Representative Chris Banning

R

District 24

Hi, I'm Chris Banning and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 24th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Apr 26, 2024
Recent Posts

Title IX Revisions Prompt Action to Protect Oklahoma's Children

A few Oklahoma Republican legislators released the following statements in response to the Biden Administration's new Title IX protections for "gender identity." Earlier this month, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona announced the new Title IX rules. Under the new regulations, sex discrimination includes discrimination based on "gender identity" as well as sexual orientation. The regulations take effect Aug. 1. "We must prioritize the well-being of Oklahoma's children and explore all options to replace federal funds tied to Title IX," Maynard said. "Oklahoma has the money to replace federal funding in our schools, and we must consider all possible avenues to protect our children. We cannot allow the Biden Administration's radical policies to dictate education in Oklahoma." The issues for Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, and Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, who are against the changes revolve around the ideology behind gender identity and sexual orientation and the infringement upon spaces traditionally reserved for males and females, such as school bathrooms, locker rooms and sports teams, among others. "For three years, I have sounded the trumpet that not only is federal funding of state education unconstitutional but it is also a bad idea," Bullard said. "This is exactly why. The liberals have been threatening to defund our schools in cruel and unusual ways. The state of Oklahoma must have a plan on how we will replace these funds so we cannot be manipulated into doing that which we cannot morally do." The ultimate penalty for non-compliance with Title IX regulations is the withdrawal of federal funds. Therefore, the Republican legislators said, all options are on the table when it comes to protecting the innocence of Oklahoman children. "Given that Title IX regulations now include gender identity and sexual orientation, failure to comply may result in the withdrawal of federal funds," Banning said. "In protecting our values and supporting our children, we must oppose Biden, whose administration clearly contradicts Oklahoma's values." “We must stand by Oklahoma children and safeguard our state’s values,” Hamilton said. “Tying school funding to ideologies relating to gender identity and sexual orientation does not align with our values. I am confident our state can find innovative ways to replace federal funding to ensure our students are not subjected to these principles.” Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at schools and colleges that receive federal funds. This law has provided many girls and women opportunities to compete in sports and to earn scholarships to attend high schools and colleges.

Jan 29, 2024
Recent Posts

Banning Files Bill to Move School-Board Elections

Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, has filed legislation seeking to change the date of school board elections in Oklahoma. House Bill 3563 would place school board members on the same cycle as House and Senate elections. It would also move three-year terms to two-year terms and five-year terms to four-year terms. "Over the last decade, legislation similar to House Bill 3563 has been proposed," Banning said. "This bill differs from others because of its simplified structure. The goal here is to consolidate elections to save taxpayers' money and increase voter turnout." In the April 2023 Bixby school board election, 2,048 votes were cast out of an estimated 28,962 registered voters, suggesting a voter turnout of around 7%. "As a parent of four children in public education, I realize the importance of community involvement in our public school board elections," Banning said. "House Bill 3563 would streamline the electoral process, making it easier for parents and communities to influence policies that directly impact their children's education." If signed into law, the bill would become effective Nov. 1. The bill will be eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislative session starting Feb. 5.

Jan 17, 2024
Recent Posts

Banning Files Bill to Prohibit Purchase of Foreign-Made Drones

Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, recently filed legislation prohibiting the state of Oklahoma from purchasing drones from covered foreign entities. House Bill 3068 would restrict the state from purchasing or operating small unmanned aircraft systems, known as drones, that are built or assembled by covered foreign entities without specific waivers. "This bill marks a step in safeguarding Oklahoma's interests," Banning said. "House Bill 3068 demonstrates that Oklahoma values the privacy and safety of its residents with its proactive approach to regulating foreign drones." HB3068 categorizes covered foreign entities as those whose names appear on the Consolidated Screening List or Entity List, as designated by the United States Secretary of Commerce, or domicile in the People's Republic of China or the Russian Federation. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services can waive these restrictions after reviewing the necessity to purchase a covered foreign entity-manufactured system due to difficult circumstances, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or criminal investigative purposes. Under HB3068, public entities cannot operate small unmanned aircraft systems from covered foreign entities after May 1, 2027. HB3068 is available to be heard after the legislative session commences on Monday, February 5.