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OKLAHOMA CITY – If Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, has her way, the people of Oklahoma could soon have the opportunity to cast a key vote in defense of property owners' rights. Jenkins has filed House Joint Resolution 1003, an initiative aimed at ending the abuse of eminent domain by private companies that take government subsidies and leverage them to seize private property. Jenkins introduced the resolution after a private company began approaching landowners in her district, pressuring them to relinquish their property for the construction of a transmission line tied to federally subsidized green energy projects. "The people of Oklahoma believe eminent domain should never be accessible to large, government-subsidized corporations," Jenkins said. "House Joint Resolution 1003 would give people the opportunity to have their voices heard and vote whether to prevent this kind of abuse." If passed by Oklahoma voters, the resolution would amend the State Constitution to ensure that subsidized private companies could no longer use eminent domain to take property. Instead, they would be required to negotiate directly with property owners. The measure would also prohibit wind energy companies from using eminent domain to construct wind turbines. "I trust that my fellow Oklahomans will do the right thing and advance this important proposal swiftly,” Jenkins said. “Oklahoma landowners are currently under duress and they need immediate relief.” Jenkins is urging any constituents who are threatened by the use of eminent domain to take their property to contact her office for assistance. HJR1003 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3. If passed, Oklahomans could see it on the ballot in 2026.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, has filed legislation to prohibit the sharing of revenge pornography developed through the use of artificial intelligence. House Bill 1364 , which Hasenbeck filed last week, would add sexual content created through artificial intelligence to the statute prohibiting the sharing of revenge pornography. The nonconsensual distribution of pornography with the intent to harass or humiliate the subject became a misdemeanor in 2016. "AI has its uses, but it also poses very serious threats," Hasenbeck said. "The sharing of revenge pornography, whether real or created by AI, destroys a person's sense of privacy and dignity, wrecks their mental health and ruins lives." Last year, Hasenbeck passed legislation to include artificial intelligence depictions of a child engaged in sexually explicit content in the definition of "child pornography." After House Bill 3642 took effect on Nov. 1, people using AI to create or view child porn may now be prosecuted. "The rapid development of AI has brought an equally rapid development of threats," Hasenbeck said. "Anybody with a smartphone could create a deepfake pornography video or photo using a screenshot from someone's social media or dating profile. It's critical that our existing laws keep pace with the risks posed by new technology in order to protect Oklahomans from exploitation and harassment." HB1364 is eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, has filed a bill that would require investigating law enforcement agencies to inform victims of sexual assault the status of any forensic evidence collected as part of their criminal case. House Bill 2705 will be eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislation session, which starts Feb. 3. Ford, a former police officer with more than 25 years of service, said, "Sexual assault is a horrific crime that already steals too much from victims. This measure is intended to at least give them the peace of mind in knowing whether a law enforcement agency has forensic evidence in their possession and the status of that evidence being processed and potentially matched with the perpetrator of the crime." HB2705 includes a victim's right to be informed of whether a DNA profile was obtained during forensic evidence collection. If so, whether the DNA profile has been entered into a Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Database, and whether there is a confirmed match between the DNA profile developed from the sexual assault evidence and a DNA profile contained within the CODIS Database. The measure does not, however, require the disclosure of evidence, information, or results which would impede or compromise an ongoing criminal investigation. If signed into law, the measure would take effect Nov. 1. HB2705 builds upon previous measures Ford has filed to better protect victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. House Bill 4374 was signed into law in 2022, expanding the definition of who can obtain a protective order. House Bill 3863 was signed into law in 2024, exempting domestic violence victims from initial credit and deposit requirements for public utilities in an effort to ensure they can secure safe housing in a timelier manner.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, an opponent of corporate welfare, today issued a stark warning regarding the ongoing misuse of public funds. "Corporate welfare is when the government takes the public's money to manipulate the economy, choosing winners and losers in the free market," Gann said. "In recent years, this practice has intensified, creating an era of corporate welfare on steroids, as Oklahoma government has pushed massive green-energy giveaways that align more with a liberal agenda than Oklahoma's conservative values." Gann pointed to last week's bankruptcy of the high-profile, green-energy, electric vehicle startup, CANOO, as a prime example of why government must stop interfering in the free market. Canoo's manufacturing plant in Pryor is in Gann's House district. "The bankruptcy of CANOO is yet another indicator that government must stop trying to pick winners and losers—they are terrible at it," Gann said. In March 2022, Gann authored an opinion article titled Is Oklahoma Being Sold Down the River for CANOO? , in which he raised concerns about the company's questionable financial statements and attempted to warn the public about the perils of government subsidies for privileged businesses such as CANOO. "Despite my warnings, my advice was not heeded. Instead, numerous public benefits were lavished on CANOO. Now, three years later, CANOO has declared bankruptcy, once again proving the folly of these corporate giveaways," Gann stated. According to Gann, the last few years have seen an unprecedented acceleration of corporate welfare, with Oklahoma's government pursuing one green-energy scheme after another in a reckless bid to hand out public funds. "This era of corporate welfare has wasted millions of our resources and valuable time. It must end," Gann said. Gann further criticized the methods by which these corporate welfare deals have been carried out, citing several alarming trends, including: The signing of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), effectively preventing public discussion on multimillion-dollar deals; Rushing multimillion-dollar corporate giveaways through the legislative process with minimal public transparency; Awarding public funds to multinational, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)-touting corporations that do not align with Oklahomans' values; and Once, even cutting off debate and denying Gann the opportunity to ask further questions about a specific multi-million-dollar corporate handout. "In the most recent iteration of this disturbing trend, a special super committee has been dedicated to considering future giveaways," Gann noted. "This era of corporate welfare on steroids has led to abuses previously unimaginable," Gann said. "The CANOO bankruptcy is just the latest proof that these policies do not work. Instead of attempting to micromanage the economy, we need to step back and allow the free market to operate without government interference." Gann concluded by calling for a reversal of course, prioritizing fiscal responsibility and respect for the free market. "The government must stop wasting its time and the public's resources on these misguided efforts," he said.

OKLAHOMA CITY– Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, has filed House Joint Resolution 1001 aimed at providing financial relief to Oklahoma senior homeowners. This initiative seeks to stabilize property taxes for those aged 65 and older who meet certain criteria, ensuring that they can remain in their homes without the burden of rising property taxes. “This measure is about protecting our seniors and eliminating the worry about property taxes skyrocketing as they retire,” Manger said. “By freezing taxable property values for qualifying seniors, we are helping them maintain stability and control over their financial future." This measure was filed as a House Joint Resolution which, if passed by the Legislature, would give Oklahoma voters the opportunity to decide whether to incorporate the provisions of HJR1001 into the Oklahoma Constitution. Under HJR1001, homeowners would need to meet specific eligibility requirements, including being 65 years or older, occupying their home for at least 10 years and ensuring the property’s fair cash value does not exceed $500,000. Temporary absences from the home, provided they do not exceed 365 days within a 10-year period, would not disqualify eligibility. HJR1001 states that the fair cash value of a qualifying senior’s homestead would be frozen at the value it held when the senior turned 65. This freeze applies even if property values in the area increase. The measure would also eliminate income-based eligibility, ensuring that all seniors who meet the age and occupancy criteria can benefit, marking a significant departure from the existing rules. Additionally, any new improvements to a senior's home would be added to the taxable value and once adjusted, the fair cash value total would remain for as long as the senior continues to own and occupy the property. "Oklahoma’s seniors often live on fixed incomes, and rising property taxes can strain their finances," Manger said. "This resolution would ensure that older homeowners are protected from these increases while maintaining fairness in the state’s property tax system." Rep. Manger encourages Oklahomans interested in this bill to reach out to their legislators and urge them to co-sponsor the legislation. HJR1001 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3. If passed, Oklahomans could see it on the ballot in 2026.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives completed bill filing Thursday, Jan. 16, for the first regular session of the 60th Legislature. A total of 1,928 House Bills, 29 House Joint Resolutions, three House Resolutions, and two House Concurrent Resolutions were filed before the deadline.  The full text of the bills, along with additional information including authors and co-authors, may be found online at https://www.okhouse.gov/ . Last year, the Clerk of the House reported 1,210 House Bills, 12 House Joint Resolutions and one House Resolution were filed. Joint resolutions may be filed at any point during the session. The House is currently comprised of 80 Republicans and 20 Democrats with one vacancy. The first regular session of the 60th Legislature will begin Monday, Feb. 3, at noon with the State of the State address from Gov. Kevin Stitt in the House Chamber.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, has filed a series of bills that range from placing a moratorium on green energy projects to creating setbacks to recapturing tax subsidies from the industry. Another measure would ban the use of biosolids. "I told my constituents when running for office I would fight against the green energy insanity that has come to a peak during the Biden Administration," Shaw said. "The truth is many of the so-called green energy centers are massive consumers of energy, and they would completely destroy the economy of our great state." For the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3, Shaw has filed: House Bill 1450 , which would place an indefinite moratorium on all new industrial wind and solar facilities, or the expansion of existing facilities. "We already have too much intermittent and unreliable green energy in our portfolio – almost 50/50 wind versus natural gas," Shaw said. "We must pause to allow legislators to work with constituents on the best long-term path forward." House Bill 1451 would establish setbacks for utility-scale solar farm facilities and would amend setbacks for wind energy facilities constructed after Nov. 1.  Setbacks would include 1.5 nautical miles from the center line of a runway at a public-use or municipal-owned airport, from any public school, and from a hospital; and three miles from any nonparticipating property line. Shaw said industrial wind already has 1.5 nautical mile setbacks from hospitals, schools and airports, so he is leaving that as-is, but he's including a fourth category for nonparticipating property lines. He's duplicating the categories and distances for industrial solar. Solar has no setbacks or regulations today. House Bill 1452 would create the "Green Energy Subsidy Recapture Tax Act." Starting Oct. 1, all industrial wind and solar companies operating in Oklahoma will be assessed a tax equivalent to the federal subsidies they're receiving. House Bill 1726 would immediately ban the use of biosolids as land applied fertilizer and calls for immediate studies to be conducted by the Department of Environmental Quality and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, with a report due by Dec. 1 on how best to handle biosolids going forward.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, introduced two bills pertaining to Oklahoma toll roads.  “As Oklahomans, we have a Legislature of Representatives and Senators designed to best express and meet our concerns and needs. We work hard to maintain close relationships with our constituents and my constituents have been abundantly clear with me about their concerns and needs when it comes to turnpikes.” Menz said. “Oklahomans should not be kept out of the loop when Oklahoma Turnpike Authority wants to raise their tolls. Additionally, folks should be allowed to know the financial standing of something they are paying into. I believe that with my proposed legislation creating a bond debt ceiling for Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and requiring legislative approval for toll increases, we would ensure Oklahoma taxpayers and turnpike users the kind of transparency that they deserve. Oklahomans should have a say in their toll increases and where their money is going, and these bills are a great start.”  HB 2097:  Requires legislative approval before turnpike toll increases. HB 2093:  Establishes a bond debt ceiling for Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. -END-

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert today filed legislation to protect President Donald J. Trump's constitutional rights to vote and bear arms in Oklahoma.  HB2292 will ensure that past and present presidents are allowed to vote and the right to possess and carry firearms or weapons in the state of Oklahoma, regardless of the politically-motivated actions of other states. This legislation is intended to safeguard constitutional freedoms and resist efforts to undermine political figures through the misuse of legal systems. Donald J. Trump is set to be sworn in as President of the United States on Monday, Jan. 20.   “This legislation is about standing up for our state's principles and rejecting the blatant weaponization of the justice system. Oklahoma will not stand idly by while political games are played to undermine a president who has fought tirelessly for the American people," said Speaker Hilbert, R-Bristow. "We want to send a clear message that every American, and especially the President of the United States, is afforded their full rights and protections in Oklahoma, regardless of political attacks elsewhere.  Oklahoma is one of only two states in the country where every county voted for President Trump in the most recent presidential election.  "Oklahomans love President Trump and we will continue to work closely with our federal delegation to ensure that the policies of the new administration align seamlessly with Oklahoma’s priorities and values," said Hilbert. “Political attacks in other liberal states won’t impact how we govern and act in the state of Oklahoma. We welcome President Trump to visit Oklahoma, where his rights will be fully recognized.”  HB2292 was filed today and will be assigned to committee prior to the start of the 60th Legislature, which begins on Monday, February 3rd, 2025.