Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

Newly-elected Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, took his oath of office in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wed., June 18. He won a special general election earlier this month to represent House District 74 in Rogers and Tulsa counties. "Today has been an incredible day, and I’m deeply honored to represent the people of House District 74," Norwood said. "Serving my local community is a responsibility I take seriously. I truly love Oklahoma, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to make our state an even better place to live. I look forward to showing up every day and working hard to help our community thrive." Originally from Muskogee, Norwood has lived in Owasso since 1994, where he works as a youth minister. He holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Southwestern Christian University and a master's degree in applied theology from Oral Roberts University. He earned his doctorate in leadership and global perspectives from Portland Seminary at George Fox University. Norwood and his wife, Ann, have two children. "Rep. Norwood has spent decades serving his community in ministry and today he takes on an additional role giving back to the people of his community. He is a great addition to the House of Representatives and I look forward to serving with him," said Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "It is great to have our full 101 House members seated, ready to do the people’s business throughout the interim and into the 2026 legislative session." He was sworn in by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Dustin Rowe along with Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City. Following Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony, the Oklahoma House is now comprised of 81 Republicans and 20 Democrats.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Reps are applauding the national appointment of Adria Berry, executive director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), who has been named president of the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) Executive Board for the 2025-2026 term. Reps. T.J. Marti, R-Tulsa; Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee; and Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah, released the following joint statement: "Adria Berry’s appointment as president of CANNRA is a well-deserved honor that reflects the significant progress Oklahoma has made in regulating medical marijuana. Under her leadership, Oklahoma has become a model for other states navigating cannabis regulation. She has brought transparency, efficiency and a strong sense of purpose to an area of policy that has often been difficult to manage. This national recognition speaks not only to her individual leadership, but also to the work being done in Oklahoma to set clear standards, enforce the law and serve patients and businesses fairly. We are confident she will continue this important work and bring the same focus on consistent, transparent and equitable regulation that has strengthened Oklahoma’s medical cannabis program to her efforts guiding cannabis policy at the national level. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of her leadership in this new role." Berry was elected during CANNRA’s June 9 business meeting in Denver, held ahead of its stakeholder event that drew regulators and officials from over 30 jurisdictions and 175 national and international participants. CANNRA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit group of government agencies that regulate cannabis, cannabinoids and hemp across more than 45 U.S. states and territories, as well as several countries.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, joined state leaders from across the region last week for a high-level summit on rising antisemitism and the growing threats faced by Jewish students and Christian supporters of Israel on college campuses. "In light of recent events, this message is more urgent than ever," Gise said. "I stand with President Trump and proudly support Israel in its fight against extremist Islamic terrorism." The event , The Boulder Summit: Confronting Antisemitism in Our Region , was hosted by Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett and the Combat Antisemitism Movement following a recent antisemitic attack in which a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a peaceful gathering of elderly Jewish Americans. The summit convened just over a week after the attack to address what organizers described as a national emergency. "Oklahoma has zero tolerance for hate,” Gise said. "We’re not here to make statements, we’re here to pass laws that protect students and ensure every campus is a place of safety and respect. By taking clear and deliberate action, Oklahoma is setting an example for how states can respond to rising antisemitism with real solutions. When leaders act with courage, clarity and conviction, we can protect our communities and uphold the values that define us." During her remarks, Gise highlighted two bills passed during the 2025 legislative session as examples of Oklahoma’s commitment to taking meaningful action. Senate Bill 942 , co-authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, and Gise, requires schools to implement clear, enforceable policies addressing antisemitic harassment. The law ensures compliance with Title VI civil rights protections and prioritizes the safety of Jewish students and faculty. Senate Bill 991 , also authored by Sen. Thompson and supported by Gise, formally adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into Oklahoma’s public education system. The law mandates accountability for antisemitic incidents and sets a standard for identifying hate-based conduct. "In Oklahoma, we took proactive steps to address the growing threat of antisemitism with Senate Bills 942 and 991, strengthening our state’s response to antisemitic violence and ensuring our laws reflect zero tolerance for hate," Thompson said. "We will continue to lead boldly and unapologetically." In recent months, incidents of antisemitism tied to misinformation and extremist rhetoric related to the Israel–Hamas conflict have increased, including violent attacks, online harassment and the targeting of Jewish students and Christian Zionist groups. "This is not just a matter of foreign policy, it’s a matter of principle," Gise said. "Defending Israel and standing with our Jewish brothers and sisters, both abroad and here at home, is a core value I hold deeply." The summit brought together lawmakers, university officials, Jewish community leaders and national advocates to coordinate a state-level response to the rise in antisemitic violence, threats and harassment across the United States. Participants emphasized the need for stronger policies in higher education institutions and more vocal support from public officials. "I’m grateful to the City of Boulder and Mayor Brockett for the opportunity to join this important conversation," Gise said. "It was an honor to share how Oklahoma is addressing antisemitism through real policy. These discussions matter, and I’m hopeful they will inspire continued action to protect Jewish students and all those facing religious discrimination on our campuses."