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OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after three resolutions to disapprove the Oklahoma State Department of Education social studies standards (HJR 1030, SJR 19, and SJR 20) were not heard by House and Senate Republican leadership. “House and Senate Democrats filed resolutions HJR 1030 and SJR 19 at the end of March to disapprove the standards, yet they were not given the opportunity to be heard by House and Senate leadership,” Munson said. “SJR 20, introduced last week, would also disapprove the standards and we learned today that it will not be voted on. Because no action has been taken by Republican legislative leaders, the voices of Oklahomans—across the state and party lines—who have been urging us to disapprove these problematic, and costly, social studies standards have gone unheard. These standards insert an extremist political agenda into our public education system that will only cost Oklahomans more taxpayer money. It is clear that the political pressure put forth by the State Superintendent on House and Senate leaders matters more than the needs and desires of Oklahoma educators, parents, and students. I am disappointed in the lack of action and deeply concerned for the future of public education for our teachers and students. House Democrats remain committed to holding the State Superintendent accountable and fighting against attacks on our public schools. Oklahomans deserve better than leaders who continue to embolden the State Superintendent to dismantle our public education system.” -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation carried by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, to modernize the process for selling state-owned railroad assets passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives by a vote of 81-8. Senate Bill 341 directs the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to initiate a request for proposals process for the sale of any railroad assets owned by the state. Interested parties would have 120 days to respond. “This bill reflects our responsibility to manage state resources wisely and transparently,” Kerbs said. “By outlining a fair and open process for selling surplus rail properties, we’re not only protecting taxpayer interests but also creating opportunities for local development. It’s a practical solution that balances accountability with the potential for private-sector innovation.” Under the bill, ODOT is responsible for evaluating all proposals. If necessary, the department may conduct an economic impact or activity study as part of the evaluation process. The ODOT director must present a recommendation to the Transportation Commission within 90 days after reviewing the proposals. The measure also clarifies that any purchases made under a lease-purchase agreement must be approved by the Transportation Commission. Sen. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, is the Senate author of SB 341 and, alongside Rep. Kerbs, brings a longstanding commitment to transportation policy and infrastructure development as the measure moves through the legislative process. “With the Legislature’s approval of Senate Bill 341, we’re opening doors for economic development and growth by making it easier to transfer underutilized state-owned railroads to the private sector,” Frix said. “Putting these rail lines back in the hands of the private sector will strengthen our state’s railroads and our transportation system overall. This bill is an important step toward modernizing our rail infrastructure, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.” SB341 now moves to the governor's desk for consideration. If signed into law, it would go into effect July 1.

Southwest Oklahoma legislators are thanking Governor Kevin Stitt for his declaration of a state of emergency following historic flooding. Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton; Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton; Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon; Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin; Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin; and Sen. Spencer Kern, R-Duncan; released the following statement Tuesday: "We are incredibly grateful to Governor Stitt for his swift and decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in the wake of the historic flooding that has devastated our communities. This declaration is a crucial step in unlocking the resources we need to begin recovery and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.  We appreciate the relentless work of our first responders to protect lives and minimize damage during this time of crisis. Lives have been upended, homes and businesses damaged, and critical infrastructure compromised, but following this declaration, we can begin to mobilize much-needed assistance and coordinate with state and local agencies to address both immediate needs and long-term rebuilding efforts."  Multiple storm systems has caused massive flooding in southwest Oklahoma. Lawton has received an estimated 11.48 inches of rain throughout April, and additional rainfall is expected Tuesday and Wednesday. Additional areas included in the emergency declaration include Cotton and Cleveland counties. The state of emergency declaration, filed with the Secretary of State's office on Tuesday, may be found here .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Key legislation to eliminate an archaic state law that forces retailers to add a 6% markup to everyday consumer goods is one step closer to the governor’s desk. The Unfair Sales Act – legislation from Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and House Majority Deputy Floor Leader Steve Bashore, R-Miami – passed the House unanimously on Tuesday, putting the Oklahoma Legislature one step closer to eliminating a relatively unknown price hike on groceries and consumer goods. Senate Bill 638 repeals the state’s 76-year-old Price Control Act that forces Oklahoma businesses to impose a minimum 6% markup on retail goods like gasoline, groceries, over-the-counter medicines, diapers and other basic necessities. Daniels said Oklahoma is one of just seven states with a mandatory markup on retail goods because many other states have rescinded similar laws in recent years. “Repealing this outdated law reinforces the Legislature’s commitment to providing inflation relief for hardworking Oklahomans by putting more money back in their pockets,” Daniels said. “Coming on the heels of eliminating the state grocery tax — the largest tax cut in Oklahoma history — this bill takes another meaningful step toward helping families save on everyday essentials while eliminating an unnecessary government mandate.” Bashore, whose hometown is just a short drive from Missouri and Kansas, said this legislation encourages Oklahomans to keep their shopping local. "Forcing Oklahomans to pay 6% more for everyday items is simply unacceptable,” Bashore said. “We want our residents to shop in state for what they need without going to surrounding states where this unfair markup no longer exists. This will ultimately benefit the taxpayer, our local businesses and our overall state economy, and will allow the free market to flourish as intended. “I am extremely honored to partner with Senator Daniels to make positive change benefiting all Oklahomans. I'm incredibly pleased to have secured passage of this bill in House, especially gaining bipartisan support." The bill was amended in the House and now returns to the Senate for fourth reading and final passage before being sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. 

A measure modifying the eviction time has passed both legislative chambers and is now on the governor's desk. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, carried Senate Bill 128 , which adds five days to the amount of time between the summons delivery date and eviction hearing date. The bill also requires a summons to be served at least seven days, instead of three days, before the trial date. If SB128 is signed into law, the combined changes would provide tenants with more notice and time to resolve their debts during the eviction process. Pae said legislation has passed in Kansas and Missouri with similar timeframes. "By giving tenants a few more days of notice, we’re creating a more balanced process that can help prevent families from falling through the cracks," Pae said. "I appreciate Senator Kirt’s leadership on this issue, and I’m proud to support this commonsense reform." SB128 was proposed by Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. "The majority of people facing eviction have children in the home," Kirt said. "This is reasonable legislation that takes into account both the property rights of landlords and the importance of Oklahoma families to have stable housing. I want to thank Representative Pae for his hard work on SB 128, and the House members who supported this measure as well." Having passed both chambers of the Legislature, SB128 now moves to the governor's desk for consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, today commented on the governor's signing of House Bill 1103 , which requires the Oklahoma Transportation Commission to notify a previous property owner if the land they sold to the Commission is going to be offered for sale. "This was a constituent request bill," Gann said. "This person experienced the taking of his land by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and then found out it was later sold without any notification to him. This would just give people in similar circumstances the ability to repurchase land that was taken from them by eminent domain." Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore is the Senate author of the bill. “This common-sense legislation gives original property owners the right of first refusal if land taken from them is later offered for resale,” Seifried said. “By allowing landowners the chance to reclaim their property at a fair price, this bill enhances property rights and promotes transparency. Above all, this is about doing what's right for those displaced by eminent domain and giving them the chance to recover what was taken from them.” Gann explained this measure extends the window of time that previous landowners have to reclaim their land – from 30 to 90 days - and specifies notification requirements by the Commission. The measure also removes the five-year time period the Commission now has to notify previous owners of the sale of the property. Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, is a coauthor of the bill and the author of identical legislation that did not previously advance.  "The five-year requirement, if it were to remain, would act as an incentive for the Commission to hold the property for five years so it could be sold at market value, resulting in increased revenue," he explained. "By removing the time limit, it incentivizes the department to more quickly offer the land back to the previous owner." Gann said the changes "add transparency to the process by requiring online publication of the land sale. This also clarifies eligibility and ensures fair offers to the original landowner rather than allowing the Department of Transportation to profit off of land they've taken." The notice is to contain an offer to sell the property back to the previous owner at no greater than the original price, provided the previous owner did not use federal funds to purchase the property. Notices must be sent by registered mail and posted on the Department of Transportation's website. The act becomes effective Nov. 1. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, comments on the appointment of Dr. Jim Hess as the next President of Oklahoma State University: "I am thrilled to hear of the official appointment of Dr. Jim Hess as the next President of OSU. His experience and dedication to student success and the university make him well-suited for this role. Since stepping in as interim president, he’s been a great partner to the Legislature, and his official appointment brings stability to the university as it prepares for continued growth and future success." "I’m grateful to the OSU Board of Regents for their swift and decisive action today. Having reliable, long-term leadership in place will allow the institution and the general public to buy in to a long-term vision of making Oklahoma State University the preeminent land grant University in the country."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, today shared the news of the passing of her uncle, former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Hamp Baker, who died following a battle with cancer at 91. Commissioner Baker served the state from 1974 to 1985, becoming a well-known figure both for his work and his memorable public safety campaign slogan: “Hamp Baker says Drive with Care.” The slogan—often seen on car hoods and signs across Oklahoma—became one of the most recognized marketing efforts of the 1970s. “He loved being a Corporation Commissioner and he loved Oklahoma,” said Townley. “But to me, he was just my uncle—my mom’s brother, the one who encouraged me to run for office and believed in me before I believed in myself. He even helped me put out signs. He was one of my favorite people on this planet. I am keeping my cousins and family in my prayers during this difficult time.” Even in his 90s, Hamp was still pulling his own oil wells up until about a month ago. After his time on the Commission, Baker continued to advocate for Oklahoma energy, working with the National Association of Energy Users to promote the use of Oklahoma natural gas on a national level. Baker’s passion for public service and deep commitment to his home state left a lasting impact on Oklahoma—and on his family. "My uncle’s slogan was ‘Put your stamp on Hamp,’” Townley said. “He certainly put his on Oklahoma.”

Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, has been named one of The Journal Record’s Oklahoma Achievers Under 40 for 2025, which is given to Oklahomans under the age of 40 who have made an impact on the state.  "I'm incredibly honored to be recognized as one of Oklahoma's Achievers Under 40," Pae said. "Public service has always been my passion, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve my hometown of Lawton and our great state. This recognition is a reflection of the many mentors, colleagues, and community members who have supported me along the way."  Pae was elected to serve House District 62 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2018. He currently serves as chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Human Services, as well as vice chair of the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee. In 2020, he was a co-vice chair of the House State and Federal Redistricting Committee following the decennial U.S. census.  He was awarded the 2019 Rising Star Award by the International Leadership Foundation (ILF) for his professional achievements and dedication to the improvement of the Asian Pacific American community. Prior to his election to the House, he worked in municipal government in Lawton.  This year’s honorees will be the 22nd Class of The Journal Record’s Oklahoma Achievers Under 40 list. All honorees will be recognized on May 15 at the Oklahoma History Center.