Committees

A new law modernizing Oklahoma’s election calendar will affect elections beginning Jan. 1, 2026, bringing greater clarity, consistency and efficiency to when elections are held across the state. Senate Bill 652 consolidates Oklahoma’s election dates into five standard election days each year, held in February, April, June, August and November. Previously, Oklahoma law allowed for up to 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and up to seven in even-numbered years. Frequent, low-profile elections often draw a small fraction of registered voters while requiring significant time and resources from county election boards and poll workers. The legislation was authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and was carried in the House by Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond. "Senate Bill 652 brings much needed clarity and consistency to Oklahoma’s election calendar," Paxton said. "By streamlining our elections to five set dates each year, we create a more predictable system for voters, election officials and local governments. Fewer, clearly defined election days will reduce confusion, improve administration and help boost voter turnout by making it easier for Oklahomans to know when elections are happening and plan to participate." Osburn said these updates will reduce the number of obscure election days, helping voters more easily keep track of elections and making elections easier to staff. "The existing patchwork system of election dates has often created confusion for voters, which contributes to low voter turnout," Osburn said. "This reform provides relief by creating a predictable schedule that saves time, reduces administrative strain and help counties better steward taxpayer dollars. By modernizing our election calendar to be clear and consistent, Oklahomans can more easily participate in elections and make their voices heard." While SB652 reorganizes the timing of certain special elections, propositions and candidate races, it leaves all existing voting processes intact. Absentee voting, early voting and voter access options remain unchanged. The bill also preserves key exceptions, including the governor’s authority to call special elections outside the standard calendar when necessary. The bill took effect on Nov. 1, 2025, but only affects elections occurring after Jan. 1, 2026. Election information for currently scheduled special elections remain unchanged.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, has filed House Joint Resolution 1037 , a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at increasing public accountability and oversight of Oklahoma’s publicly funded colleges and universities. HJR1037 would give lawmakers limited authority to temporarily freeze, suspend or withhold state-appropriated funding from institutions within the State System of Higher Education through a joint resolution, placing ultimate authority with Oklahoma voters. "This measure, if passed, would allow the people of Oklahoma to hold our publicly funded universities and colleges accountable," Woolley said. "How tax dollars are utilized should always be subject to the will of the people." Under the proposed amendment, any funding action would apply only to state-appropriated dollars and would not affect tuition, fees or private funds. Any freeze, suspension or withholding of funds would be limited to a maximum of two years, with funding automatically restored at the end of that period unless lawmakers take further action. The Legislature would also have the ability to modify, extend within the allowed timeframe or terminate the action early. "The practices that take place within our educational institutions have implications that reach every Oklahoman when graduates enter the workforce, the classroom or the public square," Woolley said. "We must make sure that entities using taxpayer dollars are working in the best interest of the people of Oklahoma." Woolley said the resolution is intended to strengthen accountability while preserving voter control. "Our universities and colleges should be grounded in truth, reality and science when it comes to academic content, school climate and culture," he said. "A stronger system of accountability through the people of Oklahoma will help ensure quality education and responsible use of tax dollars." HJR1037 must be approved by a majority of both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma State Senate before being placed on a statewide ballot for voter consideration. The resolution is eligible to be heard beginning Feb. 2, when the Second Regular Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature convenes.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, announced today that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming election for House District 1. Dempsey issued the following statement: "Today I'm announcing that I will not seek reelection. I want to thank all my friends and supporters for electing me. Let me say that serving these past five years has been very rewarding, but it's time for me to come home. "I know people will ask me what comes next. I am returning to work for the same person I served before joining Senator Mullin: my wife. I look forward to continuing the work for this upcoming legislative session, but I do not know where the Lord will lead me after that. I never imagined I would serve as a state representative, but I am grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. It has been one of the most humbling and rewarding jobs I have ever had. God Bless." Dempsey was first elected in 2020 to represent House District 1 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Born in Idabel, Dempsey is a graduate of Valliant High School and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Prior to his election to the Legislature, he worked as a field representative for U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin and previously served five years on the Valliant School Board. Dempsey and his wife have been married for more than 25 years and have two sons. His family owns and operates a small farm in Valliant. To date in the Oklahoma House, Dempsey has been the principal or author of 61 House bills, with 11 signed into law. Much of his legislative work has focused on wildlife, hunting and gaming issues, reflecting the importance of outdoor recreation and tourism to House District 1, which includes Broken Bow, Eagletown, Fanshawe, Garvin, Golden, Haworth, Hochatown, Idabel, Le Flore, Talihina, Valliant, Whitesboro, Wister and Wright City. Dempsey currently serves as chair of the County and Municipal Government Committee and is a member of the Government Oversight Committee, Transportation Committee, and the Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee. This year, Dempsey was named Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Rifle Association in recognition of his strong support for Second Amendment rights and his advocacy for Oklahoma gun owners and firearms enthusiasts. In 2024, he was also recognized by the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center as a Legislative Advocate, and in 2022, he was named Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Wildlife Management Association. Dempsey will complete his current term during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.