Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Common Education committee today passed a bill that would end discrimination for Oklahoma students with special needs. Senate Bill 105 , authored in the House by Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, would amend eligibility requirements for students on an Individualized Education Program who are part of the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program. "Students with special needs or disabilities should receive services and accommodations that will advance their education from whatever school can best provide them," Caldwell said. "Neither these students nor their parents should have to jump through hoops to appease public school lobbying groups by attending a public school first in order to obtain instruction that best meets their specific needs."   The measure would remove the requirement that a student attend a public school district the year prior to applying for the program. It also would remove language stating that acceptance of a scholarship has the same effect as parental revocation of consent to services under certain provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Giving up consent to service is not allowed under the federal code and is therefore senseless language, according to the bill's Senate author, Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville.  The scholarship program authorizes the parent or guardian of a public-school student with a disability who is served under IDEA to exercise their parental option and request to have an LNH Scholarship awarded for their child to attend a participating private school approved by the State Board of Education. The program has been in place since 2011 and currently serves about 1,500 students.  Eligible students include those: who have an Individualized Service Plan developed by the Department of Human Services (DHS); who are a child of a military family with permanent change of station orders who has moved to Oklahoma after receiving IDEA services in another state; who have been served through the SoonerStart program and during transition has been determined to be eligible for school district services; who have been in out-of-home placement through the office of Juvenile Affairs; or who have been in out-of-home placement with DHS, or who were adopted while in the permanent custody of DHS. SB105 passed the Common Education Committee with a vote of 6-5 and now is eligible to be considered by the House Education Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, will recognize Autism Advocacy Day, which falls on Thursday, April 3, on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, honoring autism advocates and emphasizing the need for continued support of individuals on the autism spectrum. "I’m always proud to stand with the autism community and acknowledge the hard work of advocates who are making a real difference," Miller said. "Autism Awareness and Acceptance is essential for creating a more inclusive Oklahoma where everyone has the opportunity to succeed." The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma was a key advocate behind the 2015 autism insurance reform bill and the voluntary designation on driver licenses and state identification cards legislation. Several organizations focused on raising awareness of the needs of individuals with autism will have booths and speak at Autism Advocacy Day on Thursday, at the Capitol. Rep. Miller notes Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month begins April 1, World Autism Day begins April 2 and Autism Advocacy Day begins April 3. This recognition reflects Rep. Miller's ongoing commitment to supporting autism advocacy in Oklahoma and ensuring the voices of individuals impacted by autism are heard at the state level.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 2265 last week, authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, to modernize the appointment and regulation of notaries public in the state. The bill introduces new professional standards, including a required examination, enhanced record-keeping measures and strengthened compliance protocols. "Notaries are essential to the integrity of many legal and financial processes, and this bill ensures they have the knowledge and tools needed to carry out their duties responsibly," Miller said. "By establishing a clear examination process and requiring notaries to maintain detailed records, we are reinforcing the professionalism and accountability that Oklahomans expect from these important public officials." County Clerk Maressa Treat emphasized the bill’s role in combating property fraud in Oklahoma. "I appreciate Representative Miller’s work on this important legislation as it strengthens the professionalism and accountability of notaries in Oklahoma. As the Oklahoma County Clerk, we have seen an increase in property theft, often committed through fraudulent notaries. Passing responsible legislation like this is one step closer to eliminating property theft in Oklahoma and ensuring greater security for all Oklahomans." Under HB2265, individuals applying for a new notary commission will need to pass an examination covering laws, procedures and ethical responsibilities related to notarial acts. The bill also mandates that notaries maintain a detailed journal of all notarial acts for at least ten years, ensuring transparency and long-term record security. These journals must be stored in a tamper-evident format, whether physical or electronic, to safeguard against alterations. "The goal here is simple: to ensure that notaries have the education and resources they need to perform their duties with the highest standards of integrity," Miller continued. "By strengthening these regulations, we’re not just protecting the public, but also supporting the professionals who help ensure the accuracy and trustworthiness of countless legal documents every day." The bill does not increase application fees for new or renewing notaries but provides clear guidelines for the commission process. Additionally, it outlines a procedure for handling notary journals in cases of resignation, revocation or death, ensuring proper record retention and accessibility. "By modernizing these regulations, we’re making it easier for notaries to do their jobs right and helping Oklahomans trust the notarial services they rely on," Miller said. HB2265 passed the House 90-3 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.