Conference Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey  Caldwell , R-Faxon, made the following statement after  Senate leaders unveil a plan to fund teacher pay raise and education: "We look forward to working with the Senate through our normal budget process as we determine our education priorities and how to best move Oklahoma forward. We have concerns about any proposal that negatively impacts the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). The House has consistently supported commonsense retirement reforms to help experienced teachers return to the classroom, which the Senate has repeatedly rejected. We want to see the full details of Senator Pugh's plan as we work to strengthen our schools without compromising our educators’ long-term stability."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking passed unanimously in the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. Roe, a veteran nurse practitioner and chair of the House Public Health Committee, said the measure is designed to ensure victims can safely seek help while receiving medical care. "Too often, victims are hiding in plain sight, even in places where they should feel safest," Roe said. "I received a note from a survivor of human trafficking about her struggle to find safety, and it is clear we can do more. I have seen how critical those quiet moments are between a patient and a provider. This bill gives victims a voice and a clear path to help when they are ready." House Bill 3287 would require all hospitals and health care facilities in Oklahoma to post signage related to domestic violence and human trafficking in both inconspicuous areas and private spaces intended for patient-provider use. The signage would inform victims that they can notify facility staff if they are experiencing abuse, coercion or trafficking. The measure also requires facilities to establish clear protocols for responding when a victim comes forward. These procedures would include reporting to law enforcement upon a victim’s request and ensuring the victim can be discharged or released safely without alerting or interference from an alleged perpetrator. "Some hospitals are already asking patients if they are victims of domestic violence or human trafficking," Roe said. "I have even seen situations where patients were told to place a red dot on a cup and leave it in a bathroom bin with their name. While those efforts are well-intentioned, this bill ensures every hospital has clear, consistent protocols in place to respond immediately and safely when a victim comes forward." Under the measure, the Oklahoma State Department of Health would be responsible for developing and distributing the required signage, which facilities could request at the cost of printing and postage. Roe said while some hospitals already screen patients for domestic violence or human trafficking, practices vary widely across the state. HB3287 would establish a consistent, statewide standard and ensure facilities are prepared to respond when a victim comes forward, often in the only moments they are safely separated from their abuser. "A hospital visit may be the only chance someone has to ask for help without fear," Roe said. "We have a responsibility to be ready for that moment and to respond in a way that protects their safety and restores their hope." HB3287 is now eligible to be heard on the House Floor.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A concurrent resolution by Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore, and Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, honoring Oklahoma native and country music icon Toby Keith and supporting the naming of a planned turnpike in his memory was heard on the Senate floor today and adopted. House Concurrent Resolution 1019 recognizes Keith’s lasting impact on music, his deep Oklahoma roots and his legacy of service to the nation. The measure proposes naming the new turnpike corridor the Toby Keith Expressway . The measure was heard and adopted on the House floor on Feb. 25. "Toby Keith was more than a country music star. He was a proud Oklahoman who never forgot where he came from," Blair said. "Naming this turnpike in his honor is a fitting way to recognize a man who represented our state with ultimate patriotism and generosity." The planned route is part of the ACCESS Oklahoma Long-Range Plan and would extend from Interstate 44 east to Interstate 35 near Indian Hills Road, continuing east and north to Interstate 40 at the Kickapoo Turnpike. The project is intended to improve safety, strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. "Over the course of his legendary career, Toby Keith never forgot where he came from or what he stood for," said Standridge. "His Oklahoma roots shaped him, and his love of America defined him. He was a country music superstar and a true patriot. I can think of no better way to honor his memory than by naming this future stretch of Norman turnpike in his honor, creating a lasting tribute to the legacy he leaves behind." Born in Clinton and raised in Moore, Keith rose to national prominence with a career that included more than 40 million albums sold and over 20 No. 1 hits. His songs, including "Should’ve Been a Cowboy," "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" and "American Soldier," earned widespread acclaim and a loyal fan base. In addition to his musical success, Keith was known for his unwavering support of the U.S. military. He performed more than 300 shows on USO tours in combat zones, offering encouragement to American service members stationed overseas. Keith also made a lasting impact through his charitable work. After a devastating tornado struck his hometown of Moore in 2013, Keith organized the OK Twister Relief Concert to support families who lost their homes and faced significant hardship in the storm’s aftermath. He also created the Toby Keith Foundation , which has helped children with cancer since 2006, focusing on providing no-cost housing for families during treatment. In 2014, the foundation opened OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for pediatric cancer patients receiving care at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, the Stephenson Cancer Center and other nearby facilities. "Toby Keith’s legacy goes far beyond music," Blair said. "He spent years supporting our troops and helping families and children in some of the toughest moments imaginable. This turnpike designation is just a small way to ensure his impact will be remembered by generations to come." Keith died Feb. 5, 2024, following a battle with cancer. The resolution honors his life, patriotism and enduring contributions to Oklahoma and the nation.