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OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Common Education committee today passed a bill that would end discrimination for Oklahoma students with special needs. Senate Bill 105 , authored in the House by Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, would amend eligibility requirements for students on an Individualized Education Program who are part of the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program. "Students with special needs or disabilities should receive services and accommodations that will advance their education from whatever school can best provide them," Caldwell said. "Neither these students nor their parents should have to jump through hoops to appease public school lobbying groups by attending a public school first in order to obtain instruction that best meets their specific needs."   The measure would remove the requirement that a student attend a public school district the year prior to applying for the program. It also would remove language stating that acceptance of a scholarship has the same effect as parental revocation of consent to services under certain provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Giving up consent to service is not allowed under the federal code and is therefore senseless language, according to the bill's Senate author, Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville.  The scholarship program authorizes the parent or guardian of a public-school student with a disability who is served under IDEA to exercise their parental option and request to have an LNH Scholarship awarded for their child to attend a participating private school approved by the State Board of Education. The program has been in place since 2011 and currently serves about 1,500 students.  Eligible students include those: who have an Individualized Service Plan developed by the Department of Human Services (DHS); who are a child of a military family with permanent change of station orders who has moved to Oklahoma after receiving IDEA services in another state; who have been served through the SoonerStart program and during transition has been determined to be eligible for school district services; who have been in out-of-home placement through the office of Juvenile Affairs; or who have been in out-of-home placement with DHS, or who were adopted while in the permanent custody of DHS. SB105 passed the Common Education Committee with a vote of 6-5 and now is eligible to be considered by the House Education Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the House of Representatives officially recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Oklahoma by adopting House Resolution 1011 , sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay. This resolution acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about child abuse prevention and taking collective action to protect Oklahoma’s children and strengthen families. In Oklahoma, there were 13,546 substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect, with 10,525 of those involving first-time victims. The statistics highlight the critical need for heightened vigilance and support for vulnerable families across the state. “It is easier to build healthy and strong children than to repair broken adults," said Roe. "Every child deserves to be safe, nurtured and supported in caring relationships. Every family deserves to be supported in a community that encourages safety and well-being, that’s why it’s vital we raise awareness of how we can all contribute to preventing child abuse.” HR1011 encourages all citizens, businesses and social institutions in Oklahoma to dedicate themselves to supporting parents and families in raising safe, healthy children. The resolution shows the significance of community involvement in providing the resources and assistance needed to ensure the safety and well-being of Oklahoma’s children. "Child abuse can be prevented, and everyone has a role to play,” said Roe. "By working together—neighbors, teachers, faith leaders, businesses and policymakers—we can create a culture where prevention is the priority, and no child has to suffer the devastating effects of abuse or neglect.” April also serves as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 2265 last week, authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, to modernize the appointment and regulation of notaries public in the state. The bill introduces new professional standards, including a required examination, enhanced record-keeping measures and strengthened compliance protocols. "Notaries are essential to the integrity of many legal and financial processes, and this bill ensures they have the knowledge and tools needed to carry out their duties responsibly," Miller said. "By establishing a clear examination process and requiring notaries to maintain detailed records, we are reinforcing the professionalism and accountability that Oklahomans expect from these important public officials." County Clerk Maressa Treat emphasized the bill’s role in combating property fraud in Oklahoma. "I appreciate Representative Miller’s work on this important legislation as it strengthens the professionalism and accountability of notaries in Oklahoma. As the Oklahoma County Clerk, we have seen an increase in property theft, often committed through fraudulent notaries. Passing responsible legislation like this is one step closer to eliminating property theft in Oklahoma and ensuring greater security for all Oklahomans." Under HB2265, individuals applying for a new notary commission will need to pass an examination covering laws, procedures and ethical responsibilities related to notarial acts. The bill also mandates that notaries maintain a detailed journal of all notarial acts for at least ten years, ensuring transparency and long-term record security. These journals must be stored in a tamper-evident format, whether physical or electronic, to safeguard against alterations. "The goal here is simple: to ensure that notaries have the education and resources they need to perform their duties with the highest standards of integrity," Miller continued. "By strengthening these regulations, we’re not just protecting the public, but also supporting the professionals who help ensure the accuracy and trustworthiness of countless legal documents every day." The bill does not increase application fees for new or renewing notaries but provides clear guidelines for the commission process. Additionally, it outlines a procedure for handling notary journals in cases of resignation, revocation or death, ensuring proper record retention and accessibility. "By modernizing these regulations, we’re making it easier for notaries to do their jobs right and helping Oklahomans trust the notarial services they rely on," Miller said. HB2265 passed the House 90-3 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, will recognize Autism Advocacy Day, which falls on Thursday, April 3, on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, honoring autism advocates and emphasizing the need for continued support of individuals on the autism spectrum. "I’m always proud to stand with the autism community and acknowledge the hard work of advocates who are making a real difference," Miller said. "Autism Awareness and Acceptance is essential for creating a more inclusive Oklahoma where everyone has the opportunity to succeed." The Autism Foundation of Oklahoma was a key advocate behind the 2015 autism insurance reform bill and the voluntary designation on driver licenses and state identification cards legislation. Several organizations focused on raising awareness of the needs of individuals with autism will have booths and speak at Autism Advocacy Day on Thursday, at the Capitol. Rep. Miller notes Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month begins April 1, World Autism Day begins April 2 and Autism Advocacy Day begins April 3. This recognition reflects Rep. Miller's ongoing commitment to supporting autism advocacy in Oklahoma and ensuring the voices of individuals impacted by autism are heard at the state level.

A measure significantly reforming court fees has been approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, developed House Bill 1460 following an interim study she hosted where she heard from former inmates that the fees were often overwhelming. HB1460 seeks to eliminate many of the unnecessary fees levied against individuals involved in the criminal justice system. "Our current system strains our criminal justice system, hinders reentry efforts and traps individuals in a never-ending cycle of debt and criminal justice involvement," West said. "For too long, these fees have done more harm than good and have stood as barriers to successful reentry. House Bill 1460 gives people a real second chance to get back on their feet after incarceration." HB1460 would eliminate the following low-yield fees, based on 2022 data: Electronic monitoring fee (up to $300/month) – Collected by the Department of Corrections, with only $200,000 of the $700,000 assessed successfully collected. $40 indigent defense application fee – Assessed by court clerks and frequently waived by judges, generating just $26,976.88. $15 DPS Impaired Driver Database fee – Brought in $78,148.47. $5 Bureau of Narcotics Revolving Fund fee – Charged for misdemeanor marijuana possession, totaling $15,476.98. OSBI drug cleaning fee – Collected just $4.87. Additionally, two fees assessed by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Drug Abuse Education and Treatment would be affected. The programs will remain in place but would gain an alternative revenue source, as both current fees have a collection rate below 50% and generate less than $400,000. West noted that she is still working to develop a more stable funding stream for these programs. West said these fees disproportionately affect people with limited financial means, leading to some collection rates as low as 25%. Many of these fees cost the state more to collect than they bring in. West argued that shifting away from relying on these fees will allow the state to focus on more reliable revenue sources. "When we refuse to remove these substantial barriers, we continue to punish people well after they've served their time," West said. "House Bill 1460 is a step in the right direction toward eliminating unjust financial penalties that make it harder for Oklahomans to get back on their feet after incarceration. Without the burden of overwhelming fees, people will be better equipped to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society." West added that she is continuing to work with agency heads to identify the fees that make the most sense to eliminate. The House unanimously approved HB1460 with a 95-0 vote on Thursday. It now moves to the Senate, where it's authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, this week commented on his legislation that passed in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for consideration. "I'm glad to send these measures onto the next step as I believe they would help Oklahomans," Ford said. "From getting sexual assault victims more timely help, to assuring our schools can hire special education directors to help meet their needs, and helping provide appropriate merit protection for our law enforcement officers." Two of Ford's bills seek to help victims of sexual assault. House Bill 1676 would create the Kay Floyd Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) statewide coordinator position under the direction of the District Attorneys Council. The measure also establishes an annual salary for the position that would be paid for from funds appropriated to the council. Ford said the hope is for the coordinator to create a network of trained sexual assault nurse examiners to be placed throughout the state so victims do not have to wait hours for an examination. "We're trying to figure out how to best serve the victims in Oklahoma so no one has to wait or travel to get help," Ford said. The bill is named for former Sen. Kay Floyd who Ford said dedicated much of her career in the Legislature to working for sexual assault and domestic violence victims. "I felt it was fitting to give her credit for all her years of service to these victims," Ford said. House Bill 2705 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. "Sexual assault victims deserve to be kept up to date on the status of any evidence collected as their criminal cases move forward," said Ford, a former police officer with more than 25 years of service. Another of his bills, House Bill 1138 would amend the process by which some of the state's law enforcement officers, including those that are certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, could obtain merit protection hearings when facing disciplinary action or grievance complaints and mediation is unsuccessful. House Bill 2702 would allow school districts to hire special education directors and assistant directors who have achieved micro-credential certification through the State Department of Education in addition to those that have gone the standard track. "This would help out our school districts by allowing them to hire administrators who achieve the appropriate training to help our special education teachers and students," Ford said.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill designed to improve training and standards for pharmacy technicians has passed the House floor today with a unanimous vote. House Bill 1585 , authored by Rep. Mike Lay, R-Jenks, creates the Oklahoma Professions and Occupations Reform Act of 2025, introducing new training requirements to ensure pharmacy technicians are better prepared to support Oklahomans in their healthcare.  “Our pharmacy technicians are on the front lines of healthcare, and they deserve the best training we can give them,” Lay said. “This bill is about making sure they’re ready for whatever comes their way, so they can provide the best care possible for the people they work with.”  HB1585 outlines a two-phase training process for pharmacy technicians. Technicians will need to complete Phase I before applying for an Oklahoma Pharmacy Technician permit and Phase II within 90 days after receiving the permit. Pharmacy managers will be responsible for creating and overseeing the training programs, which must be available for inspection by the Oklahoma Pharmacy Board.  “We want pharmacy technicians to feel supported and continue learning as they grow in their role,” Lay said. “This is a win for both the technicians and the Oklahomans they serve.”  The bill also requires newly hired technicians to document their training within 10 days of being hired. Those at least 18 years old and enrolled in approved youth apprenticeship or CareerTech programs can complete Phase II training even if they aren’t yet employed by a pharmacy.  With annual continuing education and strict documentation, HB1585 is designed to ensure technicians stay up-to-date with the skills they need throughout their careers.  HB1585 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, on Tuesday passed legislation in the House that would outlaw the trafficking of chemical abortion pills. House Bill 1168 would create a felony trafficking offense for anyone who knows or has reason to know that another person intends to use an abortion-inducing drug and knowingly delivers such a drug to that person or who possesses the drug with intent to deliver it. "Women considering an abortion are already in a vulnerable state," Crosswhite Hader said. "They don't need someone willing to skirt the law or to try to profit from such vulnerability and provide them with an abortion-inducing drug that could create great harm to them physically and mentally." Crosswhite Hader said the legislation only addresses those who intend to distribute these drugs to others, not those who are accessing these drugs for themselves. Anyone convicted of trafficking or attempting to traffic abortion-inducing drugs could face a fine of up to $100,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both. This is the same as current law for those performing an illegal abortion. This act does not apply to a pharmacist or a manufacturer or distributor acting lawfully in the usual course of their business or profession. Nothing in this act may be construed to prohibit preventive contraceptives used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Crosswhite Hader said her goal is to protect women's health. She said there are numerous reports of women being given these drugs by non-medical professionals who do not understand what the medications can do to a woman if administered incorrectly. The drugs are often taken in isolation. This leaves the woman to go through cramping and bleeding and the shedding of her pregnancy with no medical expert on hand to help her through not only the physical pain and after-effects of the drugs, but also the mental anguish that can result from seeing her pre-term pregnancy in a non-viable state. "I'm concerned that a woman given these drugs to take in isolation could die by herself, and they could keep her from being able to carry to term a pregnancy at a later date should that be desired," she said. Even more alarming, she said, are reports that only the second drug in a two-drug sequence are being given in some instances. The first drug is intended to stop the growth of the pregnancy. The second is to evacuate. To give the second drug without the first presents a greater danger to the woman, she said. Just like legislators enacted punishments for adults who give alcohol to minors, penalties are attached in this act to hopefully give people who would distribute these drugs pause, she said. HB1168 now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, on Wednesday passed a bill in the House that would reduce the amount of marijuana an individual may legally possess, distribute, manufacture or bring into the state under the Trafficking in Illegal Drugs Act. If House Bill 1163 becomes law, anything above 25 pounds would be considered aggravated trafficking vs. simple trafficking. The current threshold is 1,000 pounds. The crime is punishable by a fine ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. "This legislation is necessary to prevent the illegal trade of marijuana inside the state of Oklahoma," Gann said. "Whatever the law allows, it encourages, and this is an attempt to discourage such trade." Gann said this is a request by the assistant district attorney in Rogers, Mays and Craig counties. "She has expressed that this is definitely a problem," he said. "We are a high-trafficking state because of our marijuana laws, and we're trying to clamp down on that." The bill also would close another loophole that has been problematic for prosecutors. The bill would require that anyone pulled over by law enforcement that has marijuana in their system produce their medical marijuana card at the time of the stop. "What's happening, is people who are arrested for that, they buy a license between the time they are ticketed and before they get to court," Gann said. "This would stop that." The bill passed 66 to 17 in the House and now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Shane Jett, R-Shawnee.