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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus unveiled their policy priorities for the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature. The following policy agenda prioritizes affordability for Oklahoma families and ensuring their paychecks can keep up with everyday life.  “Oklahoma House Democrats know whether it be groceries, rent, health care, insurance, or child care, the cost of being alive keeps going up,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “Oklahomans are continuously choosing between which needs to meet each month in order to make it to the next pay period. It is up to state leaders and lawmakers to do what we can to ensure Oklahomans can support themselves and their families. That starts with giving every working Oklahoman a livable wage and focusing on policies that lower costs.” Recently, the Tulsa Area United Way released a report showing nearly 50% of working Oklahoma families are working more than one job and cannot cover basic necessities. While there is an upcoming state question to raise the minimum wage, there are actions legislators can take now. Leader Munson is the primary House author of HB 2230, which requires the state minimum wage to be the greater of $15 per hour or the federal minimum wage. House Democrats believe one way to prioritize affordability is to ensure Oklahomans are charged fairly for utility/energy costs by holding corporations accountable. HB 3392 by Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, directs the Corporation Commission to examine how large industrial projects such as data centers and energy-intensive manufacturing impact our electric grid, and ensure that everyday Oklahomans aren’t stuck paying for electricity they did not ask for and of which they are not the primary beneficiaries. Insurance and premium rates are also on the rise. HB 4286 by Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, prohibits an insurance company from using a person’s credit score to determine the rates they pay for insurance. The measure is designed to protect hardworking Oklahomans who are being priced out of basic financial stability by an insurance system that punishes people for their credit history rather than their actual risk.  Another measure House Democrats have proposed to address skyrocketing insurance rates is HB 3384 by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater. The measure would require annual homeowner’s policy renewal premium increases to be capped at a maximum of 10%. Oklahomans’ home insurance rates were reportedly projected to increase by 8% in 2025. This measure would ensure Oklahomans are not blindsided by rising costs. To combat rising health insurance costs in Oklahoma, HB 3675 by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, requires a qualified human to be the final qualifier for health insurance claims at risk of denial when processed by AI to ensure proper accountability and oversight when charging Oklahomans. House Democrats know that groceries are too expensive. In 2024, House Democrats led a bipartisan effort to successfully eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. This year, Leader Munson has introduced HB 3959 to eliminate unfair personalized algorithmic and surveillance pricing. This policy works to stop companies from unfairly charging Oklahomans different prices for the same items. House Democrats also unveiled legislation to help fund our public schools in Oklahoma and ensure public dollars go toward public schools. Right now, millions of Oklahomans’ tax dollars are going toward the Parental Choice Tax Credit that reportedly benefits only the wealthiest Oklahomans.  HB 3684 by Rep. Provenzano would eliminate the Parental Choice Tax Credit and redirect those dollars toward our public schools. House Democrats believe investing in public education gives Oklahoma a chance to rise in the national ranks while giving our students the best opportunities for success. This session, Oklahoma House Democrats remain committed to helping working Oklahomans' paychecks keep up with everyday life through real policy solutions that prioritize affordability for Oklahomans.  You can view the entire policy rollout on the  Oklahoma House Democrats Facebook Page.  -END-

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) recently released a long-awaited forensic audit of its OKBred account. The audit, which Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, received and reviewed after an Open Records Request, found inadequate internal controls, noncompliance with statutory purpose and deficient documentation and record-keeping. It also revealed a lack of formal policies and procedures, lack of transparency to relevant stakeholders and inadequate reconciliation and independent review of finances. A comprehensive reconciliation of the Oklahoma Breeding and Development Fund Special Account (OKBred) began in May 2025. The objective of the audit was to determine the accurate balance of the OKBred fund as of June 30, 2025, and to evaluate the internal controls and processes associated with the management of the account. The account consists of restricted funds established by statute for the specific purpose of supporting and promoting Oklahoma breeders and the state’s breeding industry.  "As fiduciaries of these public funds, the OHRC has a legal, moral and ethical obligation to ensure proper governance, transparency and compliance," Harris said. "The independent audit demonstrates that the Commission has failed to meet these obligations."  The audit noted that OKBred's operational structure lacked sufficient financial controls, system support and interdepartmental oversight. These weaknesses directly contributed to reporting inconsistencies and increased the opportunity for error and potential fraud.  "This audit uncovers a serious lack of financial controls of the OKBred account, which calls into question past and ongoing funds that have been and are being distributed by the OHRC to horse breeders across our state," Harris said. "I urge the State Auditor and the Attorney General to immediately get involved to determine if these public funds have been misspent, whether any crimes were committed and what new procedures must be put in place immediately to ensure accountability and transparency with these funds." 

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, is aiming to expand eligibility and qualifying expenses for a first-in-the-nation tax credit. West's  House Bill 4118  would eliminate the current age minimum for eligible family members. Currently, eligible family members must be at least 62 years old. Additionally, the bill would add mileage for medical appointments to the list of qualifying expenses. "Unpaid family caregivers shoulder enormous responsibility, often at significant personal cost," West said. "This bill removes unnecessary barriers so more Oklahomans can access a tax credit that recognizes the real financial sacrifices caregivers make every day. By expanding eligibility and recognizing mileage for medical appointments, we’re making this tax credit reflect the realities families face." The tax credit is capped at $2,000 per year for most participants, but individuals caring for veterans or those with a dementia-related diagnosis will receive up to $3,000. According to the AARP, family caregivers spend around $7,200 annually caring for a family member. "By expanding this tax credit, lawmakers can offer meaningful relief for Oklahoma caregivers who spend thousands of dollars each year to care for loved ones," AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl said. "Broadening eligibility helps lighten the financial load so caregivers can focus on what matters most which is caring for their loved ones." In 2023, the Legislature approved the  Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit , designed to help offset some out-of-pocket expenses incurred by unpaid family caregivers. The credit took effect in 2024, and Oklahomans could begin claiming it on their 2025 tax returns. The Oklahoma Tax Commission reported over 100 returns claimed the credit during its first year. HB4118 is eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which begins Feb. 2. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, has filed two bills for the upcoming legislative session aimed at stopping foreign terrorist activity and illegal foreign land ownership in the state. "Oklahoma welcomes those who have come to our country legally and who are willing to abide by the laws of our land," Turner said. "But those who are here to further a terrorist cause, to harm our citizens through drug or human trafficking or in any other manner, or who illegally purchase our land with an eye to siphon our resources and profits, should know that we will punish them to the full extent of the law." House Bill 3764 would enhance penalties for anyone convicted of a felony offense while acting on behalf of or supporting a known foreign terrorist organization as defined by the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. Enhanced punishment would include twice the maximum prison sentence and twice the maximum fine that could have been imposed for a first conviction for the underlying felony offense. These would apply in addition to, not in place of, any mandatory minimum sentence applicable to the underlying offense. The state would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant, at the time of the offense, was a member of, acting at the direction of, knowingly provided material support to or knowingly associated with in furtherance of the objectives of the designated foreign terrorist organization. Just last week, the U.S. Justice Departmen t reported it took into custody 37 foreign fugitives facing a range of criminal charges including human smuggling, drug and firearms trafficking, money laundering and other offenses. One of the fugitives was charged in the Western District of Oklahoma. Turner said this is just one small case of many. House Bill 3765 would create felony punishments for any alien or person who is not a citizen of the United States who has unlawfully acquired title to or owns land in this state either directly or indirectly through a business entity, trust or foreign government enterprise, and who uses such land to commit a felony offense in violation of state law. Upon conviction, the felony would be punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed two years, or by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both. In addition, all property seized would be subject to forfeiture. Turner acknowledges the state already has laws in place to limit the ownership of land in Oklahoma by non-U.S. citizens. This would create a separate felony offense for those unlawfully acquiring titles or deeds. Both bills carry an emergency clause, which if approved, would mean they take effect immediately after being signed into law.  Both measures will be eligible for consideration during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2. 

OKLAHOMA CITY — Freshman lawmaker Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, has filed legislation to create the 988 Trust Fund to help ensure Oklahoma’s mental health crisis hotline remains available to those in need as federal funding is set to expire later this year. “Oklahomans need to know that when they make that call, someone will answer,” Norwood said. “With more than 30 years of experience in mental health presentations, I understand how powerful one conversation can be. It can change the direction of someone’s life for the better. This bill is about making sure help is always there when someone needs it most.” House Bill 4092 would create the 988 Trust Fund and establish the sources of money that may be deposited into the fund, including legislative appropriations, federal funds, grants, gifts and other sources. Money in the fund could only be used for 988 Mental Health Lifeline and related behavioral health crisis services. Any actual funding levels would be decided later through the state budget process or separate legislation. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has confirmed that a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that partially funds 988 in Oklahoma is scheduled to end Sept. 30. Norwood said the pending loss of federal support makes it critical for the state to plan ahead. “We cannot let 988 come to an end,” Norwood said. “No one should ever make a permanent decision based on temporary problems. This bill helps make sure there is a fund in place, so someone is always there to answer the call for Oklahomans who are struggling.” The 988 hotline replaced the Suicide Prevention Lifeline to better serve Oklahomans experiencing mental health crises. Calls or texts to 988 connect individuals with trained mental health professionals who can provide immediate support, link callers to local resources and deploy mobile crisis teams when needed. According to recent data from Solari Crisis & Human Services , which partners with ODMHSAS to operate the 988 Mental Health Lifeline in Oklahoma, the most common reasons people contact 988 include coordination of care, self-harm or suicide concerns, anxiety and depression. While call volume spiked last fall due in part to SNAP-related stressors, 7,166 calls have been made to the hotline in the past 30 days alone. HB4092 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

Lawton-area legislators are mourning the loss of Lawton Police Chief James T. Smith, who passed away on Jan. 22, 2026, at the age of 66.  Reps. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, along with Sens. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, and Spencer Kern, R-Duncan, remembered the longtime law enforcement officer in a joint statement.  "Chief Smith embodied what it means to be a public servant. Throughout his decades with the Lawton Police Department, he led with integrity and compassion, and he maintained an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Lawton families. Our community is stronger and safer because of Chief Smith’s vision and leadership. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the officers of the Lawton Police Department and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him."  Smith dedicated more than 35 years to law enforcement and was named Chief of Police for the Lawton Police Department in 2012. His work with the department was recognized statewide, including being named Large Agency Chief of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police in 2025 and receiving the William “Bill” Tilghman Public Service Award from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2024.       In addition to his law enforcement career, Smith served 30 years in the military, retiring as a Colonel after service in the Kentucky Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves.  The lawmakers ask the community to join them in honoring Smith’s legacy of service and to keep his family and colleagues in their thoughts during this difficult time.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, has filed two bills that would protect lawful businesses from excessive liability and give Oklahoma farmers more flexibility to sell products directly to consumers. House Bill 2960 would expand existing liability protections for firearm manufacturers, distributors and sellers to include firearm component parts. The bill specifies that businesses that lawfully manufacture or sell firearms or firearm component parts could not be held liable for injuries or damages resulting from misuse or aftermarket modifications made by others. “Oklahoma law already recognizes that manufacturers should not be punished for the criminal actions of someone else,” Hardin said. “This bill would close a loophole by ensuring those same protections apply to firearm components.”  House Bill 3056 would update the Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act by removing restrictions on the incidental sale of raw, unpasteurized milk. The bill would remove the gallon limit on sales and clarifies that farmers may sell raw milk directly to consumers at farms, farmers markets, feed stores and restaurants, as well as through delivery from the farm. The measure would also allow advertising of raw milk sales and permits farmers to make cheese using milk produced on their own farms. “This legislation supports Oklahoma agriculture and respects consumers’ freedom to choose,” Hardin said. “Farmers should be able to sell their products and consumers should be able to decide what they buy without unnecessary government interference.” HB2960 and HB3056 are eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, has filed legislation that would extend the period of time for people to file health care liability claims based on a good faith belief that a federal procedural bar was in place when a cause of action arose. Supporters of House Bill 3119 say it could remove federal liability shields for claims such as COVID vaccine injuries, among others. They also say this would restore patients' constitutional rights to remedy and protect their right to bodily autonomy. "This bill allows us to go back and file civil liability claims against anyone that put people at harm whether through negligence, medical malpractice, lack of informed consent or medical battery," Humphrey said. "This isn't just about COVID, but that is a big reason for me filing this bill." A rally to support the measure is planned from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 24 at the State Capitol in the Second Floor Rotunda. HB3119 specifies that a good faith belief exists when a claimant or attorney could reasonably conclude, based on existing federal declarations, amendments, advisory opinions or judicial interpretations, that the federal liability immunity provisions applied to the alleged conduct. Federal procedural bar includes federal liability immunity provisions provided in the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act in U.S. statute. If enacted, the new law would extend the good faith belief that a federal procedural bar was in place when a cause of action for health care liability claims arose to one year after the good faith belief no longer existed. The bill would apply to all such actions accruing on or after Feb. 1, 2020. The legislation also would ensure Oklahoma courts retain jurisdiction over claims that, but for temporary legal impediment or reasonable misperception of federal preemption, would have been timely filed.

Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, announced today a joint resolution that would place a constitutional amendment before Oklahoma voters to restructure how the investment returns from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) are managed and distributed. This measure expands what TSET can hold by allowing real property, stocks and other equity investments to be added to the trust, not just cash. It would eliminate the TSET Board of Directors entirely and transfer all remaining responsibilities to the existing Board of Investors (BoI), whose role would be expanded to fully managing, administering and transferring trust assets and earnings. Under the proposal, TSET earnings would be distributed annually in a fixed order: first to fully fund Oklahoma’s Promise (OHLAP) scholarships, and then any remaining earnings would be transferred to the Education Reform Revolving Fund (the 1017 Fund). Because the distribution formula would be set in the Constitution, the Board of Directors would no longer be necessary. "By eliminating duplicative administrative structures and prioritizing funding for Oklahoma’s Promise and the 1017 Fund, this reform delivers real savings and results," said Caldwell. The reform is intended to simplify TSET’s structure, reduce administrative costs and increase the amount of money going directly to scholarships and education funding. Eliminating the Board of Directors and associated staff functions is projected to save at least $4.19 million annually. Based on an average $6,000 Oklahoma’s Promise award, those savings alone could fund scholarships for nearly 700 additional Oklahoma students each year. "This resolution reflects a practical, good-government approach," said Caldwell. "The goal is to fully fund every Oklahoma student who can academically qualify for Oklahoma's Promise to go to college and career tech tuition-free, as well as students seeking apprenticeships."