Commerce & Economic Development Oversight

Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, today commented on the recent announcements that Devon Energy and Expand Energy will both relocate their corporate headquarters to Texas.  Hill, who serves as chair of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee, emphasized the importance of continuing to diversify Oklahoma’s economy.  "The focus of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee is on ensuring Oklahoma is prepared for the future," Hill said. "That means continuing to pursue innovative growth in our energy industry while also investing in the infrastructure, education and workforce development that allow other industries to grow and thrive."  Hill noted that Oklahoma’s economic development strategy must include expanding opportunities in varied industries and other high-growth sectors that provide stability and opportunity for Oklahoma families, such as aerospace, biosciences, advanced manufacturing and others.  "Our state's long-term economic strategy cannot rely on any single company or industry," Hill said. "A diversified economy is how we attract investment, retain talent and ensure state policy keeps pace with opportunity." 

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed three major pieces of legislation sponsored by Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, the chair of House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight. These workforce focused bills are aimed at strengthening the state’s job pipeline, driving innovation, and positioning Oklahoma for long-term economic growth. "Our children shouldn't have to move to Denver or Dallas to launch their careers," Hill said. "I'm proud to help lead a unified effort to align education, training, and economic development in a way that prepares Oklahomans for the jobs of tomorrow. By investing in strategic workforce priorities, we can lay the foundation for a more competitive and prosperous Oklahoma." Senate Bill 324, by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, and Hill, would establish the Oklahoma Research and Development Rebate Fund and Program, which would incentivize private-sector innovation by offering a 5% rebate on qualified research expenditures. The annual rebate, to be administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and capped at $20 million, would encourage job-creating investments in science, technology and advanced manufacturing. Senate Bill 663, by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Hill, moves the Workforce Coordination Revolving Fund from Commerce to the newly established Oklahoma Workforce Commission, ensuring that resources are targeted more efficiently toward high-impact initiatives. The fund would provide grants for critical workforce needs aligned with economic development goals identified by the Education and Economic Development Working Group of the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. Senate Bill 662 , also by Pugh and Hill, charges the Oklahoma Workforce Commission with implementing programs that expand work-based learning opportunities, support high-demand career pathways and foster innovation in K-12 education for workforce readiness. It would also establish the Commission as the centralized data hub for Oklahoma’s workforce efforts, providing policymakers and stakeholders with timely, actionable information through the Legislature’s Workforce & Infrastructure interactive map. All three bills were amended in the House and now return to the Senate for another vote.