Health and Human Services Oversight

Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, today provided an update on the potential distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have notified states that, without congressional action to approve additional funding, SNAP benefits could be delayed or reduced beginning November 1st. Pae and Gise, who lead the House Human Services Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee, said they have been in constant contact with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), who is working closely with federal partners to ensure Oklahomans who rely on SNAP are informed and supported. As of May 2025, Oklahoma has 696,842 active SNAP participants. "We understand how critical SNAP benefits are for Oklahoma families, seniors and children," Pae said. "No family should have to worry about putting food on the table because of uncertainty in Washington. The House is committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure Oklahoma families have the support they need." Gise added, "So many Oklahoma families are already doing everything they can to stretch each dollar, and the threat of losing access to food assistance is deeply unsettling. While we continue to push for solutions at the state and federal level, we also know the strength of our communities lies in how we show up for one another. If you’re in a position to give or volunteer, reach out to your local food banks and community organizations. This is a time that calls for compassion and unity, not politics." On Tuesday, Pae and Gise co-hosted an interim study at the State Capitol examining the effectiveness and future of SNAP in Oklahoma, focusing on ways to reduce the state’s payment error rate and fraud. The study brought together state agencies, food security advocates and policy experts to discuss how to strengthen access to nutrition assistance and improve outcomes for families across the state. "It’s deeply frustrating that gridlock in Washington, driven by Senator Chuck Schumer and the majority of Senate Democrats’ unwillingness to act, is putting critical programs like SNAP at risk," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "Oklahoma families shouldn’t have to pay the price for partisan inaction. The Oklahoma House remains focused on protecting our citizens and ensuring families, seniors and children have access to the support they need, regardless of what happens in D.C."  As more information becomes available, OKDHS will provide updates regarding the effects of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits at oklahoma.gov/okdhs/shutdown .

A measure named after a college student killed by a drunk driver has been passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Marissa Murrow was a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma when she was hit by a drunk driver in a head-on collision in October 2020. The driver had been overserved alcohol at a wedding venue. Marissa's parents, Jeff and Kristy Murrow, have been working with Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, to help prevent similar incidents. Hill, who represents the Murrows' hometown of Mustang, filed House Bill 2369 , which would require bartenders serving alcohol at event venues to hold a separate license. "This bill is not just about policy; it’s about protecting children and families and ensuring that tragedies like Marissa's never happen again," Hill said. "By requiring proper training and accountability for those serving alcohol at these event venues, we are taking meaningful steps to prevent senseless loss. Marissa's memory is the driving force behind this measure, and with the support of the Murrow family, I am hopeful that this law will save lives and make our communities safer for everyone." The measure would also require bartenders to undergo training to help identify inebriation in customers, as well as require that all beer and wine served at an event venue must be served by an ABLE-licensed caterer or event bartender licensee. The new Event Bartender License would be a $50 annual fee and would take effect Nov. 1, 2025. "Thousands of Oklahomans are served alcohol at event venues across the state each year," Jeff Murrow said. "This bill goes a long way to making sure they make it home safely and protecting drivers on our roadways. Kristy and I want to thank Representative Hill and the House of Representatives for their support of this important legislation."  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 passed the House 82-2 and now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.

Legislation updating the Successful Adulthood Act, which provides expanded support for young Oklahomans moving from foster care into adulthood, has been approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, authored House Bill 2361 to provide children who have been in foster care for at least six months and are nearing 18 with their educational transcripts, diplomas and any professional certificates earned during their time in state custody.  "The Successful Adulthood Act is about making sure young Oklahomans have the support they deserve as they navigate the tough adjustment from foster care into adulthood," Hill said. "Providing these young adults with the tools and information they need will help them build a foundation for a successful future. By expanding the services and protections in the Successful Adulthood Act, we are helping these young people move forward with confidence and the resources to obtain employment, find housing and create a better life for themselves." Additionally, the bill includes a provision modeled after the Sarah Stitt Act, which Hill passed in 2021. It requires that individuals leaving the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) after turning 18 be provided with critical documents before re-entering society. These documents include a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate, a social security card, a state-issued driver’s license or ID, educational records and information on securing health insurance and accessing personal medical records. "This provision is a vital addition to the Successful Adulthood Act, ensuring that young people leaving state custody are equipped with the necessary documentation to smoothly move into adulthood and the workforce," Hill stated. "With these resources, they will have a stronger chance of securing housing, employment, and education, ultimately becoming productive members of society and valued members of our communities." HB2361 passed the House 88-4 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.