Joint Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – In a direct response to the governor's veto of a bill, legislative leaders took action to extend the operations of the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, which oversees the licenses of more than 77,000 Oklahomans. Senate Bill 676 , carried in the House by Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, extends the sunset date of the Board by another year, a necessary change after legislation extending the date to 2028 was vetoed.  "Legislators in both chambers united to protect the careers of 77,000 people and stand for the health of four million Oklahomans," Hill said. "While there are many components of the Board that may be better suited for the Oklahoma Department of Health, any shifted responsibilities should come about through an intentional process, not a temper tantrum. Ultimately, I'm proud the Legislature was able to find a solution that allows more time for conversation around changes as we determine the best path forward." House Bill 1030 , by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, would have extended the Board's sunset date to 2028. The measure was vetoed by Gov. Kevin Stitt on May 14, who wrote in his veto message that the board "should be restructured or consolidated." "Eliminating the Board doesn’t erase its responsibilities. The laws and administrative rules tied to its functions remain in place, and ignoring that would likely create serious consequences. If those responsibilities are to be reassigned, it must be done carefully and deliberately to avoid unnecessary disruption for license holders and small businesses across the state. Widespread support across the state reinforced the importance of extending the Board’s sunset as a sound and necessary decision. Alongside my colleagues, I remain committed to pursuing a thoughtful, long-term solution." SB676 took effect immediately upon being signed into law.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1678 is now law after passing both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature and advancing without the governor’s signature. The bill, authored by Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, updates procedures for how tie votes are handled in Oklahoma elections.  HB1678, originally intended to mandate a runoff in the event of a tie vote, was amended in the Senate before final passage. The new law still relies on a random drawing to determine the winner in tied races but provides more structure and transparency in how those drawings are conducted. “Even though it's not exactly what we wanted in the end, it will be better for drawing up the rules,” Townley said. “This is still a step in the right direction to make sure these decisions are made clearly, publicly and by a process people can understand.” While it maintains the current practice of settling tied elections by lot, it now requires clearer notification protocols, uniform materials, and a standardized method for conducting the drawing in front of witnesses.  “People should feel confident that even in rare cases like a tie, our system is consistent and fair,” Townley said.  Townley proposed the legislation after a 2024 primary race in Carter County was decided by a drawing. The bill is set to take effect November 1, 2025.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aimed at establishing clear guidelines for carbon capture and storage in Oklahoma has received final legislative approval and will take effect later this year. Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, co-authored Senate Bill 269 with Sen. Dave Rader to ensure the state maintains regulatory control over carbon sequestration efforts. The measure gives the Oklahoma Corporation Commission exclusive authority over Class VI CO2 injection wells and related storage units. “These companies are willing to invest millions in Oklahoma without asking for tax credits or special incentives from the state,” Luttrell said. “In return, this bill gives them regulatory certainty under Oklahoma’s authority, while also protecting landowners and ensuring long-term accountability.” SB269 was the result of collaboration between the Corporation Commission, the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and carbon capture companies. It sets requirements for CO2 storage site applications, including ownership of at least 63 percent of the land in the proposed unit, a submitted map of the affected area and notice to surface owners, mineral rights holders and owners of impacted wells. “Senate Bill 269 sets Oklahoma up to lead the nation in the fast-growing carbon capture and sequestration industry, an emerging field that is poised to spur private investment and economic growth in the state,” said Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa. “This law ensures that oversight of this emerging industry stays with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, not Washington bureaucrats, so rules and regulations addressing this developing sector reflect what’s best for all Oklahomans.” Public notice must be given through two publications, with one issued no fewer than 30 days before the Corporation Commission hearing. No injection may occur without commission authorization, and the agency is directed to issue a certificate of completion within 50 years of injection ending, assuming regulatory compliance and maintained mechanical integrity. The bill also creates the Class VI Carbon Sequestration Storage Facility Revolving Fund. Once a facility deposits $5 million or more into the fund, its fees will pause until expenditures bring the balance below $4 million. The Corporation Commission must provide electronic reports to legislative leaders evaluating the fund’s effectiveness. SB269 goes into effect Nov. 1.