Committees

A measure helping Oklahoma's firefighters access life-saving cancer screenings is moving to the governor's desk, and its House author is urging him to sign it. House Bill 2011 , known as the "Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act," would create a tax credit of up to $250 per year for unreimbursed medical costs incurred by firefighters for cancer detection procedures. The credit could begin in tax year 2026 and could be carried forward for up to five years. The author of the bill, Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, said the tax credit would help firefighters catch cancer early, a needed step as they face higher diagnosis rates due to long-term smoke and chemical exposure. "In March, Oklahomans saw our firefighters at their finest as they protected homes, lives and entire communities while battling relentless wildfires," Pae said. "House Bill 2011 is an opportunity to recognize that their service doesn’t end when the flames are extinguished; instead, the risks they carry linger for years in the form of long-term health impacts." Cancer is the primary cause of death among active-duty firefighters. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has designated firefighting as a cancer-causing occupation because of repeated exposure to hazardous substances such as smoke, firefighting foams, diesel exhaust, flame retardants and toxic building materials. These carcinogens, along with others like formaldehyde, asbestos and cigarette smoke, significantly increase the risk of cancer in firefighters. "Our firefighters have our backs in moments of crisis," Pae said. "It’s time we have theirs." For tax year 2028 and subsequent tax years, the total amount of credits used to offset tax would be adjusted annually to limit the annual amount of credits to $1.5 million. The percentage adjustment formula would be $1.5 million divided by the credits claimed in the second preceding year. The measure cleared its final hurdle on Thursday when Senate amendments to the bill were approved by the House 80-2. It now moves to the governor's desk. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Children at risk of being taken or concealed during custody disputes will now have stronger legal protections under House Bill 2081 , authored by Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore, and recently signed into law. HB2081 creates the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act, allowing courts to step in with preventative measures when there is credible evidence that a child may be at risk of being wrongfully taken. Judges can act on their own or respond to petitions from a parent, guardian or district attorney. “This law strengthens the ability of Oklahoma courts to intervene when there is evidence that a child is at risk of abduction,” Blair said. “It puts safeguards in place to help protect children and provide a legal path for swift action when time is critical.” The act allows a verified petition to be filed in a court with custody jurisdiction, along with a copy of any existing custody order. The law outlines what must be included in a petition, including risk factors, past abduction threats or attempts and ties to foreign countries. If the court finds a credible risk, it must issue an abduction prevention order. The court can place restrictions on travel, order supervised visitation, require the surrender of passports or take other steps to prevent a wrongful removal. In emergency situations, the court may issue an ex parte warrant to take immediate physical custody of a child. Law enforcement may also be directed to assist in carrying out prevention measures. “This bill is about keeping children safe, and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for their support and to Governor Kevin Stitt for signing it into law,” Blair said. “This is a strong step forward for families and for the courts tasked with protecting them.” HB2081 takes effect Nov. 1.

A bill designed to better support individuals living with epilepsy is now on its way to the governor's desk after receiving final approval from the House. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, developed the bill in collaboration with Hannah Whitten, the sister of Dylan, whom the bill is named for. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 25 due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is a fatal complication of epilepsy, referring to the sudden death of a person with epilepsy where no other cause is found. House Bill 2013 , known as Dylan's Law, seeks to improve education and awareness around Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) among medical professionals and the public. If signed into law, HB2013 would require the State Commissioner of Health to provide epilepsy education for medical professionals, including training to help them identify patients at risk for SUDEP. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner would also train staff to recognize SUDEP in cases where it may be a cause of death. "Dylan’s Law is about saving lives and honoring those we’ve lost to SUDEP," said Pae. "This legislation gives families, medical professionals and first responders better tools to protect people living with epilepsy. I’m proud of the bipartisan support it received in the Legislature, and I encourage the governor to sign it into law so we can begin making a real difference across Oklahoma." Dylan's sister, Hannah Whitten, praised the bill's passage. "I am so incredibly humbled to see the most comprehensive epilepsy reform bill in the United States named after my brother be approved by the Oklahoma Legislature and head to the Governor’s desk to sign into law," Whitten said. "I pray another family doesn’t have to suffer like we have. I'm very thankful to Representative Pae and Senator Stanley for their tireless work." The bill also tasks the Division of Health Care Information with creating a program to raise awareness of SUDEP risks among people with epilepsy. In addition, autopsies of individuals known to have epilepsy would include an investigation into whether SUDEP was the cause of death, with findings reported on the death certificate and submitted to the North American SUDEP Registry. Beginning June 1, 2026, individuals with epilepsy could voluntarily add a symbol to their state-issued driver’s license or ID card, allowing law enforcement and emergency responders to quickly identify them. The symbol could also be added to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, and individuals would be allowed to remove it at any time. The House gave the bill its final approval 60-22 on Thursday. It now moves to the governor for consideration. If signed into law, it would take effect Nov. 1, 2025.