Marissa's memory is the driving force behind this measure, and with the support of the Murrow family, I am hopeful that this law will save lives and make our communities safer for everyone."
The measure would also require bartenders to undergo training to help identify inebriation in customers, as well as require that all beer and wine served at an event venue must be served by an ABLE-licensed caterer or event bartender licensee. The new Event Bartender License would be a $50 annual fee and would take effect Nov. 1, 2025.
"Thousands of Oklahomans are served alcohol at event venues across the state each year," Jeff Murrow said. "This bill goes a long way to making sure they make it home safely and protecting drivers on our roadways. Kristy and I want to thank Representative Hill and the House of Representatives for their support of this important legislation."
According to Victims of Impaired Drivers (VOID), an average of nine Oklahomans lose their lives each week to substance impaired driving.
The Marissa Murrow Act passed the House 82-2 and now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.