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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, today praised the governor signing into law a bill to create the Lake and Industrial Access Revolving Fund. House Bill 3882 creates a continuing fund to be used by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the purpose of providing grants through either its Lake Access or Industrial Access programs. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will be appropriated $15 million for this fund for Fiscal Year 2027, which starts July 1.  "These funds help improve infrastructure to new or existing facilities," Cantrell said. "This in turn can bring new jobs and economic development that are crucial to our entire state." Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson, is the Senate author of the legislation. “These Lake Access and Industrial Access investments will improve connectivity for residents, vacationers, and workers across Oklahoma,” Alvord said. “I’m pleased to see this legislation signed into law to enhance access to recreational areas and industrial corridors throughout our district and state.” The Lake Access Program provides direct access to public user facilities located within the immediate vicinity of lakes and other recreation areas, which are beyond the normal limits of state or local responsibility. Traditionally the access would spur off of the state highway system and would provide immediate access to a lake or recreational facility. The Industrial Access Road Program helps connect specific industry or industrial areas directly to state highways or local roads. Applications for such projects can be made by local government authorities that have jurisdiction over the roadways. Local governments also often provide a portion of the work or funding for the projects. Cantrell said such cost-sharing is important as it allows counties and cities the ability to complete projects that are beyond their ability to fully fund. "There is often no way a county, for instance, can come up with half a million dollars to reconstruct a road," Cantrell said. "But by qualifying for an access grant, they can share the cost and bring needed development in their area."

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure authored by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Kelley Hines, R-Edmond, to update Oklahoma law regarding explosive devices has been signed into law. House Bill 4142 updates Oklahoma statutes related to the unlawful use of bombs or explosive devices. The measure clarifies definitions related to explosive and incendiary devices, adds conspiracy provisions for individuals conspiring to place such devices and includes language protecting the lawful use of explosives. "Public safety laws must keep pace with the realities law enforcement officers face today," Manger said. "This legislation closes gaps in existing law by addressing conspiracy to place explosive devices while also clearly protecting lawful uses. It gives prosecutors and law enforcement stronger tools to respond before lives are put at risk." Manger, who serves as chair of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee, said the measure strengthens public safety laws while ensuring legitimate activities involving explosives are not impacted. HB4142 becomes effective Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Cash payments made to Oklahoma state and local governments will be rounded to the nearest nickel after the Oklahoma Common Cents Act was signed into law. House Bill 3075 , authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, and Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, establishes standardized rounding rules for cash transactions made to state agencies and political subdivisions. The rounding requirements apply only to cash, public transactions made to government entities and does not impact private businesses or electronic transactions. Payments made by check, debit card, credit card or other electronic methods will not be affected. "This is a practical solution that reflects how people are already using cash today," Hildebrant said. "As the use of the penny continues to decline, there is a need for clear statutory authority allowing state agencies and political subdivisions to round cash transactions in a consistent manner. I appreciate the Governor for signing this into law and my colleagues for their unanimous support in moving this measure forward." Under the law, cash payments ending in $0.01 or $0.02 would be rounded down to $0.00, amounts ending in $0.03 or $0.04 would be rounded up to $0.05, amounts ending in $0.06 or $0.07 would be rounded down to $0.05, and amounts ending in $0.08 or $0.09 would be rounded up to $0.10. To address any minimal rounding differences in property tax collections, the measure directs counties to absorb discrepancies through unappropriated general fund revenue. For all other payments, political subdivisions may use any available fund under their control to account for rounding differences. Hildebrant said the legislation was requested by Rogers County Treasurer Jason Carini after the county reviewed several years of cash transaction data and found the overall impact of rounding would be negligible. "The Rogers County penny analysis showed the rounding approach is essentially neutral overall, and in some years, it resulted in a slight net gain," Hildebrant said. Rogers County analyzed its own data to see what the result of rounding would have been. The county recorded 1,517 cash transactions in 2023, resulting in a net gain of $0.21 cents through rounding. In 2024, 1,555 cash transactions resulted in a net gain of $0.75 cents. In 2025, 1,542 cash transactions resulted in a net gain of $0.86 cents. The Oklahoma Common Cents Act mirrors similar legislation being considered at the federal level that would end penny production and require cash transactions to round to the nearest five cents. The Oklahoma Common Cents Act takes effect Nov. 1, for state agencies. Political subdivisions, including cities and counties, will have until July 1, 2027, to transition to the new rounding requirements.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, today commented on the signing of House Bill 4275 , a measure aimed at strengthening and expanding Oklahoma’s mental health workforce by providing clarity and consistency in certification standards.  HB 4275 updates state law to allow certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to maintain their certification through employment at the city and county level. The measure helps expand local access to care and strengthens support services for county sheriffs, courts, and first responders, including police and fire departments.  Miller said the changes will help communities better respond to mental health needs by supporting the people on the front lines of care.  "These are the people meeting others where they are and helping them navigate some of the hardest moments in their lives," Miller said. "They should be able to focus on that work without unnecessary barriers standing in the way of serving those who rely on their support most. This law helps clear the way so more communities can build strong, local support systems."  Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, is the Senate author of the bill.  "This is a widely supported reform that will strengthen Oklahoma’s response to mental health crises and help connect people with the care they need," Reinhardt said. "Certified behavioral health case managers can play a critical role alongside police officers and firefighters by de-escalating situations and connecting individuals to support services. I appreciate Representative Miller’s leadership on this issue."  Miller said the measure reflects a broader effort to strengthen Oklahoma’s behavioral health system through practical updates that allow providers to serve in critical roles in their cities and counties while maintaining professional standards.  HB4275 will take effect Nov. 1, 2026.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today issued the following statement regarding an Open Records lawsuit involving the Richard Glossip case. Humphrey and former Rep. Kevin McDugle filed the lawsuit against Tulsa County District Attorney Steven Kunzweiler on May 12 in Tulsa County District Court. "This Open Records Act lawsuit seeks production of records we believe have been improperly withheld by Tulsa County District Attorney Steven Kunzweiler. Our requests relate to communications and records involving the Richard Glossip case, the District Attorneys Council, and the role of current and former public officials using their public offices to oppose the Attorney General’s confession of past prosecutorial misconduct before the United States Supreme Court. "District Attorney Kunzweiler recently stated that 'Prosecutors are ministers of justice. We’re gatekeepers. If we misused the law for personal or political gain, we undermine the system.' These principles are precisely why public transparency is so important when elected prosecutors take positions in matters of extraordinary public consequence, especially in a death penalty case. "Records show that District Attorney Kunzweiler and multiple district attorneys, mobilized to intervene and advocate for the execution of Richard Glossip even in the face of prosecutorial misconduct. The United States Supreme Court ultimately rejected DA Kunzweiler’s and his fellow DA’s position and vacated Mr. Glossip’s conviction and death sentence, holding he was entitled to a new trial. The state is now prosecuting Mr. Glossip for a third time, and the public has a legitimate interest in understanding the role public officials and public agencies played and continue to play in those decisions. "This lawsuit is about access to public records, transparency by elected officials like District Attorney Kunzweiler, and accountability. Oklahomans are entitled to know how their elected officials use public offices, public resources, and public authority in cases involving the death penalty, prosecutorial misconduct, and the administration of justice. "We will continue to pursue transparency and accountability through the legal process."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, today commended the governor for signing into a law a bill that adds the operational area of an airport to the list of places considered as critical infrastructure. Under the provisions of House Bill 4108 , those convicted of trespass or causing willful damage will be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail for a term of six months or both. An organization found to be a conspirator will face a $10,000 fine. "Airports see thousands of travelers every day, whether flying for personal reasons or to conduct important business," Ford said. "It's vital that we keep these people safe and commerce unimpeded whether from the threat of terrorists, cyber attackers or even just thoughtless pranksters. This legislation will help, and I'm glad to see it signed into law." Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, is the Senate author of the bill. “House Bill 4108 adds another layer of protection to keep every part of our airports safe and secure,” Rader said. “This measure will deter trespassing and vandalism that could put travelers or airport operations at risk.” The new language of the law adds the operational area of an airport, including runways, taxiways, ramps, apron areas, aircraft parking and storage areas, fuel storage areas, maintenances areas and any other area of an airport used or intended to be used for landing, takeoff or surface maneuvering of aircraft.    Other critical infrastructure includes petroleum refineries, electrical power generating facilities, water structures, natural gas stations, wireless telecommunication infrastructure and more.  HB4108 takes effect Nov. 1. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation creating the Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Linked Deposit Program to help charter schools and nonprofit schools' access affordable financing for construction and facility improvements has been signed into law. The measure, authored by Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, and Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, establishes a new linked deposit program administered by the Oklahoma State Treasurer’s Office. "This legislation is about helping schools access the resources they need to grow and improve their facilities without placing unnecessary financial strain on them," Lepak said. "When market conditions allow, approved applicants receive private loans through local lending institutions at reduced interest rates. It is modeled after the successful linked deposit program for agriculture, and it creates another opportunity for charter and nonprofit schools to invest in their students and communities." The program will provide low-interest lending capital to eligible charter schools and nonprofits for new construction, expansions, repairs, improvements and integrated tangible personal property.    "More and more parents are seeking the best educational fit for their children, and while legislation has increased mobility by providing various financial assistance options, classroom space is a limiting factor. I look forward to seeing if this program will provide some relief," Lepak said. Daniels said the new law ultimately gives tools to the schools to help financial pressures families are facing. "This new law expands a tried-and-true program to help local schools make capital improvements on their campuses," Daniels said. "By offering these low-cost loans, charter and nonprofit schools will be able to build larger, more modern facilities that meet current safety standards and accommodate growing enrollment. This measure gives schools another tool to keep up with demand without placing additional financial pressure on families." Under the law, loan applications will first be reviewed by the State Treasurer before being forwarded to participating lending institutions for review and approval. Eligible borrowers may have one outstanding loan at a time for up to $1 million with a term of up to 10 years. Loan terms may be extended an additional five years with agreement from both the borrower and lender. HB1590 is based on existing linked deposit programs administered through the Treasurer’s Office that support family farmers, small businesses and housing developers by providing low-interest certificates of deposit to participating financial institutions. Under the new law, institutions must collateralize the certificates of deposit received from the Treasurer's Office, so there is no risk of loss of public funds, even if the borrower defaults. HB1590 was signed into law and becomes effective Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, and Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston, are praising Gov. Kevin Stitt for signing House Bill 2992 , the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, into law. The measure is designed to protect Oklahoma families, small businesses and traditional utility customers from rising utility and infrastructure costs tied to large-scale energy users such as data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence facilities. "As Oklahoma continues to grow and attract this new industry, we have to make sure the cost of that growth does not fall on hardworking families and small businesses," Boles said. "I appreciate Governor Stitt for signing this legislation into law, Senator Green for his partnership and all of my colleagues for recognizing the importance of protecting Oklahoma ratepayers. I am proud that Oklahomans will not be forced to subsidize the infrastructure needs of massive data centers and other large-scale energy users while still allowing our state to grow responsibly." Green also praised the signing of the bill, saying the new law will give local communities a voice and greater transparency when new data center developments are proposed in their areas. "As a farmer and rancher, I have serious concerns about the growing number of data centers and how they could impact rural Oklahoma," Green said. "One of my biggest fears is that thousands of acres of prime farmland could be ruined by massive warehouses and industrial sites that drain all the local resources. I don’t want to see that happen here in Oklahoma. The Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act brings much-needed transparency to these developments, so deals aren’t made behind closed doors without input from local property owners. I want to thank Representative Boles for being a great partner as we worked on this legislation. I also appreciate the support from the governor and my colleagues across the Legislature." HB2992 sets guidelines for how Oklahoma utilities and regulators manage the growing energy demands of large-scale users, including data centers and AI facilities consuming 75 megawatts or more of power. The law also increases transparency by requiring developers to notify nearby landowners, county commissioners and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission within 60 days of acquiring land for qualifying projects. "This bill makes it clear that when you plug into Oklahoma’s world class energy grid, you come to the table as a partner and do your part to cover the costs," Gov. Stitt said. "That’s how we keep Oklahoma a Top 10 state and the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family. Oklahoma is open for business, and we welcome data centers and other technology investments that want to grow here the right way." The legislation aligns with the Ratepayer Protection Pledge Proclamation issued by President Donald Trump, which calls on leading hyperscalers and AI companies to provide and pay for the energy and infrastructure needed to build and operate data centers. Several major technology companies have also agreed that as energy demand grows alongside new data center development, American households should not bear the cost of the required infrastructure. 36 House and Senate lawmakers from both parties signed on as co-authors of the legislation. The Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026 becomes effective July 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, today commented on the governor signing into law House Bill 3700 . The measure requires college students to be graded solely on academic performance, including attendance, and not on their opinions, beliefs, or conduct unrelated to academic situations. "College students should never feel they have to self-censor for fear of receiving a negative grade simply because their beliefs run contrary to those of their professor's," Caldwell said. "Nor should they think they'll get a better grade by agreeing with the opinions or beliefs of those grading their assignments. The purpose of higher education is to teach students to think for themselves and be able to express their ideas within the academic context."  Caldwell said the legislation came from a recommendation by the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee, established under the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The committee came through House Bill 3543 , enacted in 2022, also authored by Caldwell. "Currently, only one of the state's 25 colleges and universities has a policy that clearly states what is now contained in this law," Caldwell said. "It should be a foundational standard that every student should expect to be graded only on their academic performance. With this legislation, when students decide to enroll in an Oklahoma college or university, they can now rest assured their First Amendment rights will be honored." Also signed into law is House Bill 3701 , which would require the State Regents of Higher Education to review college degree programs on a five-year cycle. Any program determined to be "low producing," as defined in the measure, would trigger an annual review by the Regents, who must then consider suspending or deleting the program. The program could continue if it meets certain exceptions, but it would be placed on probationary status for three years and must submit a plan for improvement. Caldwell said this bill simply codifies into statute the Regents’ existing procedures for consolidating low-producing programs. The State Regents earlier voted to eliminate 41 low-producing degree programs and suspend 21 others.