Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, and Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, joined Gov. Kevin Stitt for the ceremonial signing of two bills that restore state funding for 211 Oklahoma and restructure the statewide support system. House Bill 4095 and Senate Bill 1290 secured $3 million in state funding for 211 Oklahoma and restructured the advisory council that oversees its operations. "I’m proud to have worked alongside Senator Dossett to secure passage of these two important bills," Norwood said. "Restoring state support for 211 will help ensure Oklahomans in every county can connect with critical services when they need them most. I’m grateful to Governor Stitt for signing these measures into law and to the advocates whose dedication helped carry them across the finish line." Dossett said the bills will help direct state funding efficiently and strategically to serve Oklahomans in need across the state. "It’s been an honor to work with Representative Norwood on these bills and with 211 advocates from both metropolitan areas," Dossett said. "I’m thankful to every legislator from across the state who lent their vote to this cause and to the governor for his signature." The 211 hotline provides access to assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by phone, text and online. It connects residents with local and statewide resources during times of need and plays an important role in emergency response and recovery efforts. State funding for 211 Oklahoma had not been appropriated since 2016, when it was phased out because of budget constraints. Since then, nonprofit organizations, United Ways, health systems and community partners have worked together to sustain the service through private fundraising and other support. HB4095 takes effect Nov. 1. SB1290 took effect July 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, released the following statement condemning the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board’s decision to recommend parole for Verna Stafford, who was convicted for her role in the 1978 Sirloin Stockade massacre. "Parole, even one step closer, is not owed to Verna Stafford. Justice is owed to her victims. The board’s decision moves a convicted murderer one dangerous step closer to freedom. It disregards the brutality of these crimes, the lives that were stolen and the pain the victims’ families have carried. I began my law enforcement career the same year this massacre shocked our state. I remember like it was yesterday seeing the suspects being brought into the jail. I remember looking into their eyes and witnessing for myself the danger and recklessness that defined their character. They were as cold-blooded as they come. They preyed on nine innocent people, robbed them of their lives and left families permanently shattered. "She can say that she changed, and she can seek repentance. In fact, I truly hope she did. But what she cannot do is steal nine innocent lives and then escape the full punishment imposed for those crimes. I am calling on the Governor to reject this recommendation. Verna Stafford should never get one step closer to seeing the light of day as a free person." Stafford was sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences for her role in the nine murders. She and her husband, Roger Dale Stafford, who was executed in 1995, were convicted of murdering a family of three along Interstate 35 near Purcell and later robbing an Oklahoma City Sirloin Stockade restaurant, where they stole $1500 and murdered six employees. Stafford’s parole recommendation now goes to the Governor for final consideration. If approved, the parole would apply only to her first life sentence. She would then begin serving her second consecutive life sentence and could be eligible for parole again in 15 years. Manger, chair of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee, completed a 33-year law enforcement career with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, recently received Delta Waterfowl’s 2025-26 Conservation Leader Award during the organization’s Duck Hunters Expo in Des Moines, Iowa. "This award means a great deal to me because hunting is more than a pastime where I come from," Dempsey said. "It is a way of life that brings families together, puts food on the table and teaches our kids to respect the land. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to protect private property and make sure folks can keep enjoying Oklahoma’s outdoors for generations to come." Dempsey was recognized for his years of work with landowners, hunters and outfitters to develop policies that reflect the needs of his district. House District 1 includes portions of LeFlore and McCurtain counties, one of Oklahoma’s premier hunting regions. "Representative Dempsey has been a steadfast leader in conservation," said Jeff Wardlaw, Delta Waterfowl’s senior manager of government affairs for the Mississippi and Central Flyway. "He is a consistent advocate for ducks and duck hunters, and we were excited to recognize his work at the Duck Hunters Expo this year." Throughout his tenure in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Dempsey has advocated for stronger safeguards to protect landowners, hunters and legitimate guiding operations from bad-faith outfitters operating without accountability. That work culminated in Senate Bill 2095 , which was signed into law earlier this year. The law requires hunting guides to obtain a guide license and maintain personal liability insurance. Guides and outfitters also must receive written permission from private landowners before conducting guided hunts on their property. Dempsey says the requirements provide greater protection for private landowners, increased safety and an enforcement mechanism to address rogue guides and outfitters. Each year, the Delta Waterfowl Conservation Leader Award is given to an individual, organization, company or agency that has demonstrated a clear commitment to Delta Waterfowl’s mission of conserving habitat, producing ducks and securing the future of waterfowl hunting.