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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, this week passed a bill in committee that would safeguard a parent's fundamental right to raise and refer to their child according to the child's biological sex. Duel characterized House Bill 3502 as a parental rights and child protection measure that would ensure no parent or prospective adoptive parent can be labeled abusive, neglectful or disqualified from fostering or adoption simply for raising or referring to a child consistent with the child's biological sex. "We have seen parents in other states penalized for affirming basic biological reality and refusing to submit to radical gender ideology," Duel said. "This legislation makes clear that Oklahoma will defend parental authority, uphold biological truth and maintain common-sense standards while helping more children find stable, loving homes." Duel faced questions in committee about whether this has been an issue in Oklahoma, which traditionally respects parental rights. He also was asked if there had been an instance where a family had been denied the right to foster a child because of this matter. Duel said while he's unaware of this being litigated in Oklahoma, responsible governance means acting before outside policies and activist pressure threaten Oklahoma families. "We can look to what has happened in other states and ensure Oklahoma does not repeat those mistakes," he said. "We have a large number of children in need of loving homes, and we should not disqualify parents for holding to biological truth and exercising their right to raise children according to their convictions." Duel said the bill reinforces Oklahoma's longstanding commitment to parental rights, limited government and policies rooted in ideological reality.  HB3502 passed on a vote of 4-1 in the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee. It is now referred to the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, this week passed two bills in committee aimed at protecting and benefitting youth. House Bill 3544 would protect youth as they interact with Artificial Intelligence (AI). House Bill 3548 would create the Oklahoma Youth Entrepreneurs Promotion and Development Act of 2026. "My focus with both pieces of legislation is protecting young Oklahomans," Maynard said. "One bill would protect them from predatory practices embedded in certain artificial intelligence. The second would protect them from burdensome regulation as they begin to learn the basic principles of business ownership." HB3544 unanimously passed the House Civil Judiciary Committee on Thursday. It now awaits a hearing in the Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee. "This bill would protect children when interacting with artificial intelligence chatbots that are designed to simulate emotional or human-like relationships," Maynard said. "There have been multiple incidences reported across the country where children have committed self-harm after these chatbots have encouraged it. I am asking that the Oklahoma Legislature be proactive in putting some common-sense policies in place." HB3548 unanimously passed the House Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee on Wednesday. The measure would exempt sales tax for businesses owned and operated primarily by individuals who are under the age of 18. The exemption would extend only if the business receives limited assistance from adults and if the business generates gross revenue of less than $1,000 during the calendar year "This legislation encourages real-world learning by allowing young people to operate small businesses without being buried in taxes and unnecessary red tape," Maynard said. "If a child wants to run a lemonade stand for a week, they should not have to purchase multiple permits to do so. I ask that we teach our kids entrepreneurship before we regulate them." Maynard said the legislation complements Gov. Stitt's recently signed Executive Order 2026-04, which makes it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Oklahoma. Key actions of the governor's order include the exploration of tax waivers for startups and fairer access to state contracts for young businesses. Reports on fees, taxes, education and contracts are to be shared with legislative leaders by the end of the legislative session. The next stop for HB3548 will be the full A&B Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, passed a bill this week that would give counties the option to impose a local public service impact tax on retail marijuana sales.  House Bill 3314 would authorize counties to impose up to a 15% public service impact tax on retail marijuana sales within county limits. The bill does not automatically create a tax. If a county chooses to pursue one, it must first be approved by a majority of county voters at a special election. The bill also exempts marijuana grown on private property by individuals that is not sold.  "Counties are the ones dealing with the day-to-day impact of marijuana sales," Eaves said. "This lets local communities decide for themselves whether they want to dedicate a portion of that revenue to support law enforcement, first responders and improving problem properties."   If approved locally, revenue from the tax would be deposited into the county general fund and used to support county sheriffs, local police and fire departments and to address dilapidated properties.   The bill outlines election procedures, requires the purpose and duration of the tax to be clearly identified to voters and allows the Oklahoma Tax Commission to administer and collect the tax through a contract with the county. HB3314 passed the County and Municipal Government Committee with a 6-0 vote and now advances to the Government Oversight Committee for further consideration. 

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today urged action by the governor in concert with the Legislature to expand funding for eradicating invasive species as the state faces early wildfires. Dobrinski is the author of legislation that created the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act and the House author of legislation that requires the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to implement a statewide plan targeting harmful woody species on state lands. Both are efforts to reduce materials that consume massive amounts of water and lead to fire threats. This year, Dobrinski is running House Bill 2988 , which currently recommends a tax credit for those who remove harmful woody species through qualified practices as defined by the Conservation Commission. The bill passed in the Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee. Dobrinski said the legislation will be amended before it reaches the House full A&B Committee to instead expand the Terry Peach Act.  "February is not traditionally a month we consider a wildfire risk," Dobrinski said. "After record snowfall last month, warm temperatures and winds have created threatening conditions earlier than usual. Woodward was spared this week, by the grace of God and the work of hundreds of firefighters and first responders. Many in the Panhandle and Northwest Oklahoma, however, have suffered great loss." Dobrinski said lawmakers have talked for years about eastern red cedars and their challenge to the western Oklahoma water supply, along with the fire threat they present for much of the state. "This issue predates my service at the Capitol by at least two decades," he said. "The Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act was a trial study that proved that addressing this issue would improve waterflow, restore native grasslands, return ecological balance and promote wildlife habitat."   Dobrinski said Woodward was threatened because of the proliferation of eastern red cedars southwest of the city, very much like the communities of Stillwater and Mannford, which suffered wildfires last spring. "Our own governor lost a rural residence northeast of the Oklahoma City metro area in those fires, in an area that is very thick with eastern red cedars on neighboring properties," Dobrinski said.  "As the governor approaches the end of his administration, we can celebrate many victories and improvements to our wonderful state," Dobrinski said. "I encourage him to include in his legacy being the governor that decided it was time to turn the tide on our ever increasing eastern red cedar problem. I ask him to please work with our Legislature and emphasize the need to properly fund a sustained effort to improve our state's land and water resources and ensure a safer future for generations to come." 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson, advanced four insurance bills this week through the House Insurance Committee, which he chairs.  Three of the bills lay the foundation for broader updates to Oklahoma’s insurance and regulatory framework.  House Bills 3796 and 3818 would serve as comprehensive legislative vehicles to organize and modernize insurance statutes during the 2026 session. The bills would provide a structured framework allowing lawmakers to consolidate reforms, improve statutory clarity and ensure Oklahoma law keeps pace with industry standards and consumer needs. House Bill 3794 would serve as an umbrella measure for regulatory updates affecting licensed professions and occupations, helping streamline statutory changes and provide consistency across regulatory language.  House Bill 3802 would focus on directly on consumer protection. The bill would prohibit insurers from increasing a motor vehicle liability premium solely because a deceased spouse is removed from a policy. It clarifies that removing a deceased spouse cannot be treated as a material change in risk for underwriting or rate calculations. Insurers would still be allowed to adjust premiums at renewal based on documented changes such as driving record, claims history, mileage, garaging location or other actuarially supported risk factors.  "Our responsibility is to ensure the rules are clear and the protections are meaningful," Sneed said. "These bills improve structure, reinforce consumer safeguards and create a more dependable regulatory environment for families and businesses."  In addition to advancing Sneed's legislation, the House Insurance Committee has approved measures this session aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and stability in Oklahoma’s insurance market.  Sneed said he is proud of the committee’s work so far. "We are committed to getting the details right," he said. "Insurance affects people during some of the most important and difficult moments in their lives. When families file a claim or businesses rely on coverage, they deserve a system that is fair, transparent and dependable. That is the kind of work this committee is focused on."  All four bills passed the House Insurance Committee and are now eligible for consideration in the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to protect Oklahomans from the harmful use of artificial intelligence and deepfake content passed unanimously out of the House Criminal Judiciary Committee. House Bill 3299 , authored by Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, would make it unlawful to create and distribute digitized or synthetic media depicting another person’s name, image, voice or likeness without written consent when done with the intent to cause emotional, financial, reputational or physical harm. "As we awaken each day to more sophisticated AI-generated media, we must recommit to the fundamental truth in advertising and the basic rights of every Oklahoman," Hays said. "Every Oklahoman deserves to control their name, likeness and voice and to know that when they are depicted, especially in an effort to influence the public, that they’re portrayed accurately." Under the measure, violations would be considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. If the offense results in financial harm exceeding $25,000 or involves extortion, coercion or blackmail, the crime would be elevated to a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The bill also addresses political advertising. Any digital or synthetic media used in political ads would have to be clearly disclosed. Failure to disclose would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail or a fine of up to $2,500. Media advertising agencies would be required to obtain a signed attestation from content creators stating whether the advertisement contains digitized or synthetically altered material. If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, House Bill 3299 would place Oklahoma alongside Tennessee, which enacted the Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act (ELVIS Act) in 2024, in extending these protections to all individuals. While some states have enacted similar laws for minors or public figures, Hays said this measure recognizes that every person has a fundamental right to control his or her own name, image, likeness and voice as personal property. "This technology is moving faster than most people realize," Hays said. "We need guardrails in place to protect individuals from having their identity manipulated and used against them." HB3299 now moves to the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two measures by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, aimed at strengthening Oklahoma’s crisis response systems, have advanced in the legislative process. House Bill 4092 , which addresses the state’s 988 mental health crisis system, passed unanimously out of the Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee with a 6-0 vote and now heads to the full Appropriations and Budget Committee. House Bill 4095 , which updates governance of the state’s 211 system, passed the Children, Youth and Family Services Committee with a 6-0 vote and now moves to the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. "I’m encouraged to see both of these bills advance to oversight," Norwood said. "Whether someone is facing a mental health crisis or simply needs help finding food, housing or other basic services, these systems have to work. Moving these measures forward means we are taking the next step toward strengthening the support networks Oklahomans rely on every day." HB4092 would designate the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the lead agency for suicide prevention and crisis services and require designated 988 centers to meet national standards and best practices. The measure would establish a statewide 988 Trust Fund to be administered by the department. The fund would support the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive, statewide 988 Lifeline system. The measure directs the state to implement strategies to ensure the behavioral health crisis system is adequately funded. The bill also calls for enhanced use of technology to improve coordination, data collection and analysis in the delivery of behavioral health crisis services. "988 has become a vital lifeline for Oklahomans facing mental health crises," Norwood said. "This bill makes sure we have clear oversight, strong coordination and sustainable funding so that when someone calls for help, the system is ready to respond." House Bill 4095, which focuses on the governance structure of the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative, passed the Children, Youth and Family Services Policy Committee unanimously and now moves to the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. The Oklahoma 211 Collaborative is the lead entity for 211 call centers that connect Oklahomans to services such as food, housing, clothing, transportation and medical assistance. The measure would reduce the collaborative’s membership from 15 to nine members, with three from the public sector and six from the private sector. Under current law, the body consists of five public and 10 private sector members. The bill outlines appointment authority and would establish staggered initial terms to ensure continuity. Three members would serve one-year initial terms, three would serve two-year initial terms and three would serve three-year initial terms. After the initial terms, members would serve three-year terms and may be reappointed. Vacancies would be filled by the original appointing authority, rather than by the collaborative itself. "Our 211 system connects families to essential services every single day," Norwood said. "This update strengthens accountability and creates a clearer structure so the collaborative can continue serving Oklahomans effectively."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Wednesday passed a bill in the Public Health Committee that would allow ivermectin suitable for human use to be sold over-the-counter in pharmacies. House Bill 4124 would permit a pharmacist to supply ivermectin to a person without requiring a prescription from a health care professional. Notwithstanding any other law, a pharmacy would not be criminally or civilly liable for supplying ivermectin. "Many people throughout Oklahoma and the nation take ivermectin for a variety of ailments," Fetgatter said. "And while it can be prescribed by doctors, many currently choose to purchase this product over the counter at the local farm supply store. We're just asking that pharmacies be able to offer this the same way." Fetgatter said the bill was a constituent request. He said in rural communities, it can be a long commute to get to a healthcare practitioner if one is available. This bill would give his constituents the freedom and discretion to purchase a product they feel works best for them. The bill passed in the House Public Health Committee on a vote of 5-1. It now is eligible to be heard in the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee.

Legislation aimed at safeguarding voluntary religious expression in Oklahoma public schools moved forward Wednesday as House Bill 3240 cleared the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Education. Authored by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, HB3240 would require school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy providing students and school employees the opportunity to participate in a voluntary period of prayer or reading of religious texts during noninstructional time. Hasenbeck said she filed the bill to provide clarity for school districts who may fear litigation following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court case Kennedy v. Bremerton School District . "House Bill 3240 ensures that students and school employees who wish to voluntarily express their faith have the opportunity to do so," said Hasenbeck, a former educator. "This legislation is structured carefully to create a clear, constitutional framework for our schools while protecting the rights of those who choose not to participate." Under the bill, written consent from a parent or guardian is required before participation, and consent may be revoked at any time. The legislation also prohibits prayer or readings over public address systems and ensures the designated period does not replace instructional time. HB3240 also directs the Oklahoma Attorney General to provide compliance guidance, a model consent form and legal defense for districts adopting policies in accordance with state law. If enacted, the measure would apply beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. HB3240 is now eligible for consideration by the full House Appropriations & Budget Committee.