Committees

Legislation formalizes public-private partnership between Saint Francis Health System and OSU Medical Authority OKLAHOMA CITY - For far too long, northeast Oklahoma has lacked access to a Level I Trauma Center for both adult and pediatric patients. That is now set to change, thanks to critical legislative action and a landmark partnership between Saint Francis Health System and the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Medical Authority. Two key bills —  HB 2784 and HB 2793 — formally establish a public-private partnership mechanism to develop a Level I Trauma Center serving Eastern Oklahoma. Both measures became law on May 29 without the Governor’s signature, marking a major milestone in expanding high-level trauma care in the region. “Minutes matter when lives are on the line,” said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. “This partnership is a game-changer for northeast Oklahoma. It strengthens patient safety and ensures access to the highest level of trauma care closer to home. Establishing a Level I Trauma Center for adult and pediatric patients in Tulsa has been a top priority of the House Republican Caucus, and we’re proud to see this effort move forward with broad support.” “Establishing a Level 1 Trauma Center in Tulsa will significantly enhance access to the highest level of emergency care for residents in eastern Oklahoma,” said Senate President Pro Temp Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. "It ensures that critical trauma services, which are often the difference between life and death, are available close to home, reducing the need for patients to be transported to Oklahoma City. The provisions of these pieces of legislation strengthens patient care in our state while providing training for world class physicians.” “Establishing a Level I Trauma Center in Eastern Oklahoma is not just about today’s emergencies — it’s about building a sustainable, collaborative health system for the future,” said House Majority Leader Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa. “This partnership between OSU and Saint Francis is a model for how we can expand access, improve training, and invest wisely in public health across our state — especially when it comes to delivering high-quality trauma care for both adults and children.” Saint Francis Health System, Oklahoma’s largest locally owned hospital system, has invested heavily in this initiative over the past decade. “As Tulsa’s only locally owned and operated hospital system, the Saint Francis Health System has invested substantial resources over the last decade toward establishing a Level I Trauma Center serving Eastern Oklahoma where a majority of the System's trauma patients are from rural communities,” said Dr. Cliff Robertson, President and CEO of Saint Francis Health System. “Saint Francis seeks to operate a Level I Trauma Center in Tulsa that will enhance life-saving care for adult and pediatric trauma patients and, through a continued partnership with Oklahoma State University, provide training for our state’s next generation of doctors. Saint Francis is in the final stages of preparation for adult Level I Trauma verification by the American College of Surgeons, with a formal survey anticipated in 2025. Following that, the health system will begin the process for pediatric Level I Trauma verification. “We are grateful for the leadership of Speaker Hilbert, Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, and the Legislature, as well as Governor Stitt, for recognizing and supporting this critical need,” Robertson added. The partnership will also enhance academic training and clinical experience for future physicians through OSU’s involvement. “The OSU Medical Authority is proud to participate in a public-private partnership with Saint Francis Health System to enhance both medical education and trauma services across eastern Oklahoma,” said Jay Helm, Chair of the OSU Medical Authority. “Since 2016, Saint Francis has been a vital partner in supporting OSU Medical Center, our teaching hospital in downtown Tulsa. This initiative supports our ability to prepare future physicians while addressing a critical healthcare need in our region.” The initiative also has strong backing from regional business and civic leaders. Mike Neal, President and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, said: “The Tulsa Regional Chamber strongly supports the establishment of a Level 1 Trauma Center in Tulsa. As the economic engine of eastern Oklahoma and a center of healthcare innovation, our region must be equipped with the highest standard of emergency care. This initiative supports workforce development, research and long-term economic resilience. A Level I Trauma Center represents a vital investment in both the immediate and future well-being of the Tulsa region.” Why It Matters for Oklahomans Faster, coordinated emergency response Saint Francis will serve as the primary destination for the region’s most serious emergencies, improving outcomes through rapid trauma care. Specialists’ available 24/7 Level I designation requires trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, and other experts to be physically present — not just on call — for critical cases. Better care for rural and pediatric patients Rural and underserved communities in Eastern Oklahoma will benefit from timely, top-tier trauma care closer to home. Physician training and education As a teaching site through OSU, the trauma center will help train future doctors — especially for Oklahoma’s rural health needs. Commitment to excellence Saint Francis will meet and maintain the nation’s highest standards in trauma care, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.

OKLAHOMA CITY – In a direct response to the governor's veto of a bill, legislative leaders took action to extend the operations of the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, which oversees the licenses of more than 77,000 Oklahomans. Senate Bill 676 , carried in the House by Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, extends the sunset date of the Board by another year, a necessary change after legislation extending the date to 2028 was vetoed.  "Legislators in both chambers united to protect the careers of 77,000 people and stand for the health of four million Oklahomans," Hill said. "While there are many components of the Board that may be better suited for the Oklahoma Department of Health, any shifted responsibilities should come about through an intentional process, not a temper tantrum. Ultimately, I'm proud the Legislature was able to find a solution that allows more time for conversation around changes as we determine the best path forward." House Bill 1030 , by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, would have extended the Board's sunset date to 2028. The measure was vetoed by Gov. Kevin Stitt on May 14, who wrote in his veto message that the board "should be restructured or consolidated." "Eliminating the Board doesn’t erase its responsibilities. The laws and administrative rules tied to its functions remain in place, and ignoring that would likely create serious consequences. If those responsibilities are to be reassigned, it must be done carefully and deliberately to avoid unnecessary disruption for license holders and small businesses across the state. Widespread support across the state reinforced the importance of extending the Board’s sunset as a sound and necessary decision. Alongside my colleagues, I remain committed to pursuing a thoughtful, long-term solution." SB676 took effect immediately upon being signed into law.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1678 is now law after passing both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature and advancing without the governor’s signature. The bill, authored by Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, updates procedures for how tie votes are handled in Oklahoma elections.  HB1678, originally intended to mandate a runoff in the event of a tie vote, was amended in the Senate before final passage. The new law still relies on a random drawing to determine the winner in tied races but provides more structure and transparency in how those drawings are conducted. “Even though it's not exactly what we wanted in the end, it will be better for drawing up the rules,” Townley said. “This is still a step in the right direction to make sure these decisions are made clearly, publicly and by a process people can understand.” While it maintains the current practice of settling tied elections by lot, it now requires clearer notification protocols, uniform materials, and a standardized method for conducting the drawing in front of witnesses.  “People should feel confident that even in rare cases like a tie, our system is consistent and fair,” Townley said.  Townley proposed the legislation after a 2024 primary race in Carter County was decided by a drawing. The bill is set to take effect November 1, 2025.