OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, today commented on the governor signing into law a bill that will require manufactured-protein food products to be clearly labeled as distinct from meat. House Bill 1126 , will require food manufacturers, distributers and retailers to clearly disclose that cell-cultivated or cultured products or those that come from a lab, plants or insect proteins are not meat. Those convicted of false advertising could face a misdemeanor. "I wish to thank Governor Stitt for signing House Bill 1126 into law," Grego said. "This is an effort to help protect beef producers, such as myself, against the flood of products claiming to be meat. Many of these products are derived from plants, insects, or even originate in a Petri dish. I believe if you as a consumer wish to consume these products there should be no doubt as to how they were produced. This bill really is a truth in labeling bill." Grego also thanked Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, the Senate author of the bill, for securing its passage in his legislative chamber. “This law is about truth in labeling, transparency, and ensuring that consumers are not misled by deceptive advertising,” said Sen. Pederson, R-Burlington. “I extend my appreciation to Governor Stitt for signing House Bill 1126 into law to protect consumers and support our state’s meat producers.” Under the provisions of the bill, the burden of proof would be on the manufacturer and not the retailer, Grego said. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry would be responsible for investigating all credible complaints that food products are falsely advertised or misbranded as meat products. The act takes effect Nov. 1.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, carried three Senate bills through the House last week, each focused on public safety and safeguarding Oklahomans. The measures now head to the governor’s desk for final approval. The proposals address domestic violence charges, legal remedies for adults with disabilities and transit worker safety. "These bills reflect our commitment to ensuring that every Oklahoman, regardless of their circumstances, is protected under the law," Miller said. "Whether it’s a transit worker, a domestic violence survivor or an adult with a disability, our goal is simple: to ensure that justice is accessible and the law is a true shield for those who need it most." Senate Bill 541 strengthens safeguards for domestic violence survivors by classifying repeat offenses and assaults, as well as domestic assault and battery of pregnant women, as violent crimes. It also closes a critical loophole, allowing prosecutors to pursue charges in cases involving a deadly weapon, regardless of whether the weapon is a firearm. Senate Bill 731 seeks to restore and expand legal protections for adults with disabilities. This update allows statements from individuals with conditions such as dementia or certain disabilities to be admitted in juvenile and criminal proceedings, ensuring these adults have access to justice. Senate Bill 562 enhances public transit safety by aligning state law with federal definitions of "transit worker" and "rolling stock transit vehicles." In addition, the bill clarifies that assault may include any act that disrupts service or causes harm to a transit system. All three bills passed this week and would take effect Nov. 1, pending the governor’s approval.
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.