Representative Chad Caldwell

R

District 40

Hi, I'm Chad Caldwell and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 40th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Mar 14, 2024
Recent Posts

Social Media Age-Limit Bill Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, today passed a bill in the House that would limit social media accounts for youth. House Bill 3914 would require social media companies to verify account holders are over the age of 18 or to confirm parental consent for those aged 16 to 18.                   "We know that social media is incredibly harmful to teens and that social media platforms have intentionally targeted our children through the use of algorithms," Caldwell said. “While the dangerous effects of social media are felt by all ages and all sexes, social media is especially harmful for teenage girls as demonstrated by rates of self-harm and anxiety increasing by 100% and 140% respectively.” In October 2023, Oklahoma joined 40 other states and the District of Columbia by filing suit against a social media platform for knowingly using features on its platforms that caused children to use them compulsively through powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. “The real question isn’t whether or not social media is a danger to our children, but rather how do we best regulate these dangerous platforms,” said Caldwell. “I want to be clear, this bill in no way targets the content that is found on social media. Instead, we are simply taking the necessary steps to protect our children from an addictive product that is verifiably dangerous to children and teenagers just like we do with alcohol, tobacco, adult websites, gambling, etc.” The measure states that “nothing in the bill should be construed to limit the content found on social media platforms or prohibit minors from posting content on other platforms, digital or otherwise, that they legally have access to." Caldwell said he hopes House Bill 3914 is the start and hopefully the continuation of a conversation that is happening all over the country. He said similar measures have passed in several states, most recently in Florida, and there is pending bipartisan federal legislation as well. The bill now advances to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore. The bill contains an emergency clause meaning it would take effect immediately after being signed into law by the governor. 

Feb 20, 2024
Recent Posts

Tax Exemption for Hearing Aids Passes Subcommittee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, on Monday won unanimous passage of a bill that would remove sales tax on hearing aids. House Bill 3912 establishes a sales tax exemption for hearing aid devices that include behind-the-ear, in-the-ear and in-the-canal aid devices. "This is just common sense," Caldwell said. "We shouldn't be taxing health care. You don't pay tax when you visit the doctor or even when you pay for prescription medications. Those with hearing loss should not have to pay tax on top of the purchase of a hearing aid." Caldwell said the cost of hearing aids can stretch into the thousands, and the cost has increased in recent years. Removing the tax would provide a significant savings for Oklahomans who otherwise might put off the purchase of the devices. The bill passed 9-0 in the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee for Finance, Revenue and Taxation. It now moves to the full A&B Committee for consideration. 

Nov 7, 2023
Recent Posts

Rep. Chad Caldwell Supports Gov.'s Sports Betting Plan

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, today praised Gov. Kevin Stitt's plan to bring sports betting to Oklahoma. "I wholeheartedly support the governor's plan for sports betting in Oklahoma. As someone who has worked on this topic for some time, I recognize the governor’s proposal is an important step in what I’m sure will be a lengthy process. The governor's plan is an equitable one that benefits all Oklahomans, making it fairer and more inclusive than our current gaming system. By opening the industry to all companies, we are not only embracing new sources of revenue, but also joining thirty-five other states who are already taking advantage of the benefits that come with sports betting. I firmly believe this is a win-win for the state and the tribes, and I look forward to working with Governor Stitt and our tribal partners in the upcoming session to advance legislation for the betterment of our great state.” Gov. Stitt released details of his plan Nov. 2. His plan would allow Oklahomans to place in-person bets at gaming sites operated by federally recognized tribes, protecting tribal investments in brick-and-mortar facilities in the process. It would also allow Oklahomans to place bets on their mobile devices on sportsbooks licensed by the state. Additionally, the plan protects Oklahoma’s student-athletes by prohibiting prop betting and bets on individual student-athlete performance. The governor’s plan prohibits wagers on the individual performance of student-athletes, coaches, referees, player injuries, and prop bets at the college level. With that said, the Governor is actively awaiting input from the NCAA and athletic conferences that impact Oklahoma to see how they choose to regulate the industry. Mobile wagering will be conducted by organizations licensed by the State of Oklahoma, taxed at a 20% rate, and bets may be accepted from anywhere in the state. An initial licensing fee for participating organizations of $500,000 will be required, in addition to a $100,000 annual fee. Pursuant to updated tribal gaming compacts, retail wagering can be conducted by federally recognized tribes, taxed at a 15% rate, and bets will only be accepted in person. A fact sheet on Governor Stitt's sports betting plan can be found here .