House Media

Communications & Public Affairs Division

  • Daniel Seitz > Director of Communications & Public Affairs – House Republican Caucus
  • Tricia Pemberton > Deputy Director of Communications & Public Affairs – House Republican Caucus
  • Tori Garrett > Press Secretary – House Republican Caucus
  • Caroline Estes > Digital Media Specialist – House Republican Caucus
  • Madelyn Hague > Deputy Press Secretary
  • Kandis West > Director of Communications – House Democratic Caucus


Latest Press Releases


Oct 25, 2025
Recent Posts

Lawmakers Call OJA Leadership Change a Chance to Refocus

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton; Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City; Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh; and Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, released the following joint statement after the resignation of Office of Juvenile Affairs Director Tim Tardibono amid recent concerns at the Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center: “We acknowledge Tim Tardibono’s decision to step down as director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. This change gives the agency a chance to restore stability and refocus on its core mission of helping Oklahoma’s youth succeed. “New leadership is a positive step but we know that leadership changes alone don’t fix long-term problems. The challenges at COJC, including staff injuries, low morale and daily operational strain, need real, lasting attention. “We’re calling on the interim director and the OJA Board to move quickly and transparently to strengthen the agency. That means ensuring safe staffing levels, rebuilding morale, supporting trauma-informed care and keeping the focus on rehabilitation and youth development. “We welcome Sharon ‘Shel’ Millington as interim director and look forward to working with OJA leadership, state officials and community partners to bring forward meaningful reforms next session. “The work ahead is significant but we share the same goal: to protect staff, support youth and restore public confidence in Oklahoma’s juvenile justice system.”



Oct 24, 2025
Recent Posts

Roberts’ Study Highlights Deconfliction in Officer Safety

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma lawmakers gathered last week to review an interim study led by Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, titled Deconfliction: Coordination Between Agencies to Ensure Safety for Police . The study examines how law enforcement agencies coordinate operations to prevent dangerous overlaps. between law enforcement officers from different agencies who are working on a case but from different crimes. “I appreciate the opportunity to host this important discussion and bring law enforcement leaders together,” Roberts said. “When our agencies work in sync, it protects officers in the field, strengthens investigations, and ensures taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. Our goal is to keep our communities safe and support the men and women who serve them.” The interim study opened with Detective Van Keuren of the Oklahoma City Police Department, who recounted a 2024 human trafficking investigation in Mustang. Officers from different agencies unknowingly encountered each other during separate undercover operations. The incident, which could have turned deadly, was resolved without injury and led to greater coordination through the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs’ deconfliction system. “This situation shows just how quickly things can go wrong, even when everyone’s following protocol,” Van Keuren said. “We were seconds away from a tragedy simply because two agencies were operating separate investigations without realizing it. Deconfliction systems exist to prevent that, and this incident reinforced how vital it is that every law enforcement agency use the same system and report their operations accurately.” Officials highlighted the critical role of deconfliction, which coordinates operations across agencies to prevent overlap and enhance officer safety. Established in 1996 and integrated into the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) system in 1999, the system now covers thousands of officers and hundreds of agencies statewide. In 2025 alone, nearly 16,000 deconflictions were conducted in Oklahoma. “Deconfliction is more than a tool, it’s a lifeline for officer safety and investigative integrity,” said Donnie Anderson with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. “By coordinating operations, sharing intelligence and preventing overlap, it keeps officers safe and ensures that law enforcement efforts are effective across local, state and federal levels.” Keith Brown, Director of HIDTA emphasized that accountability begins with agency leadership rather than individual officers, and that proper law enforcement leadership training, paired with administrative oversight, ensures deconfliction is used effectively. “Deconfliction failures are rare, but when they happen, they can be costly and dangerous,” Brown said. “The goal is always to protect officers, preserve investigative integrity and ensure taxpayer resources are used effectively. It starts with agency leadership and then their teams following suit.” Captain Jeremy Yurton, commander of Oklahoma’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, highlighted the system’s role in coordinating investigations of internet crimes against children. OSBI triages cyber tips to local, state and federal agencies, ensuring multiple agencies do not duplicate efforts and investigations remain coordinated. “Deconfliction is an essential investigative tool for Internet Crimes Against Children,” Yurton said. “It allows officers to see if multiple tips point to the same suspect, address or device, ensuring we don’t duplicate efforts and can act efficiently to protect children.” Representatives from CLEET stressed that all agencies must comply with deconfliction procedures. While larger agencies generally follow the system, smaller agencies or those refusing to participate pose risks for operational conflicts. CLEET emphasized that accountability measures, including hearings and potential revocation of law enforcement credentials, address intentional noncompliance. “Deconfliction is a mandatory process for law enforcement in Oklahoma, and if an agency or officer intentionally refuses to follow it, there must be accountability,” a CLEET representative said. Officials confirmed that deconfliction training is already incorporated into existing law enforcement education programs, including the Sheriffs Academy, Chiefs Academy, and the two-week investigative academy. They emphasized that the training is straightforward and accessible, but strong leadership and administrative oversight remain essential to ensure consistent use of deconfliction procedures across all agencies statewide. The interim study was requested after House Bill 1862 did not advance through the committee process. The bill, which sought to strengthen coordination between law enforcement agencies during undercover operations, was requested by Oklahoma City Police Captain Kylie Turner. “I look forward to continuing this conversation during the upcoming session,” Roberts said. “There’s broad agreement that deconfliction saves lives and improves coordination. I’m committed to working with law enforcement and my colleagues to make sure Oklahoma has the tools and policies in place to keep our officers and communities safe.” HB1862 remains eligible for consideration in the upcoming 2026 Second Regular Session.



Oct 24, 2025
Recent Posts

House Speaker Removes Rep. Pittman From All Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, comments on the removal of Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, effective immediately: “I have taken the minority caucus’ recommendation and have removed Rep. Pittman from all committee assignments, in addition to her previous removal from the State Tribal Relations Committee. These are serious findings from the Ethics Commission, in addition to an ongoing criminal investigation, so I feel this additional step is warranted.”