News

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, which aims to shield Oklahoma families and small businesses from higher utility costs tied to large-scale energy users like data centers, is one step closer to becoming law. Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, is the author of House Bill 2992 , which passed the House floor as well as the Senate floor yesterday with a unanimous vote. The measure establishes guidelines for how all Oklahoma electric suppliers and regulators manage the growing energy demands of data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence facilities. "I am grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for their overwhelming bipartisan support to pass this bill and truly appreciate that so many of my colleagues have signed on as co-authors of this bill," Boles said. "I also really appreciate Senator Grant Green who carried this effort forward and got it across the finish line in the Senate. We have a duty to our constituents to put proper ratepayer protections and safeguards in place in state statute. Oklahoma families and small businesses should not be expected to finance major system upgrades required for high-demand users. Those costs should rest with the companies driving the need." 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. The bill also adds a notice requirement within 60 days of acquiring land for these large load customers requiring them to notify the adjoining landowners, county commissioners, and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission which adds more transparency for local communities at the beginning stages of these large projects. Currently, 36 House and Senate lawmakers from both parties have signed on as co-authors of this bill alongside Rep. Boles and Sen. Green, R-Wellston, who are the primary authors. "I’m glad to see this critical reform pass the Legislature unanimously," Green said. "If private companies want to build in this state, they need to pay their own way and be good neighbors to the Oklahomans who have lived off this land their whole lives. Under this legislation, data centers and other facilities that consume massive amounts of energy can't pass their costs on to hardworking Oklahomans. Most importantly, data center developers won’t be able to buy land without notifying the community and nearby neighbors of their plans. This is a major victory for Oklahoma ratepayers that closely aligns with President Trump's broader efforts to protect consumers from higher utility costs." The Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026 now moves to the Governor's office to consider signing into law.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, on Tuesday passed a bill that would require all youth camps to conduct a site-specific hazard assessment and to develop an emergency action plan by the end of this year and every three years going forward.  The plan specified in House Bill 1675 must include response protocols for each severe weather hazard applicable to the site, evacuation routes and other items outlined in the measure. Senate amendments were adopted by the House, and the bill has been sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. "This bill is about keeping our children safe, and to assure parents that when they send their children to camp, it will be a wonderful and safe experience," Cantrell said. "It is not intended to put onerous regulations on camp owners, nor is it focused on any particular camp." Cantrell said the legislation was inspired after a catastrophic flood in Texas last year took the lives of 25 young campers, two counselors and a camp director. "The news reports of this event were horrific to watch, and I honestly cannot imagine the grief of the parents and families that is ongoing today." Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, is the Senate author of the bill. “Camp should be a time for kids to let loose and have fun,” Seifried said. “But parents shouldn’t have to sit at home worrying every time they see a severe weather alert. This bill makes sure camps have clear emergency plans in place and staff who know what to do when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Preparing ahead of time and planning for all scenarios will keep campers safe and give parents peace of mind.” Cantrell said his legislation is not as restrictive as legislation passed in Texas. Instead, he said it would require camps to work with local emergency management officials to develop plans based on their local topography and local weather patterns. He said this is important in Oklahoma, where tornadoes, flash flooding and other severe weather events are a recurring threat. "I trust camp owners and operators will be able to work together with local officials to make sure we have the best emergency preparedness plans in place before our kids arrive at camp going forward," Cantrell said.                                                                                  Under the measure, youth camps would be required to maintain two independent methods of receiving severe weather alerts, an internal communication system, procedures for notifying guardians, and to provide access to shelters. Potential threats of severe weather and emergency response procedures must be disclosed to all participants. Camp staff are required to receive annual emergency procedure and hazard recognition training and conduct periodic drills. A copy of the emergency action plan must be kept on file with the applicable regulating authority. Regulating authorities are authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement these provisions and can impose corrective action plans, civil penalties, and suspend or revoke licensure for material noncompliance.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, applauds the signing of a bill that will give more parents the chance to choose the educational experience that best meets their child's needs. Caldwell is a coauthor of House Bill 3705 , which increases the annual cap on the Parental Choice Tax Credit program from $250 million to $275 million beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, which starts July 1. Under the program’s tiered structure, eligible families may receive refundable tax credits ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 per student for private school tuition, depending on household income. Additionally, families who homeschool may qualify for a $1,000 per-student tax credit for approved educational expenses. "This program has been extremely well-received by Oklahoma families, as shown by record application numbers this year," Caldwell said. "I truly believe education is the most important thing the state does for its citizens. A quality education has the power to change someone's life. And parents, not the government, should have the power to decide the best educational path for their child. I'm glad the Legislature and the governor responded to the growing demand by expanding the cap for this vital program, so more parents have the flexibility to choose the education their children deserve." The Parental Choice Tax Credit program was established through House Bill 1934  in 2023. This program is just a part of the legislative commitment aimed at improving education in Oklahoma. In addition to creating the popular school choice program in 2023, the Legislature has also invested more than $1 billion in new funding for public education.  "Parents deserve a choice of where to send their children to school," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, the House author of the bill. "For many, that's the local public school. However, if that school is not meeting their needs, parents should be able to put their tax dollars toward the place where their child will truly flourish." The Parental Choice Tax Credit program is administered by the Oklahoma Tax Commission, which opened applications for the 2026–27 school year on March 16. The commission reported nearly 27,000 applications for the upcoming school year were submitted on the first day alone. The application period for the tax credit closes at 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 15. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all required documentation before the deadline to ensure consideration.  More information, including application guidance and eligibility details, is available on the Oklahoma Tax Commission’s website: https://oklahoma.gov/tax/individuals/parental-choice-tax-credit.html .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 1543 , authored by Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, which would tighten penalties for repeat impaired driving offenses, has passed the House Floor and now is waiting on a final vote from the Senate. SB1543 would establish an aggregate offense for individuals who commit two or more separate driving under the influence violations within one year, allowing those offenses to be prosecuted as a single C2 felony. "These are 100 percent preventable tragedies, and far too many families have been left to carry the weight of a decision that never should have been made," Gise said. "By tightening this law and holding repeat offenders accountable, we are taking an important step to protect innocent lives across our state." "Working so closely with the great folks over at VOID and hearing the stories from so many families that have been impacted by impaired drivers, it was very clear that we needed a change," Gise said. "No one should have to lose a loved one this way. This is about putting people first and making it clear that Oklahoma will not tolerate behavior that puts others at risk." Victims of Impaired Drivers (VOID) is an organization that supports victims and families affected by impaired driving. "Impaired driving is a choice. Every time a person climbs behind the wheel to drive under the influence of any intoxicating substance, they are endangering the lives of everyone they pass on the streets," VOID founder Jeff Murrow said. "Victimless DUI is never harmless. This bill seeks to hold people accountable and prevent them from making this terrible decision." The group visited the Capitol on May 4 for an advocacy day, where Gise presented them on the House floor. In her remarks, Gise highlighted the following statistics about impaired driving in Oklahoma: Data from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office shows there are approximately 700 deaths each year from automobile crashes in Oklahoma, with about half attributed to impaired driving, an average of one Oklahoman killed each day. According to the OSBI Statistical Analysis Center , the state has averaged 11,024 DUI arrests annually since 2021. Gise said the measure reflects a commitment to addressing a persistent public safety issue and standing with families who have been impacted. 'We have an opportunity to act before another life is lost," Gise said. "This legislation sends a clear message that repeat impaired driving will be taken seriously, and that the safety of Oklahoma families will always come first." SB1543 is now in the hands of the Senate. If approved by the Governor, the bill would take effect Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, on Tuesday passed a bill that establishes exact procedures for law enforcement to review cold cases involving violent crimes. Senate Bill 1636 passed the House unanimously on a vote of 81-0 after previously passing the Senate 47-0. The legislation has been sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. If enacted, it would become effective Nov. 1. "As a former police officer, one of the worst things was telling someone I didn't have an answer for them about what happened to their loved one," Ford said. "This legislation sets up a better procedure for violent crime cold cases to be investigated with the hope this brings many of these cases to resolution." Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, is the Senate principal author of the measure. “There are at least 1,000 Oklahoma families who have waited for years for justice for their loved ones. This bill will give them an opportunity to finally have the answers and the justice they deserve,” Hicks said. “I want to thank the members of the House for joining the Senate in unanimously approving Senate Bill 1636 and thank the governor for his consideration of this important legislation.” SB1636 would require law enforcement to review cold case files upon written application by a designated person, including family members, to determine if further investigation would result in probative leads. The review must be performed by a person who has not previously investigated the case, and it must be completed within six months. The timeline may be extended under certain circumstances.  The review is to include an analysis of the investigative steps or follow-up steps that may have contributed to the initial investigation; an assessment of whether witnesses should be interviewed or reinterviewed; a review of physical evidence to determine if all appropriate forensic testing and analyses were performed in the first instance or if additional testing might produce information relevant to the investigation; and a modernization of the file to raise it to current investigative standards to the extent that it would develop probative leads. The law enforcement agency receiving the application for review must confirm within 30 days of receipt and give periodic updates to the person requesting the review. The agency will then be required to meet periodically with the designated person to discuss findings and to explain the decision whether further investigation is warranted. Law enforcement agencies can jointly coordinate reviews. After review, if the law enforcement agency concludes that further investigation is not warranted, no additional review can be taken for the same case for five years, unless new evidence is discovered.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1933 , authored by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, is headed to the Governor’s desk after gaining final legislative approval. The measure, known as the Maddix Bias Act, seeks to prevent the misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas. The bill is named in honor of Maddix Bias, a 2023 Tecumseh High School graduate and standout baseball player whose life was tragically cut short in a car crash caused by his boss, who was under the influence of nitrous oxide. HB1933 would make it a misdemeanor to possess, buy, sell or transfer nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication. Violators could face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 or both. The measure also will increase penalties for possession of larger quantities and for those who sell or provide nitrous oxide to minors, including potential jail time, steeper fines and suspension of business licenses. "This is a huge win for Oklahomans because while nitrous oxide is often mistakenly viewed as harmless, its misuse can have devastating consequences, like in the case of what happened to Maddix," Sterling said. "We have seen firsthand how dangerous it can be when misused. With this bill, we are taking a stand and saying that abusing this substance will not be tolerated in our state." Although nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in medical, dental, culinary and industrial settings, it remains widely accessible for recreational misuse through retail outlets and online sales. Health experts warn that repeated misuse can lead to serious neurological damage, including harm to the brain, nerves and spinal cord, and in some cases, death. "If we did nothing, kids would think whippits are for fun and games, like the use when you are at the dentist's office but at home, and that is simply not the case," Sterling said. "This is a growing problem that we can put a stop to, and I'm proud my colleagues in the Legislature recognized the need to act and took steps to address it." Sterling said the legislation is also intended to honor the memory of Bias and help prevent similar tragedies. "No family should have to endure the kind of loss that Maddix’s family has experienced," Sterling said. "This effort works to preserve his legacy, which will lead to greater awareness and safer communities across our state." HB1933 aligns with national efforts like H.R 7945 , the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act of 2026, which aims to curb the sale and misuse of nitrous oxide consumer products while preserving its legitimate applications.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson, secured House passage of Senate Bill 1319 , a measure aimed at helping homeowners respond to serious environmental contamination affecting their property.  SB1319 creates a process through the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to address environmental emergencies, including contamination from substances such as oil or brine. The measure allows affected homeowners to apply for assistance to stop the source of contamination, clean up impacted areas, and in some cases, receive fair market value for their property.  The bill also establishes the Remediation Assistance Revolving Fund to support cleanup efforts and ensure resources are available to respond quickly when these situations arise.  "This gives homeowners a path forward when something goes wrong that’s completely out of their control," Sneed said. "When contamination hits your property, you shouldn’t be stuck waiting and wondering what happens next. This sets up a clear process to respond, fix the problem and help people move forward."  Sen. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, is the Senate author of the bill.   "This legislation ensures no homeowner is left without support when contamination threatens their property. I’m proud to see this bill once again advancing to offer needed protections and assistance to Oklahomans," Frix said. SB1319 passed the House floor and now returns to the Senate to review and approve House amendments before heading to the governor’s desk.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure aimed at supporting sexual assault victims across Oklahoma has been signed into law by the Governor, securing the continuation of the Statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator position within the District Attorneys Council. House Bill 4141 by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, removes a sunset date in state law to allow the coordinator position to continue once funding is secured. The role coordinates with SANE nurses across Oklahoma who provide compassionate care to victims of sexual assault and collect critical forensic evidence that may later be used in court. "Our state needs this to be a permanent position because victims deserve it," Manger said. "I am thankful that the Governor signed this into law, making it a reality. Not many people understand that SANE nurses have a very specialized skill set in getting the documentation and tests needed to put their abusers away for good. This role is vital in not only getting the justice victims deserve but also in making Oklahoma a safer place to live and grow your families." The SANE coordinator position was previously funded through a federal grant administered by the Tulsa Police Department, but those funds expired, and the role ceased to exist. The SANE coordinator will oversee forensic medical examination training for SANE nurses statewide, providing consistent program development and ensuring all nurses have access to the same tools and resources. "Before this bill and the fund, Oklahoma had no centralized oversight or coordination among SANE programs which limited victims' access to exams," Manger said. "This would lead to perpetrators not being held accountable and also affected the quality of evidence collected in investigations." The coordinator will also be in charge of recruiting and developing additional SANE professionals to expand additional SANE and Sexual Assault Response Team programs. "We also cannot forget about the compassionate care that these SANE nurses provide victims," Manger said. "These are some of the hardest moments that could happen to a person and the nurses are trained and trauma-informed to provide the care victims need not to relive an unthinkable circumstance."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, commented on the signing of Senate Bill 1433 , known as the Guidance Transparency Act, a measure to increase transparency and accountability in state government.  SB1433 requires state agencies to make guidance documents publicly available, both online and at their principal place of business, ensuring Oklahomans have clear access to agency policies and interpretations. The measure also requires agencies to submit guidance documents to the Office of Administrative Rules for publication in a searchable, centralized format.  "With this legislation, Oklahoma becomes the first state in the nation to enshrine guidance document transparency into law," Hall said. "By requiring these documents to be accessible, we’re creating more transparency and helping the public better understand how decisions are made and which government agency documents are legally binding."  The legislation defines guidance documents broadly to include agency statements, memoranda, bulletins and similar materials that communicate official policy or interpretation, while clarifying that such documents do not carry the full force of law unless otherwise authorized.  "With the Guidance Transparency Act now law, we’re correcting internal processes that allowed agencies to act without enough transparency. Guidance documents will now be disclosed to the public and easy to access, resulting in clearer rules and greater accountability," said Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair.  SB1433 ensures agencies regularly update and publish guidance documents, including any amendments or rescissions, helping maintain accurate and up-to-date information for the public.  The measure takes effect Nov. 1, 2026.