Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, vice chair of the Oklahoma House Energy Committee, recently joined fellow legislators in Gulfport, Mississippi, for a multi-state conference focused on the future of energy policy across the United States and Canada.  The sessions covered grid resiliency, the rising energy demands of data centers, legal challenges facing the energy sector, reforms to streamline permitting for major projects and ongoing LNG export initiatives. “This conference provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Luttrell said. “We’re all looking toward a future where reliable, affordable energy is essential for families, businesses and national security. These conversations help us make informed decisions for Oklahoma.”  Presenters included industry and policy experts who outlined how these issues are shaping state-level energy strategies. Discussions highlighted what other states and Canadian provinces are implementing and how legislators can support sound, long-term energy policy at home. Luttrell said he looks forward to applying what he learned as lawmakers continue working on policies that strengthen Oklahoma’s energy landscape.

The last of four major reforms to Oklahoma’s administrative rulemaking process took effect last month, marking a significant overhaul of the state's regulatory oversight system. Already in effect were three other new laws that strengthen legislative oversight, limit agency overreach and ensure that regulations are grounded in law and subject to greater public accountability. Administrative rules are the regulations written by state agencies to enforce laws passed by the Legislature and carry the force of law. After being approved by the agency, proposed rules move to the Legislature, but state statute left loopholes that could allow rules to become permanent without a single vote from lawmakers. "When the Legislature, whether by intention or disregard, let regulations take effect without approval by lawmakers, we cede our lawmaking constitutional responsibility to unknown, unelected bureaucrats," said Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, who chairs the House Administrative Rules Committee. "That's not what we were elected to do. We weren't sent to the State Capitol to run the government on autopilot. I'm glad to see the last of these reform bills take effect and retore transparency, accountability and common sense to the rulemaking process." Taking effect on Nov. 1 was House Bill 2729 , which eliminates the Chevron deference at the state level, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 decision overturning the federal doctrine. The measure directs Oklahoma courts to independently interpret administrative rules rather than deferring to agency interpretations. Three other major reform bills, which Kendrix authored or coauthored, took effect earlier this year. House Bill 2728  establishes the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025. The law requires additional fiscal and statutory review for major agency rules, ensuring that regulations with significant financial or policy impacts receive proper legislative attention. Under the REINS Act, the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) will analyze proposed major rules and report potential costs or economic effects before implementation. Additionally, any rule expected to cost over $1 million over five years must be voted on separately from other proposed rules. The third bill, Senate Bill 995 , clarifies that any agency rule not explicitly approved by the Legislature is considered disapproved, reinforcing that administrative rules cannot carry the force of law without legislative consent. The final bill, Senate Bill 1024 , prohibits the adoption of a proposed rule by an agency unless the agency receives approval of scope from the Governor or the appropriate cabinet secretary. This additional step ensures that the agency has statutory authority to propose the rule. "These four bills provide a much-needed modernization of Oklahoma's administrative rulemaking framework," Kendrix said. "Most importantly, they reaffirm the Legislature's constitutional role in ensuring that all regulations reflect the will of the people." Kendrix also highlighted the new online portal, rules.ok.gov , where Oklahomans can review proposed rules, find information about submitting public comment and sign up for emails about an agency's rule-making activity. "The previous process for considering administrative rules wasn't just confusing, it was irresponsible on our part," Kendrix said. "With these new bills and the online portal, everyday Oklahomans can more easily read the rules that may govern their lives and participate in their government."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Oklahoma Erica Sebourn during a ceremony held this week at the State Capitol.  Erica, a United States Air Force veteran and longtime law enforcement officer, was honored for her resilience, advocacy and lifelong commitment to serving others. Based in Seminole, she served with the Sperry Police Department as a Crimes Against Children investigator, working to protect Oklahomans with compassion and skill.  "Erica's life reflects strength, service and dedication to her community," Stark said. "She has faced hardship with grace and turned her own challenges into a mission to uplift others. It was a privilege to crown her as Ms. Wheelchair Oklahoma, and I look forward to supporting her efforts to improve the lives of wheelchair service dog teams across our state."  After Erica unexpectedly became wheelchair-bound, she continued her public service through advocacy and outreach. She now uses her experience to support others navigating mobility issues, ensuring they have a voice and a strong example of perseverance.  Stark said Erica's recognition as Ms. Wheelchair Oklahoma shows her ongoing contributions to Oklahoma and her community.