House Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – Children of longtime public school teachers will now qualify for the Oklahoma Promise Scholarship as long as household income is under 700% of the federal poverty level. House Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, authored  House Bill 1727 , which expands the scholarship to include children of all educators who are considered in statute as full-time certified teachers who have taught for at least 10 years in Oklahoma public schools. The years do not have to be consecutive or in the same school. The new law becomes effective July 1.  "This legislation has so many positives," Moore said. "It removes financial barriers, allowing more Oklahoma graduates to go onto higher learning at a lessened cost. It will help with recruitment and retention of teachers. It will incentivize teachers who are alternately or emergency certified to become fully certified and will help us keep those teachers in the classroom longer. It also should increase retention of longtime certified teachers, showing them the value we place on their dedication and expertise." Moore said it's known that students of educators become teachers at a higher rate than other students. This could keep them in Oklahoma for college, making it more likely they will stay here to live, work and raise a family, also while increasing volume in our teacher pipeline.  "This builds on the work the Legislature has done the last few years to improve working conditions for Oklahoma teachers, increasing their pay and benefits, and our efforts to improve academic outcomes for students," he said. The Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP), better known as Oklahoma's Promise, allows students who meet certain income, academic and conduct requirements to earn a college or vocational-technology tuition scholarship. It was created in 1992 by the Legislature to help more Oklahoma families send their children to college. The program is administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. House Bill 1727 was signed into law by the governor on June 10. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The most recent issue of OKC Friday named Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, as one of the Most Powerful Oklahomans of 2025. “I am honored to share this recognition with so many incredible and influential leaders in Oklahoma,” Munson said. “I’m thankful to my constituents and Oklahomans who believe in the work that I do in the Oklahoma Legislature. May we continue to use our power and influence to make Oklahoma a better place for all Oklahomans.” OKC Friday publishes weekly, serving Nichols Hills, The Village and northwest Oklahoma City. -END-

OHOMAHOMA CITY — Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, has been chosen as the Republican Freshman Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) for her work advocating for children and families. This recognition reflects Gise’s commitment to policies that support Oklahoma’s children through thoughtful, effective leadership grounded in conservative principles. "I believe children are our future, and they deserve leaders who put their well-being first," Gise said. "This award is not just about me; it’s about the shared responsibility we have to strengthen families and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed." Among her legislative achievements, Gise authored House Bill 1600 , the Patients’ Bill of Rights. The bill establishes a clear standard of care and outlines fundamental patient rights, promoting transparency across the healthcare system, including in pediatric care, while reinforcing the role of parents in informed, family-centered medical decision-making. This bill will go into effect Nov. 1. She also sponsored House Bill 1601 , known as Archer’s Act, which allows teachers to use accrued sick leave to extend maternity leave to 12 weeks. Gise created this bill to support early childhood development, strong family bonds, and maternal health without creating new taxpayer-funded programs. This bill was approved by the governor and will go into effect Nov. 1. Beyond legislation, Gise has worked closely with the Office of Juvenile Affairs, the Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth to improve outcomes for at-risk youth across Oklahoma. "This recognition highlights the importance of practical, accountable policies that prioritize children’s long-term well-being," Gise said. "We must continue working together to build stronger families and communities in Oklahoma because investing in our children today will only push our state toward lasting strength and success." Gise also serves as vice chair of the Human Services Appropriations and Budget Committee for Oklahoma's 60th Legislature, where she plays an important role in overseeing state resources that impact health and human services programs, especially those that impact children and families across the state.