Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, has introduced legislation establishing a statewide effort designed to position Oklahoma to compete for a U.S. national laboratory and other major federal research centers. If passed into law, House Bill 3176 would establish the Oklahoma Gas, Artificial Intelligence, and Space Research Hub (GAS Hub) to serve as a central coordinating entity, connecting state agencies, higher education and industry partners. The legislation is designed to create organizational readiness rather than initiate a specific project, establishing a disciplined framework for federal engagement, site evaluation, workforce alignment and long-term competitiveness. The GAS Hub would be located within the Department of Commerce. Archer said the focus is to attract long-term research investment and support advanced workforce development across the state. The GAS Hub could lead to new high-paying technical jobs, expanded opportunities for CareerTech graduates and university researchers, and economic growth in both rural and urban communities.  "Great opportunities don’t wait for states to catch up," Archer said. "We have the talent and resources available, but we need Oklahoma to be in position when the starting gun goes off, so we don't miss our chance. By laying the groundwork now, we can make sure we're organized and truly competitive when the time comes to seize the next opportunity." Archer emphasized that national laboratories function as long-term economic engines, generating sustained federal research investment and compounded private-sector activity over decades. For example, Oak Ridge National Laboratory  contributes more than $7 billion annually to Tennessee’s economy, with similar long-term economic impact seen in states such as New Mexico . Archer, who chairs the House Energy Committee, pointed out that energy and aerospace, the state's two largest advanced industries, intersect directly with national security and supply chain networks, which he said would make Oklahoma a prime site selection for future national laboratories if there was an established framework. "When you look at the national lab system, nearly every energy sector is represented, except oil and gas," he said. "We're at a time when energy security, space technology and computing power are vital to our national defense and global competitiveness. If we're ready when the time comes, Oklahoma could have a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity." Archer also pointed to a recent economic analysis showing that Oklahoma has lost ground in advanced industries relative to peer states, a trend he said underscores the need for a more coordinated, long-term strategy of attracting IP and development capital. "This is not a failure of effort. It’s a signal that our model needs to change," Archer said. "The GAS Hub is how we start making that change." The bill also creates the Oklahoma National Laboratory Development Program, which would identify and prepare sites by aligning workforce pipelines and assembling the infrastructure and incentives needed to attract federal investment, such as the U.S. Dept. of Energy, NASA, and the U.S. Dept. of War. With federal research priorities evolving and Oklahoma’s congressional delegation in key leadership roles, Archer said the timing is right to begin building the framework now. "House Bill 3176 is ambitious, and it may be hard, but the things worth doing usually are," Archer said. "When Oklahoma puts the right framework in place whether in aerospace, logistics or major national events, opportunity follows. This bill is about building the foundation for the next generation of opportunity." HB3176 would require annual reporting to state leadership to ensure transparency and accountability as the program moves forward. If enacted, the measure would take effect Nov. 1, 2026.

Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, announced today a joint resolution that would place a constitutional amendment before Oklahoma voters to restructure how the investment returns from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) are managed and distributed. This measure expands what TSET can hold by allowing real property, stocks and other equity investments to be added to the trust, not just cash. It would eliminate the TSET Board of Directors entirely and transfer all remaining responsibilities to the existing Board of Investors (BoI), whose role would be expanded to fully managing, administering and transferring trust assets and earnings. Under the proposal, TSET earnings would be distributed annually in a fixed order: first to fully fund Oklahoma’s Promise (OHLAP) scholarships, and then any remaining earnings would be transferred to the Education Reform Revolving Fund (the 1017 Fund). Because the distribution formula would be set in the Constitution, the Board of Directors would no longer be necessary. "By eliminating duplicative administrative structures and prioritizing funding for Oklahoma’s Promise and the 1017 Fund, this reform delivers real savings and results," said Caldwell. The reform is intended to simplify TSET’s structure, reduce administrative costs and increase the amount of money going directly to scholarships and education funding. Eliminating the Board of Directors and associated staff functions is projected to save at least $4.19 million annually. Based on an average $6,000 Oklahoma’s Promise award, those savings alone could fund scholarships for nearly 700 additional Oklahoma students each year. "This resolution reflects a practical, good-government approach," said Caldwell. "The goal is to fully fund every Oklahoma student who can academically qualify for Oklahoma's Promise to go to college and career tech tuition-free, as well as students seeking apprenticeships."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued a statement following the court’s decision denying a stay in the Illinois River Watershed lawsuit. The ruling affects poultry farmers across eastern Oklahoma, many of whom rely on poultry production as their primary livelihood. “I share in the disappointment of Oklahoma poultry farmers and The Poultry Federation following the court’s decision to deny a full stay in the Illinois River Watershed case. Last week, Attorney General Gentner Drummond told poultry farmers in Adair County that he was not opposed to a stay, though he ultimately opposed it in court.  During that meeting, I asked the Attorney General whether the same settlement agreement reached with George’s would be offered to the other poultry producers. He indicated that it would, which I hope signals a path toward resolving this lawsuit and providing some relief for the hundreds of farm families caught in the middle.  I appreciate the Attorney General’s willingness to meet with our community, hear concerns firsthand and visit a poultry operation to better understand today’s farming practices.  The uncertainty surrounding this lawsuit continues to weigh heavily on farm families who depend on poultry production for their livelihoods. If integrators are forced to pull out of Oklahoma, the economic consequences would extend well beyond individual farms, impacting local jobs, county governments and school districts.  My hope remains that state leaders and all parties involved can work toward a reasonable path forward that protects our natural resources while also preserving the family farms that are crucial to eastern Oklahoma.”   -END-   Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.