Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, is addressing concerns raised by Adair County commissioners regarding the potential economic impact of major reductions in poultry operations in northeastern Oklahoma and the importance of the poultry industry to Oklahoma agriculture.  This week, Adair County commissioners sent a letter to Attorney General Gentner Drummond outlining the role poultry production plays in local economies and the significant effect a large-scale reduction could have on county governments, school districts, farm families and small businesses across the region. The commissioners noted that poultry production has long been one of the primary economic drivers in Adair County and supports hundreds of families while generating revenue that helps sustain rural communities. Reports indicating that Tyson Foods is evaluating possible changes to its Oklahoma operations come as the state continues navigating a long-running federal lawsuit over water quality in the Illinois River watershed. The litigation, now more than 20 years old, centers on pollution concerns shared by Oklahoma and Arkansas.  Federal and state agencies have documented water quality improvements in portions of the watershed following decades of targeted conservation work. An Environmental Protection Agency success story published in 2020 highlighted reduced bacteria and nutrient levels, the removal of five waterbody segments from the impaired waters list and ongoing cooperative efforts involving Oklahoma, Arkansas and the Cherokee Nation. Population growth in northwest Arkansas, which now exceeds 700,000 residents, has increased pressure on the watershed and prompted both states to update monitoring and long-term planning. “While the Environmental Protection Agency promotes the Illinois River watershed as a water quality success story and the Oklahoma Tourism Department promotes the water quality of Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller, Attorney General Drummond’s office is telling a federal judge the Illinois River is polluted to the point that poultry companies should be fined hundreds of millions of dollars,” Hardin said. "The Attorney General's proposal would devastate county governments, school districts, small businesses and countless Oklahoma families."  Hardin agreed with the commissioners' concerns and emphasized the importance of balancing environmental goals with economic stability.  “Eastern Oklahoma should not be put at risk while decisions are made without fully weighing the progress that has been achieved or the families who depend on this industry,” Hardin said. “Water quality challenges deserve meaningful attention, but we can address those concerns with science, long-term planning and cooperation between both states. I stand with the Adair County commissioners in supporting solutions that protect our natural resources and preserve the jobs, investment and economic health of our rural communities.”  Hardin noted that decades of coordinated conservation work have produced measurable improvements in the Illinois River watershed.  “Local, state and federal partners have invested years into improving the Illinois River, and the data show those efforts are working," said Hardin. "We should continue building on that progress while also safeguarding the economic stability of the counties that rely on agriculture to survive. “Frankly, our neighbors in Arkansas have shown more interest in water quality than we have and have invested in tens of millions of dollars in improvements for recreation and water quality monitoring and improvement. We need to focus on investment in water quality, not litigation."  Hardin said he supports continued collaboration among agencies, landowners and state leaders to protect water quality and maintain the long-term economic well-being of eastern Oklahoma.  -END-  Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes portions of Adair, Cherokee, Delaware and Mayes counties.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, today announced his intent to refile a bill that creates punishments for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-fake technology without consent of the person whose name, image, likeness or voice is used to create digital content and advertising that is disseminated to the public with the intent to harm. Hays filed House Bill 3073 in 2024. The bill passed the House but was not advanced in the state Senate. Hays will refile the measure with some minor changes for the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 2. “As we awaken each day to more sophisticated AI-generated media, we must recommit to the fundamental truth in advertising and the basic rights of every Oklahoman,” Hays said. “Every Oklahoman deserves to control their name, image, likeness and voice — and to know that when they are depicted, especially in an effort to influence the public, that they’re portrayed accurately.” Hays said AI now allows realistic substitutions of a person’s face, voice or image in video, audio and digital advertisements — often without the person’s permission and sometimes with harmful intent.  HB 3073 sought to criminalize publishing or distributing digitized representations of another individual’s name, image, voice or likeness without written consent and with intent to harm. The measure set criminal penalties, including elevation to a felony on a second offense.  Hays emphasized the marketplace and public discourse depend on trust. “If we erode trust because people are unsure whether what they see or hear is real, then we erode the very foundation of free and fair communication,” he said. "Technology isn’t slowing down, and legislation must keep pace,” Hays said. “By refiling this bill, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting Oklahomans’ rights in this new digital era. I'm asking my legislative colleagues to join me and return to the basics of integrity, transparency and individual consent.”

LAWTON, OK — House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and members of the Oklahoma House Republican Caucus visited Lawton this past weekend for the fifth stop of the ongoing Capitol to Community tour, an initiative designed to connect state lawmakers directly with community leaders, businesses and local organizations. This stop was especially meaningful as it also served as the kickoff to the Caucus’ annual retreat weekend, which continued at Quartz Mountain Lodge in Altus.   The day in Lawton featured tours highlighting the region’s military partnerships, economic development, correctional operations and manufacturing leadership. Members began the morning at FISTA Innovation Park, where local officials and defense-sector partners detailed Lawton’s growing role in military technology development and private-sector collaboration.   Legislators then toured the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company facility, one of Oklahoma’s major manufacturing hubs, where they met with plant leadership to discuss workforce needs and the company’s long-term investment in southwest Oklahoma.   In the afternoon, members visited the Red Rock Correctional Center, gaining insight into facility operations, and to better understand the role of the role of private contractors in meeting the state’s correctional system needs.   The day concluded with lawmakers traveling to Quartz Mountain Lodge, where the annual House Republican Caucus retreat officially kicked off. The weekend concluded with an overnight stay in the heart of southwest Oklahoma, Medicine Park.     “Lawton showed us the incredible impact that strong partnerships between industry and innovation can have on a region," said Speaker Hilbert. "This stop offered valuable insight into a major public safety hub of our state as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session.”   House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, who represents parts of the Lawton area, said the visit showcased the strengths and potential of southwest Oklahoma.   “Lawton is a powerhouse for our state, whether it’s defense innovation at FISTA, world-class manufacturing at Goodyear or the critical work happening at Red Rock,” said Caldwell. “I was proud to welcome my colleagues to our community and show them firsthand the economic drivers and challenges that shape southwest Oklahoma. This kind of engagement helps ensure that decisions at the Capitol reflect the real needs of the great people of Comanche County.”   The Capitol to Community tour will conclude in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on December 18th.