Author: marywestmanlaw

Mary Westman is an Oklahoma attorney, horse owner and breeder and registered nurse with an MBA. Ms. Westman earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law graduating with honors as a merit scholar and in the top 5% of her class. Additionally, Ms. Westman associates with Perri Dunn PLLC in Oklahoma City in the areas of agricultural and equine transactional law. She is an active member of the Oklahoma and American Bar Associations, American Bar Association Animal Law Committee and Equine Law Sub-Committee, Oklahoma County Bar Association, American Morgan Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, United States Equestrian Federation, both the Oklahoma and American Horse Councils, and American Agricultural Law Association. Ms. Westman is an adjunct professor at the Oklahoma City University School of Law and frequently writes equine law related articles for the OklahomaHorses Magazine. A native of West Virginia, she now lives with her husband, David, in Norman, Oklahoma. To reach Ms. Westman, please visit the Perri Dunn PLLC website.

Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Act: A New Era for Renewable Energy and Agriculture

February 14, 2025

The Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Act, introduced as House Bill 2157, is a forward-thinking legislative effort aimed at integrating renewable energy projects with agricultural practices. Recognizing the increasing demand for electrical generation capacity and the expansion of renewable energy projects, the Oklahoma Legislature seeks to promote agrivoltaics—the dual use of land for both agriculture and solar energy production. … More Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Act: A New Era for Renewable Energy and Agriculture

Proposed Legislation Alert: Oklahoma Senator Pushes for Major Changes to Livestock Liability Limitation Laws

February 11, 2025

Oklahoma’s Senate Bill 776, known as Julie’s Law, introduces and seeks significant changes to the state’s livestock and equine liability limitation laws. Set to take effect on November 1, 2025, this new legislation would enact key updates designed to enhance safety and clarify liability. Here’s some of what you need to know. … More Proposed Legislation Alert: Oklahoma Senator Pushes for Major Changes to Livestock Liability Limitation Laws

Galloping into Legal Battle: Northern District of Texas Reins in USDA Overreach in Tennessee Walking Horse Case

February 9, 2025

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacates key provisions of USDA’s 2024 HPA amended rule which aimed to enhance enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA). … More Galloping into Legal Battle: Northern District of Texas Reins in USDA Overreach in Tennessee Walking Horse Case

Egg Producers Head to Capitol Hill

February 6, 2025

According to a recent article on feedstuffs.com , U.S. egg farmers, led by the United Egg Producers (UEP), are convening on Capitol Hill to advocate for immediate and decisive action. Since the onset of the current HPAI outbreak in 2022, the industry has suffered the loss of approximately 117 million egg-laying hens, with nearly 20 million birds lost in 2025 alone. … More Egg Producers Head to Capitol Hill

Proposed Rules Establishing the US Swine Health Improvement Plan: Oklahoma Stakeholders Encouraged to Submit Comments

January 15, 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has proposed establishing the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) as a national, voluntary program to enhance the health status of U.S. swine herds and opens comment period. … More Proposed Rules Establishing the US Swine Health Improvement Plan: Oklahoma Stakeholders Encouraged to Submit Comments

American Horse Council (AHC) urges delay in implementation of Horse Protection Act changes.

January 14, 2025

The American Horse Council (AHC) has formally requested that the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) delay the implementation of the revised Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulations, currently set for February 1, 2025, by 60 days. … More American Horse Council (AHC) urges delay in implementation of Horse Protection Act changes.

Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting – Voluntary Reporting Again…

January 11, 2025

Nothing says a hotly contested and outright confusing mandate like the FinCEN BOI reporting mandate which appears to be, once again, on hold. A voluntary reporting is currently being encouraged. Review the latest on the ongoing litigation by visiting the following site. You can also signup for emailed notifications from FinCEN. Likely a good idea … More Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting – Voluntary Reporting Again…

Oklahoma’s Liability Limitation Acts: Agritourism, Equine and Livestock Activities, and Recreational Land Use

December 23, 2024

Oklahoma has implemented various laws aimed at limiting liability in the areas of agritourism, equine and livestock activities, and recreational land use. These statutes encourage the use of land and participation in these activities while addressing safety and legal accountability. Here’s an overview of the key laws, their provisions, and what they mean for landowners and professionals … More Oklahoma’s Liability Limitation Acts: Agritourism, Equine and Livestock Activities, and Recreational Land Use