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OKLAHOMA CITY - A measure focused on supporting early literacy by addressing class size in early grades passed unanimously out of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education and now heads to the Appropriations and Budget Committee. House Bill 3019 , authored by Rep. Neil Hay, R-Checotah, would align with the Legislature’s continued emphasis on improving reading outcomes for young students by ensuring teachers have manageable class sizes to provide timely interventions. "As the Legislature continues to prioritize early literacy and reading outcomes, we have to look at class size as part of that conversation," Hays said. "If we want students reading at grade level, teachers must have the individual time and capacity to identify challenges early. We have amazing teachers in this State, and we need to provide those interventions that will make a lasting difference." HB3019 addresses class-size considerations in the early grades, where foundational reading skills are developed. By focusing on classroom capacity, the measure aims to give teachers the support they need to work more closely with students during critical learning years. Hays said early intervention is integral to long-term academic success and that classroom structure plays an important role in those efforts. "We are very serious about early literacy in Oklahoma, and that commitment has to include ensuring class sizes are manageable for both teachers and students," he said. "When classrooms are structured in a way that allows teachers to give individual attention, those early interventions become more effective and more achievable." If the Legislature approves House Bill 3019, the bill would become effective immediately upon being signed into law.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, passed a bill in committee this week to strengthen Oklahoma’s defined-contribution retirement plan for state employees. House Bill 3313 would update provisions within the Retirement Freedom Act to increase employer and employee contribution rates and enhance retirement planning resources for participants. HB3313 would increase the minimum employee contribution from 4.5% to 5% and raise the employer match from 6% to 7%. It also would expand access to individualized retirement planning services, update investment options and establish a lifetime annuity as the standard distribution option while still allowing alternative payout choices. "Our state’s greatest asset is its people, and that doesn’t change when they reach retirement," Eaves said. "When you dedicate your career to serving Oklahoma, you should be able to count on a strong retirement plan. Strengthening the defined-contribution system with higher contributions and better planning tools helps ensure our employees can retire with confidence after years of hard work." If enacted, these updates would provide greater long-term security and flexibility for public employees participating in the defined-contribution system. HB3313  now advances to the Government Oversight Committee for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, has re-filed to serve as speaker-designate for the Republican Caucus of the House of Representatives for the 61st Oklahoma Legislature. Hilbert was the only member to file for the position. The Speaker of the House serves as the chamber’s chief presiding officer, overseeing committee appointments, the flow of legislation, and management of the House budget and staff, and serves as an ex officio voting member on all House committees. “I am grateful for the continued support of my colleagues and the opportunity to serve during my final term in the House,” Hilbert said. “We are not finished. I remain fully committed to strengthening our state and ensuring Oklahoma is an even better place to live, work and raise a family. I am eager to continue working with Pro Temp Paxton and Governor Stitt and I look forward to seeing the progress we’ve made over the past few years continue alongside whomever is the next Governor.” Hilbert was first selected as speaker-designate ahead of the 60th Legislature and currently serves as Speaker of the House. During his tenure, the House has prioritized improving public education outcomes, building historic savings, tax relief for Oklahoma families, and long-term infrastructure improvements. First elected in 2016 to represent House District 29, Hilbert previously served as Speaker Pro Tempore and vice chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. Hilbert resides in Bristow with his wife, Alexis, and two daughters with one additional child on the way. Under majority caucus rules, the speaker-designate is formally selected by the Republican Caucus during an election year, with the full House voting on organizational day when the next Legislature convenes. “Our caucus is unified and focused on delivering results for the people of Oklahoma in the 2026 session,” Hilbert said.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation aimed at shielding Oklahoma families and small businesses from higher utility bills is advancing at the Capitol. A measure that would require data centers to cover the infrastructure costs tied to their operations passed the House Utilities Policy Committee today with a unanimous 7-0 vote, clearing another step in the legislative process. Authored by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, House Bill 2992 , the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, would set guidelines for how electric suppliers and regulators address the rising energy demands of large data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence facilities. The bill defines "large load customers" as new facilities adding 75 megawatts or more of demand and clarifies that residential, commercial and traditional industrial customers are not included in that classification. "I appreciate the strong support behind this bill, especially from members of the Utilities Committee who understand how important this issue is for Oklahoma families," Boles said. "With more than a dozen potential data centers considering our state, we must make sure everyday Oklahomans are not left paying higher electric bills because of increased demand. This is about protecting ratepayers and ensuring large energy users pay for the infrastructure needed to support their operations instead of shifting those costs onto families and small businesses." The legislation would require the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and other governing bodies to ensure rates remain fair and that costs are assigned according to cost causation principles, meaning those who create the demand are responsible for the associated expenses. Electric suppliers would need to establish separate terms and conditions for large load customers, including credit protections and a minimum 10-year service commitment to reduce the risk of stranded costs if a facility leaves or significantly reduces usage. The measure would apply to all electric suppliers operating in the state . "I will continue working with my colleagues as well as stakeholders to move this bill forward thru the legislative process," Boles said. "We have a duty to put proper ratepayer protections in place. Oklahoma families should not be expected to finance major system upgrades required for high-demand users. Those costs should rest with the companies driving the need." Boles will next present the measure in the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee, which he chairs.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, has been appointed to serve in a National Additional Duty Position (NADP) as Special Advisor for Policy and Programs to the Air National Guard Judge Advocate Council, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Kannady, a Colonel in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, was selected by national leadership to advise on policy and program initiatives affecting judge advocates across the country. The three-year appointment places him in a key advisory role supporting senior Air National Guard legal leadership nationwide. The appointment comes as Brig. Gen. Chris Eason, also a former member of the Oklahoma National Guard, has been confirmed for appointment to the grade of Major General and assignment as The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force and Space Force. “Major General Eason’s confirmation as The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force and Space Force is a tremendous achievement for him, for Oklahoma, and for every Airman who values principled legal leadership,” Kannady said. “He is exceptionally qualified, and I congratulate him on this well-earned promotion. I look forward to supporting his vision and serving alongside him in this new national capacity.” Eason also praised Kannady’s appointment and the experience he brings to the role. "Colonel Kannady is a proven leader with a deep background of service as a Judge Advocate, both in the Marines and the Air Force,” Eason said. “He brings integrity and an unwavering commitment to the mission, and the JAG Corps and the Air National Guard are fortunate to have his leadership at the national level.” Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, chairman of the Oklahoma House Veterans Caucus and a retired member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard who served under both Eason and Kannady, said the appointments reflect the caliber of leadership Oklahoma produces. “I had the privilege of serving alongside both Chris Eason and Chris Kannady in the Oklahoma Air National Guard,” Hildebrant said. “They are leaders who put the mission first and take their oath seriously. This is about professionalism, constitutional leadership and ensuring our service members are led by officers who answer to the rule of law — not shifting political winds. Oklahoma should be proud.” Kannady emphasized that the Guard’s mission must remain grounded in constitutional principles and free from political interference. “The Oklahoma National Guard exists to serve the people and defend the Constitution, not to serve political agendas,” Kannady said. “Our Airmen deserve leadership rooted in the rule of law and respect for the chain of command. I will continue to defend that standard without hesitation.” Kannady has served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard for more than a decade after ten years in the Marine Corps and two years in the West Virginia National Guard. In addition to his military service, he serves in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he has been a consistent advocate for constitutional governance, public safety and support for service members, veterans and their families.

OKLAHOMA CITY — A measure to increase Oklahoma’s homestead exemption and provide direct property tax relief to homeowners statewide has been filed by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City. House Bill 4145 would increase the state’s homestead exemption from $1,000 to $7,000 of a home’s assessed value. If enacted, homeowners would subtract $7,000 from their home’s assessed value before property taxes are calculated. Lowering the taxable value would, in turn, reduce the overall tax bill. The change would apply statewide to qualifying primary residences. "This is broad-based, straightforward relief that will reach working families, seniors on fixed incomes and longtime homeowners who have watched their property values steadily increase," Manger said. "It keeps the foundation of our local funding system intact while giving homeowners room to breathe." Property taxes, or ad valorem taxes, are an integral source of local funding, supporting public schools, CareerTech, county law enforcement and courts, road and bridge work and other essential services such as police, fire, libraries and emergency medical care. Amid recent calls to eliminate property taxes entirely, Manger said any reform effort must acknowledge both the essential services these dollars support and the growing strain on homeowners as property values and tax bills rise. "The dollars collected through property taxes keep our schools open, our roads maintained and our communities safe," Manger said. "At the same time, families are opening their tax statements and seeing bills climb higher each year. We have a responsibility to address that pressure in a thoughtful way." If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, the measure would represent one of the most significant increases to the homestead exemption in state law and would begin delivering relief in 2027. Manger says HB4145 was designed to offer meaningful relief while preserving the framework that funds essential local services. "We can support our schools and local governments while also recognizing the real impact rising property taxes have on families," he said. "House Bill 4145 is about striking that balance and doing right by the people we serve." Under current law, qualifying homeowners receive an exemption on the first $1,000 of assessed value. If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, House Bill 4145 would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, passed  HB 3917  unanimously out of the Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee. The measure requires data centers to pay a surcharge during peak demand periods, protecting residential customers from rate hikes and funding grid modernization. “I want to thank the Committee Chair and Committee for hearing and passing this legislation,” said Dollens. “Simply put, customers who use more energy should be charged for that energy. This measure protects residential energy customers from unfair costs while ensuring that modernizing the electric grid does not get placed on the shoulders of Oklahomans.” This measure creates in the State Treasury a revolving fund for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission designated as the “Grid Modernization Revolving Fund.” The Corporation Commission is authorized to use the fund for the purpose of modernizing the state's electric grid. The bill now heads to the Appropriations and Budget Committee. -END-

Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, today applauded the passage of House Bill 4420 out of the House Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee, marking the first step in advancing legislation designed to strengthen Oklahoma’s Strong Readers Act and ensure every child can read at or above grade level by the end of third grade. “Today’s committee vote sends a clear message: reading is not optional, it is foundational,” Hilbert said. “If a child cannot read, they will struggle in every subject that follows. House Bill 4420 focuses on what works, supports our educators, holds the system accountable and gives parents clearer insight into their child’s progress.” Oklahoma’s literacy outcomes have declined in recent years. Based on Spring 2025 testing, only 27 percent of Oklahoma third graders are reading at or above grade level. “Before third grade, students learn to read. After third grade, they read to learn,” Hilbert said. “If that transition does not happen, the consequences compound quickly, both academically and economically. We cannot talk about workforce development and career pathways if our students cannot read.” HB 4420 strengthens early literacy efforts by: Requiring a single, consistent statewide reading screener aligned with the state summative assessment Ensuring screening data is reported and comparable across districts Providing earlier and more intensive interventions for students in kindergarten through third grade Increasing communication with parents, including frequent progress updates and Read-at-Home plans Requiring high-quality instructional materials aligned with the science of reading Expanding literacy coaching and reading specialist support statewide Strengthening teacher preparation requirements in colleges of education The bill moves Oklahoma toward greater consistency and accountability, while maintaining carefully defined good-cause exemptions for students with significant cognitive disabilities, certain English language learners and other limited circumstances. “This is not about punishment. It is about accountability paired with support,” Hilbert said. “Advancing a child who cannot read is not compassionate, it is negligent. This legislation ensures students receive help early and intensively, rather than being passed along without the skills they need to succeed.” The measure also expands literacy coaches from five to twenty statewide positions, prioritizing the lowest-performing schools, ensures access to a reading specialist for every Oklahoma elementary school and creates a Strong Readers Revolving Fund to encourage public-private literacy partnerships. Hilbert emphasized that the committee vote represents only the beginning of the legislative process. “We are taking the first step toward restoring excellence in literacy education in Oklahoma,” he said. “Our educators are working hard, and this bill provides the structure, support and clarity needed to deliver consistent results statewide. The goal is simple: every Oklahoma child reading on grade level by the end of third grade.” House Bill 4420 is now eligible to be considered by the Appropriations and Budget Committee.

Preparation is underway for the 2030 Census, a headcount of every U.S. resident that forms the framework for billions of dollars of federal funding . The Oklahoma House of Representatives is working with the U.S. Census Bureau as part of the Redistricting Data Program to assist in this effort. One key component of this program is the Block Boundary Suggestion Program (BBSP), which gives states the opportunity to recommend changes to census block boundaries, the smallest geographic unit used for census data collection. The BBSP offers states the chance to preview the census tabulation blocks that will be used for the 2030 Census and to make suggestions for new boundaries. The program is also an opportunity to correct problematic census tabulation blocks and to create new blocks that can be used for other purposes, such as tabulating non-political boundaries. The state's congressional, judicial, legislative and local election districts are built using whole census blocks. Any block boundary not present in the  P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data , which will be released by the Census Bureau in early 2031, cannot be used for redistricting. The Oklahoma House of Representatives invites organizations and political subdivisions with a vested interest in Oklahoma census geography to request census block changes by studying this map and submitting the form for each block boundary suggestion. Submissions will be compiled and submitted to the Census Bureau by the state's nonpartisan redistricting liaison. The Census Bureau evaluates and decides on the requested block boundary changes. Why Participate? Ensure accurate representation for your community Help improve the quality of census data that impacts funding and services Contribute to a transparent redistricting process How to Get Involved: Review the interactive map and identify areas where boundary adjustments may be needed Submit the form for each suggested block boundary change All submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026 The 2030 Census will launch on April 1, 2030. Additional information about redistricting and census data may be found here: National Conference of State Legislatures, "Redistricting Already? Prepare Now for Accurate Census Data Later" National Conference of State Legislatures, "Preparing for the Census: Timeline for State Activity" U.S. Census Bureau, "Redistricting Data Program Management" Oklahoma House of Representatives Redistricting