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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, released the following statement after a wreck in his district occurred Monday night involving a Minco school bus carrying several players and coaches from the Minco High School softball team. "My heart is heavy for the students, coaches and families affected by this tragic accident," Lowe said. "This is a time when we must all come together in prayer and allow the families space and privacy as they walk through the days ahead. The administration at Minco Public Schools is one of the best in the state and the courage of these young people and their coaches inspires us all." Lowe had the opportunity to visit with Minco Superintendent Kevin Sims this morning to receive an update on the accident and those involved. While several remain in critical condition in the hospital, as the superintendent put it, “broken bones heal faster than broken hearts,” and the community is fortunate this was not a fatality situation. "When terrible situations like these hit a community, it reminds us how important those around us are," Lowe said. "Oklahomans always come together in our time of need. The entire state is standing with Minco, and we will continue to surround these families with love and support in the days ahead. I encourage everyone to step in and help in any way they can." Lowe is working closely with the Minco community to provide assistance and support where it is needed most. The administration at Minco Public Schools is also preparing for students to return and for the school to begin processing this situation together. Updates on the accident, school schedules and ways the community can help will be posted on the Minco Public School's Facebook page.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, was honored Saturday as the Legislative/Government Official of the Year  for 2025 by the Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma (LCA). He received the award during the organization’s annual gala at the Grand Casino in Shawnee. The LCA hosts its gala each year to recognize early education professionals and individuals who make a positive impact on the field. “When the Department of Human Services introduced abrupt rule changes that threatened to close daycare centers across Oklahoma, the Licensed Child Care Association stepped forward to make sure lawmakers understood what was at stake,” Maynard said. “After hearing their concerns, I was able to work with DHS to modify those rules and protect an essential service for families in every community. I’m humbled by this recognition, but the real win is that we preserved vital child care options for parents and children across our state.” Maynard currently serves on the House Common Education Committee and chairs the House Government Modernization & Technology Committee. He is also a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development Oversight Committee, the Administrative Rules Committee, and the Appropriations & Budget Finance Subcommittee. LCA Executive Board member Tina Feltman said Maynard was selected for the award primarily because of his work on administrative rules. She said Maynard was always agreeable to sitting down and discussing matters with board members. His taking time to listen and to check into issues for them, proved invaluable to the organization. Feltman noted that every LCA member across the state votes on the award recipient. She said members especially appreciated Maynard’s openness to questioning rules when necessary and his commitment to ensuring that early childhood educators have a voice in the process.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, has been nominated and accepted the position of Co-Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures Transportation Standing Committee for the next two-year term. Miller previously served as Vice-Chair of the committee where she was recognized for her leadership, dedication and active engagement in transportation policy at the state and national levels. She currently serves as Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, where she leads efforts to shape policy, guide infrastructure investment and advance workforce development across Oklahoma’s transportation and aerospace sectors. "I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of NCSL’s Transportation Standing Committee," Miller said. "Transportation connects our communities and drives our economy. Over the years, working on everything from surface transportation to the aviation and aerospace sector, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful policy and consistent, reliable transportation funding can make a real difference for families, workers, and businesses. I look forward to working with legislators across the country to bring back solutions that strengthen safety and improve efficiency to keep Oklahoma moving forward. The NCSL Transportation Standing Committee brings together state legislators from across the nation to address issues related to transportation policy, infrastructure development and safety. Members collaborate to share ideas, research and strategies that improve the effectiveness of transportation systems at both the state and federal levels. Miller looks forward to continuing her work on transportation issues and representing Oklahoma in this national forum.

OKLAHOMA CITY - In response to ongoing discussions about mandating E-Verify for employees in Oklahoma, Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, chair of the House Business Committee, issued the following statement:  “Although I appreciate the intent to protect Oklahoma jobs and wages, I have serious concerns about placing additional burdens on Oklahoma’s small businesses,” Banning said. “Requiring E-Verify for every W-2 employee would subject most Oklahomans to yet another federal database and would create additional regulatory challenges for Oklahoma businesses. If a business chooses to utilize E-Verify, I respect their decision but I cannot support making its use mandatory for every employer and employee in our state.”  E-Verify is a federal program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration. The system allows employers to confirm the employment eligibility of employees by comparing information from an employee’s Form I-9. Federal law already mandates Form I-9, which confirms employee eligibility to work in the United States.  Under federal law, most private employers are not required to use E-Verify unless they hold federal contracts or operate in states where its use is mandated. In Oklahoma, private employers are not required to use E-Verify though some choose to do so voluntarily. Banning emphasized that while he supports efforts to address illegal immigration, he believes any solution should balance enforcement with protecting small businesses and Oklahomans’ liberty.  “I fully support upholding the law and ensuring individuals come to the United States legally,” Banning said. “However, we must be careful not to create unnecessary obstacles for the Oklahoma businesses that drive our economy.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, and Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, received Legislator of the Year awards recently from the Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA). The two were recognized during an Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The dinner was part of the ORA's annual expo. "It's wonderful to be recognized for legislation I've authored and supported that is pro-business, pro-economy and lower taxes for individuals and businesses," Bashore said. "During my time as a legislator I've focused on legislation that will allow everyday Oklahomans to keep more of their hard-earned income or that would help businesses come out from under onerous regulations so they can operate more freely, which always improves the overall economy." Fetgatter said, "I've worked hard as a legislator to make sure food service and other entertainment and hospitality industries thrive in Oklahoma. These business owners contribute not just to our job market and our economy, but they enhance our overall quality of life. I'm proud to have been awarded for my efforts." Bashore currently serves as Majority Deputy Floor Leader in the House. Before being elected to state office in 2020, he was general manager of a casino and resort where he led hundreds of employees and oversaw numerous high-profile sporting events and concerts, resulting in tens of millions of dollars positively impacting the state economy. He's also is credited with reviving a struggling Oklahoma Boxing Commission as its executive director. Fetgatter currently serves as Tribal and External Affairs Leader in the House. He was elected as a representative in 2016. Prior to that, he owned a construction company, worked in sales and marketing for a web-based technology company as well as in the grocery business. In the Legislature, he's worked to promote business-friendly policies and create economic development opportunities.  The Oklahoma Restaurant Association also manages the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. They note that Oklahoma’s hospitality sector – including foodservice, lodging and tourism – is the third-largest industry in the state. The jobs created lead to continued growth in disposable personal income. The association reports that within Oklahoma, every dollar spent in these establishments generates an additional $1.60-1.79 of sales for the state economy. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, was appointed by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert to serve as the Oklahoma House Democratic representative on the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board. “I am thankful and honored to be appointed to the SAFE Board by Speaker Hilbert,” said Provenzano. “Victims of sexual violence deserve swift, tangible support when it comes to access to appropriate treatment and testing, and a solid foundation for moving forward. No one should go through these things alone. I look forward to being a part of a board that is working to make that happen.” SAFE Board is tasked with evaluating and improving systems involved with sexual assault forensic evidence processing, including medical and law enforcement entities. The SAFE Board is made up of 17 members: two members of the Oklahoma Senate, two members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the Attorney General, law enforcement leaders, medical professionals, victim advocates, and a sexual assault survivor. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, held an interim study last week on judicial reform proposals aimed at increasing accountability within the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) before the House Criminal Judiciary Committee. The study focused on two of Woolley's measures, House Bill 1100 and House Bill 1164, which would strengthen judicial safeguards and prevent government overreach in child custody cases. “These reforms are about protecting families from unnecessary government intrusion,” Woolley said. “Children should not be displaced based on flimsy evidence or unchecked bureaucratic decisions. If DHS is going to step into a family’s life, it must be held to the highest standard of proof and full transparency.” HB1100 would increase the standard of evidence required before a child can be removed from parental custody. Courts would be required to find "clear and convincing" evidence, rather than the current "preponderance of evidence" standard, before allowing DHS to continue to keep a child from their family. The bill would also add an additional review hearing 15 days after a child is removed from the home to ensure judges receive full information before extending removals. HB1164 would expand accountability by establishing clear procedures for DHS actions, custody decisions and recordkeeping. The measure includes safeguards for emergency motions, regular court reassessments, reporting requirements and audits. It would also provide civil remedies and criminal penalties for agency noncompliance. Woolley said the measures represent a commitment to ensuring government remains accountable to the people it serves. “No government agency should operate without oversight, especially one entrusted with the most sensitive responsibility of protecting children,” Woolley said. “Oklahomans expect their constitutional rights to be respected, and these bills are about putting power back where it belongs, which is always into the hands of families and the courts, not unchecked bureaucrats.” Those who attended and spoke at the study included former OKDHS employees, private investigators, impacted families, attorneys and lawmakers. Woolley thanked participants and pledged to continue working with DHS leadership to improve services while protecting constitutional rights. “While DHS was unable to attend this session, I want to thank Director Cartmell for the conversations we’ve had so far,” Woolley said. “I look forward to further discussions that will make the department stronger and more accountable to Oklahoma families.” HB1100 and HB1164 remain eligible for consideration in the upcoming 2026 Second Regular Session.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, hosted a public forum at the Oklahoma State Capitol to allow Oklahomans to voice their opinions and concerns regarding public education in Oklahoma. The forum occurred after the Oklahoma State Department of Education abruptly canceled their monthly meeting and featured members of the public who would have otherwise made public comments at the meeting. “I am so thrilled at the turn out of Oklahomans who came to the capitol to voice their thoughts and concerns with lawmakers on public education in Oklahoma,” said McCane. “I want to thank everyone who showed up and your effort to go out of your way to advocate for Oklahoma children does not go unnoticed. I urge Oklahomans to continue this conversation and to feel free to contact my office with any other questions or concerns on how to provide solutions to the problems taking place within our public education system. When Oklahomans bring their voices to the capitol, lawmakers can better represent them, and we can all do better when it comes to making positive change for a brighter future for public education in Oklahoma.” McCane will share comments and concerns brought up during the forum with every sitting member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate to promote collaboration on solutions and strategies to improve Oklahoma Public Education. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today asked Oklahoma's attorney general to establish a multi-county grand jury to investigate the Oklahoma judicial system. In his letter, Humphrey referenced a recent federal appeals court ruling that favored a family suing members of the Wagoner County sheriff's office. Jeffrey Krueger died in 2019 after an arrest. His family sued arguing deputies used excessive force during the arrest. The United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit recently ruled the defendants in the lawsuit are not entitled to qualified immunity and the district court's recitation of the facts was incomplete. "Being a former law enforcement officer myself, I am generally going to be on the side of law enforcement," Humphrey said. "But this case deserves much greater scrutiny." Humphrey also referenced a recent Oklahoma Supreme Court public reprimand of Special Judge Emily Mueller. In their rebuke, justices noted violations of the state's Judicial Code of Conduct and found the judge's behavior to be biased, rude, undignified and disrespectful to attorneys and others in and out of her courtroom. "Based on the revelations revealed in these current reviews of our Oklahoma judicial system, I feel that you no longer can avoid calling a multi-county grand jury," Humphrey wrote to the attorney general. "I encourage you to act swiftly in convening a multi-county grand jury to look into these and all other matters." A full copy of the letter can be read here .