Joint Committees

A measure that would include certain judges and justices in Oklahoma's open carry law is heading to the governor's desk. Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, passed  Senate Bill 742  through the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wednesday. The measure amends Oklahoma's Self-Defense Act to allow judges of the Court of Civil Appeals and the Court of Criminal Appeals, as well as Oklahoma Supreme Court justices, to carry a firearm into a courthouse. "This bill ensures that appellate judges and justices, like their district court counterparts, have the ability to protect themselves and others in the courthouse if they so choose," Harris said. "It’s a common-sense update that reflects the reality of modern security concerns. I'm thankful for the support of my House colleagues and hope to see this measure signed into law quickly." The bill was proposed in the Senate by Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville. "Our appellate judges and justices make decisions that carry significant consequences, and they deserve the same ability to protect themselves as our district judges," Gollihare said. "Senate Bill 742 is a practical solution that brings consistency to our law and acknowledges the very real security concerns members of the judiciary face. I appreciate Representative Harris’ leadership in the House and our colleagues’ support in moving this measure forward." Having passed the House 77-14, SB742 awaits action by the governor. If signed into law, it would take effect Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, released the following statement in light of new developments on needed funds at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: "The House has had three public meetings with ODMHSAS and their fiscal staff attempting to determine the amount of funding the agency needs to maintain critical services and get through FY25. On March 31, the House was told that the agency would not have a cash flow issue before the end of the legislative session. However, last night I was informed by the Commissioner that they would be unable to meet basic payroll obligations beginning next week. Since that conversation, the date for running out of funds according to the Commissioner has shifted from May 7 to May 21. We know the services the department delivers to Oklahomans are vital and, in many cases, life and death. However, the House has no faith in the current fiscal position of the department. We have taken every step to understand the fiscal needs of this agency but frankly the systemic mismanagement that has been uncovered is appalling. We have asked the Commissioner to meet publicly with the House Select Committee on Mental Health Monday morning to explain under oath how they have reached this latest number. We are out of time and will not accept any more delays. Individuals at ODMHSAS have known about this shortfall for months yet it is the final month of legislative session and we still do not have answers. This is unacceptable. We will get to the bottom of how this happened and who is responsible. The people of Oklahoma deserve better than this dysfunction. Our top priority remains maintaining vital services while also being good stewards of taxpayer dollars." -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after reports that the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is unable to make payroll for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and is $23M short for the remainder of this fiscal year. “We knew that the financial situation over at ODMHSAS was troublesome, but this is another level that makes me even more concerned as we wrap up this session and work toward finalizing the state’s budget,” Leader Munson said. “This department offers critical services to Oklahomans and needs to be funded properly for the well-being of our state and its citizens. While the legislature and the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency continue to investigate this matter, it is important to remember that real Oklahomans’ tax dollars are at stake here. This is further reason we should not consider the Governor’s request for flat budgets for our agencies or an income tax cut for this year’s budget. It will only end up costing our state more when we know that we cannot afford it right now. We will see more critical services and agencies struggle with funding and be forced to cut or limit services Oklahomans rely on. We have to be responsible with taxpayer dollars if we want them to go toward meaningful, necessary resources for Oklahomans.” -END-