House Committees

Marissa Murrow, a college student killed by a drunk driver, was the inspiration for legislation taking effect July 1. The measure requires event venue bartenders to undergo certain training. Murrow, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma, was hit by a drunk driver in a head-on collision in October 2020. The driver had been overserved alcohol at a wedding venue. Her parents, Jeff and Kristy Murrow, worked with their lawmakers, Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, and Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, to develop legislation requiring certain training to help bartenders identify inebriation in customers. Under House Bill 2369 , bartenders working at event venues must complete the training, which will be provided by entities approved by the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission. "Marissa's story is a heartbreaking reminder that one irresponsible decision can change countless lives forever," Hill said. "Marissa's legacy is now one that will help prevent dangerous situations before someone gets behind the wheel. No family should have to endure the kind of heartbreak Jeff and Kristy Murrow have experienced, and I hope this law will spare other Oklahoma families from experiencing the same unimaginable loss." "This legislation closes a dangerous loophole in our state's liquor laws by ensuring individuals serving alcohol at event venues hold the exact same standard and responsibility as traditional bartenders," Paxton said. "As a volunteer firefighter for 35 years, too many times I have had the unfortunate experience of working tragic auto accidents caused by drunk drivers. By implementing mandatory, in-person training, we can help stop the over-service of alcohol before a driver ever gets onto our roads. It was a privilege to work alongside Jeff and Kristy Murrow to turn their unimaginable family tragedy into a protective shield for all Oklahomans." According to Victims of Impaired Drivers (VOID), an average of nine Oklahomans lose their lives each week to substance impaired driving. The Marissa Murrow Act went into effect July 1. The ABLE Commission is hosting free, in-person training sessions for new Event Bartender licensees. More information may be found at oklahoma.gov/able-commission .

Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, celebrated the official opening of Oklahoma's Taiwan Regional Trade Office, a move the lawmakers said marks a major milestone in the state's efforts to strengthen international trade. The office, housed within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, officially opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Tuesday. Pae and Pederson, who authored SB209 , said the office will build on an already strong relationship between Oklahoma and Taiwan. "Taiwan has been a valued economic partner and friend for decades, and this office will help open new doors for investment, innovation and job creation," Pae said. "Oklahoma's economy continues to grow because we are willing to think globally and pursue partnerships that benefit our communities. I look forward to seeing the economic opportunities that grow from this office in the coming years." "Oklahoma's longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan has been a valuable partnership for many years, and today's opening of the Taiwan Regional Trade Office builds on that strong foundation," Pederson said. "By expanding trade and encouraging investment, this office will help create new opportunities for Oklahoma businesses and communities. I was proud to author the legislation establishing this office, and I'm grateful to Rep. Pae for his partnership in helping turn that vision into a reality for the benefit of Oklahoma and Southeast Asia." SB209, approved by the Legislature in 2025, became law without the governor's signature and took effect in August.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Newly elected Rep. Sam Wargin Grimaldo, D-Oklahoma City, took his oath of office on Friday in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He was elected during the June primary elections to represent House District 92. “I’m thrilled to welcome Rep. Sam Wargin Grimaldo to the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. ”The House Democratic Caucus is committed to finding solutions to the problems everyday Oklahomans face–whether that be looking at ways to make life more affordable for working families, expanding access to healthcare, or increasing funding for our public schools–to best represent and serve Oklahomans in the State Legislature. I know Rep. Wargin Grimaldo will help to accomplish these goals and more as he serves Oklahoma and House District 92.” Wargin Grimaldo was born and raised in south Oklahoma City and has a passion for serving and supporting communities in the Southside. “Growing up in south Oklahoma City, I experienced firsthand the power of a diverse and hardworking community and what it means to give back to that community,” said Rep. Sam Wargin Grimaldo. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Southside and work to ensure those in my district have someone in the State Capitol who understands their needs and brings them to the table. Oklahomans deserve a government they can hold accountable, access to quality public education, and civil rights protection. I am eager to get to work on these issues and more during my time in the State Legislature.” Wargin Grimaldo is a father and a criminal defense and immigration attorney. Formerly a teacher at Oklahoma City Public Schools, he is dedicated to helping advance public education in Oklahoma. Wargin Grimaldo also worked as an education advocate with the GEAR UP program at UCO before going on to be a bilingual public school teacher and then earning his Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.  Wargin Grimaldo will join the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus (OLLC), currently composed of Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, and Sen. Michael Brooks-Jimenez, D-Oklahoma City.  “I am proud to welcome Sam to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. For years I have seen him championing the needs of our community in the Southside of OKC. From grassroots advocacy to professional service, I look forward to continue our work at the Capitol.” — Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval “Sam’s commitment, whether in the classroom as a school teacher or the courtroom as a criminal defense attorney is a true example of exactly what our state needs. He has always shown up for people, and I’m excited to see him show up for them in the legislature.” — Rep. Annie Menz “As someone who has been deeply engaged in the Southside community, I have seen firsthand the impact that dedicated leaders like Sam can make. I know his years in the classroom to the work he does as an attorney will make him an effective leader at the Capitol.” — Sen. Michael Brooks -END-