Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Sapulpa, considered Tuesday the current driver's license suspension policies within the state and the resulting economic impact on the workforce and families. "We want processes to work well for people who want to do the right thing and are striving to do the right thing," West said . "We do not want unnecessary barriers, and for those who are not striving to do the right thing, we want the consequences to be fair and administered properly." "As a former chief U.S. probation officer for Oklahoma’s Northern District, I saw firsthand how suspending driver’s licenses for missed court dates or unpaid fees can put people in a no-win situation," Gollihare said. "A suspended license disrupts their ability to work and support their families, and these policies can unintentionally push more people toward public assistance programs. This was an important conversation on a complex issue, and I look forward to working with Representative West and stakeholders to find a balanced solution." Lauren Krisai, executive director of Justice Action Network, shared that licenses may be suspended for many reasons, including failure to pay, failure to appear and financial responsibility. Licenses may also be suspended for driving offenses such as DUIs, though that was not the focus of Tuesday's study. "There are a lot of hidden economic costs of suspending a license," Krisai said , adding that it prohibits people from legally driving to work, school and the grocery store. She later added that the ripple effect also affects employers and manufacturers if an employee can't get to work. Jeremy Hutchinson, director of strategic initiatives for Unify.us, asked the committee, "What kind of policy is that that we impose a sanction a punishment and then beg please ignore this and go to work and take your kids to school and try to be a responsible member of society?"  Krisai highlighted House Bill 29 in Ohio, which retroactively eliminated suspensions for failure to pay traffic tickets. The bill, which was supported by the Ohio Manufacturers' Association, Ohio Association of Municipal/County Court Clerks, and numerous county chambers and local businesses, allowed over 7,000 people to fully regain their legal driving status. Michael Olson, policy counsel for Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, said if 180,000 people with suspended licenses stopped driving, Oklahoma's workforce would reduce by nearly 9%. He added that during the 2008 recession, Oklahoma's labor force dropped by 2%, and said a 9% drop would present "a massive problem for the state." Fines and Fees Justice Center Regional Director Sarah Couture said that the average length for driver's license suspension for failure in Oklahoma to pay is three years and two months. "Debt-based driver's license suspension costs people their livelihoods, it cuts economic growth, it undermines public safety and it does not compel payment of debts," Couture said . "Ending debt-based license suspension increases employment, increases the tax base and overall GDP, and improves public safety." Couture estimated a net fiscal tax revenue benefit of over $42 million if Oklahoma passed comprehensive driver's license suspension reform. "An increased workforce would also logically result in reductions of state expenditures on public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP and other social welfare problems due to increased earnings in populations often affected by driver's license suspensions," she said . At the conclusion of the study, West thanked speakers and attendees for participating in the conversation. "We are in a maze that we have created that makes it very difficult for people who are wanting to do the right thing to do the right thing," West said , later adding, "This is something that we can address, and it will help the people of the state of Oklahoma. It will help the businesses of the state of Oklahoma, and it will help change families in this state."

Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, chair of the Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, and Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, an Air Force veteran, applauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ announcement that it processed a record-high 3,111,399 disability compensation claims in Fiscal Year 2026. "Veterans should not have to face unnecessary delays or barriers when seeking the benefits and care they have earned through their service, sacrifices, and dedication to our nation. We are grateful for all they and their families have given in defense of our freedoms," the lawmakers said. "This reduction in the claims backlog means more veterans and their families are receiving the timely support they deserve. Recognizing and honoring their sacrifices with meaningful, dependable service is significant progress for veterans across Oklahoma and the nation. "We deeply appreciate the men and women at the VA who are diligently working to serve those who have served our country. We will continue supporting efforts that make it easier for Oklahoma veterans and their families to access the benefits, health care, and services they have earned through their sacrifice and commitment to our nation." The VA reported that its FY2026 claims total exceeded the previous record of 3,001,734 claims set in FY2025. The department also reported that its benefits backlog has been reduced by more than 70%, while claims-processing accuracy has reached 94%, the highest level in two years.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma (CCO) has named Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, its 2026 Legislator of the Year. The award recognizes Dobrinski's leadership on conservation legislation, commitment to responsible natural resource management and continued partnership in advancing practical, science-backed conservation policies across Oklahoma.  Dobrinski was applauded for his significant contributions to conservation policy and his ongoing commitment to collaborative problem-solving. "Preserving and properly managing our state's natural resources for the benefit of our residents and future generations is incredibly important to the constituents I serve," Dobrinski said. "To be recognized for this work and my passion on behalf of all Oklahomans is an honor." Dobrinski was specifically noted for his active involvement in addressing woody plant encroachment, the fuel behind many Oklahoma wildfires, and a growing concern for Oklahoma’s water resources, native grasslands, wildlife habitat and agricultural productivity. His legislative efforts include authoring House Bill 2988 this year and serving as House author of Senate Bill 940 in 2025. Both address harmful woody species. Dobrinski also has worked closely with CCO to advance discussions on emerging energy technologies, sponsoring legislative interim studies examining advanced nuclear energy and geothermal energy. Continuing that partnership, Dobrinski is sponsoring an interim study on biochar scheduled for Oct. 20.  CCO also recognized Dobrinski for his accessibility, willingness to listen and thoughtful engagement on complex conservation issues.  “Representative Dobrinski has been a tremendous representative for his constituents and partner in efforts to protect natural resources for all Oklahomans with Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma,” said CCO Executive Director Matt Wright. “Whether we’re discussing legislation we support, raising concerns about proposals we oppose or exploring new approaches to conservation, he has consistently made himself available to listen and engage in meaningful conversations. We don’t have to agree on every issue to work together effectively, and that willingness to listen, ask challenging questions and work toward practical solutions is what makes good public policy possible.” The Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing practical, science-backed conservation policies that protect Oklahoma’s water, wildlife, habitat and natural resources. Through education, collaboration and advocacy, CCO works with policymakers, Tribal Nations, conservation organizations, agriculture, industry and communities to promote responsible stewardship of Oklahoma’s natural resources.