Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, today announced that the process for assigning interim studies to their respective committees has been finalized. Interim studies serve as a valuable tool for lawmakers to take a deeper look at topics that may require further review or data gathering before formal legislation is considered. Once assigned to a committee, meetings will be scheduled at the discretion of the committee chair. Speaker Hilbert stated that while interim study requests may be the priorities of individual members, a study may not necessarily indicate or reflect a formal priority of the House Republican Caucus. “These studies allow legislators to explore a wide range of issues,” said Speaker Hilbert. “Interim studies serve as an important tool in the toolbox of an individual or a group of legislators in preparing their policy initiatives for the 2026 session and initiating public buy-in. The interim study process provides an avenue for members to gather information, vet ideas and engage stakeholders.” The interim study period will begin on August 4, 2025, and conclude on November 6, 2025. For more information and a full list of approved studies, please visit the  Oklahoma House of Representatives website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, today expressed displeasure with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Commissioner’s abrupt announcement that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will no longer provide law enforcement coverage on interstate highways in the state's two largest metropolitan areas – Tulsa and Oklahoma City – beginning Nov. 1. This would leave enforcement to local police departments. "I'm against the Patrol pulling manpower from these densely populated areas," said Ford, who serves as chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Subcommittee. "There has to be a better way to address the department's concerns that doesn't involve putting citizens in danger. I worry about increased incidences of driving under the influence and unattended collisions on interstate highways that currently fall under the Patrol's jurisdiction. The fact is, troopers patrolling these highways saves Oklahomans lives.” Ford, a former Tulsa Police officer, said he's confident in the city's ability to pivot and address the areas of shortage left in the Patrol's absence, but it shouldn't have to.  Ford said he'll be working to get more information from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Highway Patrol as well as examining state statute regarding the Patrol's areas of responsibility and whether DPS has exceeded its authority in redistributing Patrol resources.

Oklahoma House Education Committee Chair Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, reacted to the Monday announcement by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that he would require all school districts in the state to provide free lunches to all students at the cost of employee salaries. The Superintendent does not have the Constitutional or legal authority to direct how individual school districts allocate their budgets. "This attempt to overstep the authority of Walters' office is a threat to the independent decision-making power of Oklahoma's school districts. Regardless, it is nothing more than an empty threat," said Lowe, a former ag teacher. "Addressing student hunger and streamlining administrative costs are both worthwhile endeavors, but these changes must be implemented legislatively, not through an unfunded mandate. State law clearly outlines what districts are required to fund, including minimum teacher salaries and limits on administrative spending, but it does not require free meals universally. That decision rightly belongs to locally elected school boards, who know their communities best and are entrusted with setting district budgets according to local needs. Districts that choose to use discretionary funds to cover meal costs for all students do so voluntarily, not because of any mandate from the state. As such, there is no legal basis for the State Department of Education to retaliate through special sanctions over budget decisions that are entirely within districts' rights. If Walters has legislative goals, I encourage him to be communicative with lawmakers year-round, not after session has adjourned and it's too late for the Legislature to consider any of his proposals." The House has previously considered bills to expand availability of free school meals, including House Bill 1376 in 2023.  Walters' announcement also referred to a potential SDE emergency rule regarding child nutrition standards. Any emergency rule must be approved by the State Board of Education before it can be considered by the governor. If the agency wishes to continue the emergency rule, the rule must be submitted as a proposed permanent rule during the next legislative session. The next regular SBE meeting is scheduled for July 24.