Representative Jeff Boatman

Hi, I'm Jeff Boatman and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 67th District.


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News & Announcements


Mar 14, 2024
Recent Posts

Representatives Issue Joint Statement After Death of Nex Benedict

OKLAHOMA CITY – A group of Oklahoma House representatives today released a statement about the death of Nex Benedict. The Owasso High School student's death was ruled an overdose according to the state medical examiner. Benedict died one day after being injured in an altercation inside an Owasso High School bathroom. "The tragic suicide of Nex Benedict is a harsh reminder of the power that words have. As public officials and policy makers, we have a sacred obligation to ensure that as we do the work of the people, we do so with respect and dignity. Every human life is precious and created in the image of God regardless of who they are or who they love. We call on all Oklahomans to join us in our commitment to being respectful and deliberate in our language." The statement is issued by Reps. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan; Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City; Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa; Mike Osburn, R-Edmond; Mark McBride, R-Moore; Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City; Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso; Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks. The lawmakers reminded the public that anyone feeling suicidal or experiencing thoughts of suicide should contact 988 or 911 immediately. LGBTQ youth also can call (866) 488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678 to reach the Trevor Project." 



Mar 7, 2024
Recent Posts

Boatman Passes Bill to Enable Mental Health Facility Development

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved legislation reducing government overreach into healthcare markets by repealing the Psychiatric and Chemical Dependency Facility Certificate of Need Act.  The author of House Bill 2330, Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, said the measure aims to eliminate unnecessary government interference in the healthcare sector, specifically in the establishment of psychiatric and chemical dependency facilities. "House Bill 2330 promotes competition, lowers barriers to entry for providers, and ultimately enhances access to quality mental health and addiction treatment services for our communities," Boatman said.  Boatman said the certificate of need process, which mandates governmental approval for the establishment or expansion of healthcare facilities, has long been criticized for impeding competition, limiting consumer choice, and stifling innovation in the healthcare industry. HB2330 seeks to address these concerns by removing bureaucratic barriers and fostering a more competitive and responsive healthcare market. HB2330 will now proceed to the Senate for consideration, where it is authored by Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville. 



Mar 6, 2024
Recent Posts

House Approves Updated Language in Statutes Related to Child Sex Trafficking

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved legislation updating language in state statutes from "child prostitution" to "child sex trafficking." Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, authored House Bill 3450 to remove language he called outdated and technically incorrect. "There is no such thing as a child prostitute, plain and simple," Boatman said. "When a child is in that dangerous situation, they are a victim, not an instigator. By updating this language throughout Oklahoma statutes, we can ensure we are using language that adequately reflects the circumstances." Boatman thanked Karen Smith, the executive director of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Human Trafficking, for working with him on the bill. “Terminology may seem like a small thing. However, words matter," Smith said. "It is essential that we talk about the real and horrific crime of human trafficking in language that expresses that people are valuable and are not willing participants in their victimization. After working for many years to change terminology in the State Statue from child prostitution to child sex trafficking, the Oklahoma Coalition Against Human Trafficking is thrilled to see this small but very important distinction in the law and look forward to the difference it will make in the lives of those we serve.” HB3450 passed the House unanimously and is available for consideration in the Senate, where it is authored by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore.