Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, chair of the House Business Committee, released the following statement on the committee's work so far this session as the first committee deadline approaches: “As we wrap up consideration of House bills in the Business Committee, I’m proud of the thoughtful and deliberate work our members have put in,” Banning said. “The role of this committee is to carefully review legislation that impacts Oklahoma businesses, taxpayers and job creators. We’ve had strong discussions focused on protecting Oklahoma’s economic climate and ensuring legislation is carefully considered and responsibly crafted. Our goal has been to advance sound policy while maintaining transparency and a fair process, and I appreciate the members who worked to move forward legislation that strengthens our state’s economic foundation.”  The House Business Committee has passed 20 House bills so far this session.

Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, secured House passage today of House Bill 4275, legislation aimed at expanding opportunities for certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to serve in more community settings. House Bill 4275 would update state law to allow certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to maintain their certification while working for municipalities and counties as integral members of mental health support teams at the local level.  Under current law, certification is largely tied to employment with the state, certain state contractors, tribal entities or veterans facilities. Expanding eligibility to the county and municipal level would allow these professionals to directly support county sheriffs and first responders, including police and fire personnel, as part of coordinated mental health response efforts.  HB4275 would create uniformity in the rules and standards for certification of both behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists. It also would maintain existing education, examination, supervision and continuing education requirements.  "Allied mental health professionals are a critical part of Oklahoma’s behavioral health system," Miller said. "As we continue strengthening that system, we have to make sure the professionals who are trained and certified to help can serve where they are needed most. This bill removes unnecessary barriers so behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists can work in places like fire departments and courts while maintaining the credentials that ensure quality and accountability."  Allied mental health professionals often work directly with individuals navigating mental illness or substance use recovery, helping connect them to services, monitor progress and provide peer support based on lived experience. As part of municipal and county mental health response teams, case managers and peer recovery support specialists would be able to assist sheriffs and first responders in crisis situations, helping connect individuals to appropriate treatment and community-based resources.  Expanding where these professionals can serve reflects widely recognized best practices and allows licensed clinicians to focus on clinical care while case managers and peers provide critical day-to-day support.  HB4275 passed the House 91-5 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Legislation restoring the eighth-grade literacy requirement to receive a driving permit has passed its first committee. House Bill 4153 , authored by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, would require minors applying for an Oklahoma driver license to demonstrate an eighth-grade reading level by passing the statewide reading assessment prior being issued a permit. Under the bill, students with an Individualized Education Program (IEPs) related to reading may provide alternative documentation of proficiency. Hasenbeck, a former middle school English teacher, said she saw firsthand how the possibility of receiving driver licenses at 16 motivated her students to take their literacy seriously. "House Bill 4153 is about making sure our young people are equipped with the basic skills they need to succeed both in school and out on the road," Hasenbeck said. "By tying reading proficiency to driver eligibility, we’re encouraging students to strengthen essential literacy skills that will help them throughout life while also promoting safer roads for all Oklahomans." The requirement, which had been in place for several decades, was eliminated in 2022. HB4153 passed the House Public Safety Committee and must pass the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee before it can be heard on the floor.