OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, has filed legislation to create a temporary sales tax exemption on fireworks as Oklahoma and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. House Bill 4093 would establish a four-day, tax-free period for the sale of fireworks beginning at 12:01 a.m. July 2. and ending at midnight July 5. The exemption is intended to coincide with Independence Day celebrations marking America’s semiquincentennial. "This is a historic milestone for our country, and it deserves to be celebrated in a big way," Norwood said. "Fireworks are part of how families and communities come together on Independence Day, and this bill helps make it easier for all Oklahomans to celebrate with a tax-free weekend." The measure defines fireworks as any combustible or explosive item sold to the general public for producing a visible or audible effect and directs the Oklahoma Tax Commission to promulgate rules necessary to implement the exemption. Norwood said the legislation is meant to honor the nation’s history while encouraging shared moments of celebration. "There is something special about watching fireworks on the Fourth of July," Norwood said. "They represent joy, freedom and the sacrifices that made this country possible, and I want families across Oklahoma to fully enjoy that experience as we mark 250 years of independence." If approved, the bill would take effect July 1, ensuring the exemption is in place for the Independence Day holiday period. HB4093 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, filed two bills today that will ensure taxpayer-funded assistance programs are only reserved for those who are lawfully present in the United States. The bills will make sure the state is Safeguarding Eligibility, Compliance and Use of Resources Efficiently (SECURE) when it comes to state and federal assistance. “These bills are about accountability, fairness and the rule of law,” Speaker Hilbert said. “Oklahoma taxpayers should never be forced to subsidize benefits for individuals who are in our country illegally. These services are intended for legal tax-paying citizens, and we are going to make sure that is who is receiving these benefits in Oklahoma.” The bills, HB 4422 and HB 4423, both reinforce eligibility standards for public assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid and Women Infant Children (WIC), by clarifying that individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States are ineligible for taxpayer-funded benefits. The legislation strengthens verification requirements to ensure state agencies are complying with federal law and that benefits are directed to eligible recipients only. Speaker Hilbert said the legislation is pro-worker, pro-taxpayer and pro-law enforcement. “We continue to undo the effects of reckless federal border policies created by the Biden Administration that have made every state a border state. Oklahoma must send a clear message: we stand with legal immigrants, American workers and the men and women of ICE and Border Patrol who enforce our laws,” Hilbert said. "This promotes cooperation with federal authorities and reinforces that Oklahoma will not serve as a magnet for illegal immigration or the misuse of public resources." Together, these measures reaffirm House leadership’s dedication to an America First agenda focused on Safeguarding Eligibility, Compliance and Use of Resources Efficiently (SECURE).
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, has filed legislation aimed at improving safety for students traveling to and from school on high-speed state highways. The bill is named in honor of 9-year-old Talyn Bain, who tragically passed in a traffic accident in Glenpool while on his way to school. House Bill 2979 , known as the Talyn Bain Act, would require the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to establish reduced-speed school zones on certain state highways upon request by a local jurisdiction. The measure applies to high-speed roadways that run directly alongside public or private school property and lack adequate access roads or grade-separated entrances. “Talyn was a young boy with a full life ahead of him, and his loss is something no family should ever have to endure,” Banning said. “This bill seeks to honor Talyn in a meaningful way by taking responsible steps to better protect children on their way to and from school.” Under the proposal, ODOT would be required to establish a 45 miles per hour school zone on qualifying state highways adjacent to schools. The reduced speed would be enforceable during designated drop-off and pick-up times when flashing beacons are active, including during school-designated hours approved by the department. Local jurisdictions would be responsible for maintaining and operating all school zone signage and equipment once installed. “This is a practical step that helps communities slow things down where children are crossing, learning and growing,” Banning said. “When local schools and cities see a safety concern, this bill gives them a way to step in and help prevent another family from facing this kind of loss.” HB2979 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature and, if passed, would take effect Nov. 1, 2026.