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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, has filed legislation with the intent to protect Oklahomans from having to pay increased utility rates by ensuring data centers pay their share of infrastructure costs as they expand across the state. House Bill 2992 , titled the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, would require data centers to pay their share of infrastructure costs associated with their significant electricity demands. While the bill's language is still being finalized, it is being drafted to prevent those costs from being passed on to residential, industrial and small-business ratepayers through higher utility rates. "With more than a dozen potential new data centers planning to locate in Oklahoma that we are aware of at this point, we have to make sure everyday Oklahomans are not stuck paying the price of the electricity use due to these new data centers being built," Boles said. "This bill is about protecting ratepayers and making sure massive energy users cover the infrastructure needed to support their operations instead of shifting that burden onto families and small businesses." Data centers are specialized facilities that store, process and manage digital information. Often referred to as the home of the internet, they house servers, networking equipment and electrical systems that allow everything from cloud storage to video streaming and online banking to navigation apps and email to function in real time. These facilities are connected by fiber-optic cables across the globe and require enormous amounts of electricity to operate. According to the Pew Research Center , a typical AI-focused hyperscale data center can consume as much electricity each year as 100,000 households. Even larger facilities currently under construction are expected to use multiple times that amount. "As these facilities grow, we, as the legislature, must put guardrails in place so Oklahomans are not the ones footing the bill for new substations, transmission lines and other infrastructure upgrades," Boles said. "This legislation ensures fairness and keeps utility rates from climbing for our Oklahoma ratepayers because of the unprecedented increased demand of new electrical generation needed due to the AI data centers. I look forward to working to ensure we have proper safeguards and protections in place for our Oklahoma ratepayers." The Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026 will be eligible for consideration when the Legislature convenes for the Second Regular Session on Feb. 2. Rep. Boles serves as the Oklahoma House of Representatives Chair of the Energy & Natural Resources Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, released the following statement regarding a tornado that struck Purcell early this morning. "Right now, it is all hands on deck as our community responds to the tornado that struck our district. You never expect to be facing this kind of destruction in January, but that is the reality before us today. I have personally been in contact with the McClain County Emergency Management, and I am currently out in the area reaching out to constituents to see what help is needed. While we are still assessing the damage, what stands out most is the strength of our people. Time and again, Oklahomans come together to help their neighbors in moments of crisis, and I have no doubt we will do so again now. Together, we can lean on one another and come through this stronger. I am praying for every family affected by this storm and for the first responders and crews working on the ground." Roe encourages anyone who is able to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts to do so.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, filed legislation this week prohibiting obscene materials in Oklahoma public school libraries. House Bill 2978 would update state law governing school library media programs by prohibiting the acquisition of materials that meet Oklahoma’s legal definition of obscenity. The measure removes references to subjective community standards and instead relies on established statute, creating a consistent statewide framework for school library decisions. “This legislation provides a straightforward statewide rule that helps ensure school libraries stay within the definition of education. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, education is defined as providing proper moral, intellectual and physical instruction," Banning said. Under HB2978 , school districts would follow the existing legal definition of obscenity outlined in Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes when acquiring library materials. Banning says this approach reduces confusion, limits conflict and gives administrators clear direction while preserving the innocence of our youth. 

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, has filed House Joint Resolution 1037 , a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at increasing public accountability and oversight of Oklahoma’s publicly funded colleges and universities. HJR1037 would give lawmakers limited authority to temporarily freeze, suspend or withhold state-appropriated funding from institutions within the State System of Higher Education through a joint resolution, placing ultimate authority with Oklahoma voters. "This measure, if passed, would allow the people of Oklahoma to hold our publicly funded universities and colleges accountable," Woolley said. "How tax dollars are utilized should always be subject to the will of the people." Under the proposed amendment, any funding action would apply only to state-appropriated dollars and would not affect tuition, fees or private funds. Any freeze, suspension or withholding of funds would be limited to a maximum of two years, with funding automatically restored at the end of that period unless lawmakers take further action. The Legislature would also have the ability to modify, extend within the allowed timeframe or terminate the action early. "The practices that take place within our educational institutions have implications that reach every Oklahoman when graduates enter the workforce, the classroom or the public square," Woolley said. "We must make sure that entities using taxpayer dollars are working in the best interest of the people of Oklahoma." Woolley said the resolution is intended to strengthen accountability while preserving voter control. "Our universities and colleges should be grounded in truth, reality and science when it comes to academic content, school climate and culture," he said. "A stronger system of accountability through the people of Oklahoma will help ensure quality education and responsible use of tax dollars." HJR1037 must be approved by a majority of both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma State Senate before being placed on a statewide ballot for voter consideration. The resolution is eligible to be heard beginning Feb. 2, when the Second Regular Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature convenes.

A new law modernizing Oklahoma’s election calendar will affect elections beginning Jan. 1, 2026, bringing greater clarity, consistency and efficiency to when elections are held across the state. Senate Bill 652 consolidates Oklahoma’s election dates into five standard election days each year, held in February, April, June, August and November. Previously, Oklahoma law allowed for up to 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and up to seven in even-numbered years. Frequent, low-profile elections often draw a small fraction of registered voters while requiring significant time and resources from county election boards and poll workers. The legislation was authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and was carried in the House by Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond. "Senate Bill 652 brings much needed clarity and consistency to Oklahoma’s election calendar," Paxton said. "By streamlining our elections to five set dates each year, we create a more predictable system for voters, election officials and local governments. Fewer, clearly defined election days will reduce confusion, improve administration and help boost voter turnout by making it easier for Oklahomans to know when elections are happening and plan to participate." Osburn said these updates will reduce the number of obscure election days, helping voters more easily keep track of elections and making elections easier to staff. "The existing patchwork system of election dates has often created confusion for voters, which contributes to low voter turnout," Osburn said. "This reform provides relief by creating a predictable schedule that saves time, reduces administrative strain and help counties better steward taxpayer dollars. By modernizing our election calendar to be clear and consistent, Oklahomans can more easily participate in elections and make their voices heard." While SB652 reorganizes the timing of certain special elections, propositions and candidate races, it leaves all existing voting processes intact. Absentee voting, early voting and voter access options remain unchanged. The bill also preserves key exceptions, including the governor’s authority to call special elections outside the standard calendar when necessary. The bill took effect on Nov. 1, 2025, but only affects elections occurring after Jan. 1, 2026. Election information for currently scheduled special elections remain unchanged.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, announced today that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming election for House District 1. Dempsey issued the following statement: "Today I'm announcing that I will not seek reelection. I want to thank all my friends and supporters for electing me. Let me say that serving these past five years has been very rewarding, but it's time for me to come home. "I know people will ask me what comes next. I am returning to work for the same person I served before joining Senator Mullin: my wife. I look forward to continuing the work for this upcoming legislative session, but I do not know where the Lord will lead me after that. I never imagined I would serve as a state representative, but I am grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. It has been one of the most humbling and rewarding jobs I have ever had. God Bless." Dempsey was first elected in 2020 to represent House District 1 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Born in Idabel, Dempsey is a graduate of Valliant High School and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Prior to his election to the Legislature, he worked as a field representative for U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin and previously served five years on the Valliant School Board. Dempsey and his wife have been married for more than 25 years and have two sons. His family owns and operates a small farm in Valliant. To date in the Oklahoma House, Dempsey has been the principal or author of 61 House bills, with 11 signed into law. Much of his legislative work has focused on wildlife, hunting and gaming issues, reflecting the importance of outdoor recreation and tourism to House District 1, which includes Broken Bow, Eagletown, Fanshawe, Garvin, Golden, Haworth, Hochatown, Idabel, Le Flore, Talihina, Valliant, Whitesboro, Wister and Wright City. Dempsey currently serves as chair of the County and Municipal Government Committee and is a member of the Government Oversight Committee, Transportation Committee, and the Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee. This year, Dempsey was named Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Rifle Association in recognition of his strong support for Second Amendment rights and his advocacy for Oklahoma gun owners and firearms enthusiasts. In 2024, he was also recognized by the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center as a Legislative Advocate, and in 2022, he was named Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Wildlife Management Association. Dempsey will complete his current term during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

A new law taking effect Jan. 1, 2026, will help address one of the biggest financial barriers to adoption by increasing the state tax credit for nonrecurring adoption expenses. Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, authored House Bill 2610 , which raises the maximum credit percentage that may be received from 10% to 15% of expenses. Families pursuing adoption often face significant, upfront expenses long before a child is placed in their home, including legal fees, home studies, and travel and agency costs.  "Adoption is an incredibly meaningful way to build a family, but too many Oklahomans are weighed down by out-of-pocket costs that make it harder to say 'yes' when a child needs a home," Harris said. "By increasing the adoption tax credit, we are making a tangible investment in Oklahoma's future and help more children find loving families." Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, was the bill's primary Senate author. "Oklahomans across the state become parents by opening their hearts and homes to children in need," Rader said. "Increasing this tax credit helps support these loving families by easing the financial burden of the adoption process." Oklahomans can begin applying for the increased tax credit in 2027. Adoption expenses incurred on or after Jan. 1, 2026, will qualify for the increased credit amount, now up to 15% of expenses and capped at $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for joint filers. If adoption expenses occurred prior to this date, the eligible taxpayer would qualify under the lower credit amount, previously 10% of expenses and capped at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for joint filers. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, responded to a federal court order issued Friday that placed new restrictions on poultry litter use in the Illinois River watershed, a decision he said could have devastating consequences for poultry farmers and rural communities across several eastern Oklahoma counties.  The ruling limits land application of poultry litter, imposes financial penalties on several poultry companies and establishes a special master to oversee a phased cleanup process. Hardin said the impact of the litigation has already resulted in Tyson Foods announcing they are beginning the process of moving operations out of Oklahoma.  "For poultry farmers in my district, this decision threatens their ability to stay in business," Hardin said. "These are family-run operations that support local jobs and county economies. Local farmers are facing a real risk of bankruptcy." Hardin said poultry production remains one of the most important economic drivers in northeast Oklahoma, supporting farmers, school districts, county governments and small businesses throughout the region. "When poultry operations are disrupted, the impact reaches far beyond individual farms," Hardin said. "Rural communities feel it through lost jobs, reduced tax revenue and long-terms economic instability." Hardin said the court order comes after decades of conservation efforts that have produced measurable improvements in water quality in parts of the Illinois River watershed. He expressed concern that the ruling does not sufficiently account for those improvements or the progress made by producers working alongside state and federal partners.  "Environmental stewardship matters and farmers have invested years into conservation practices that show results," Hardin said. "Any path forward should recognize that progress and avoid decisions that undermine the livelihoods of the people who have worked to be part of the solution." Governor Kevin Stitt recently spoke to hundreds of poultry farmers in Adair County, focusing attention on the economic impact the industry provides to multiple counties.  Last month, Hardin sent a letter to the Attorney General Gentner Drummond highlighting the critical role poultry production plays in rural economies like those in northeast Oklahoma and urging careful consideration of how legal and regulatory actions impact farmers, local governments and working families across the region.  -END- Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes portions of Adair, Cherokee, Delaware and Mayes counties.

Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, have filed legislation to address Oklahoma's reading crisis. Hall introduced the Oklahoma Reading Excellence through Accountability, Development, and Standards (READS) Act in House Bill 2944 , while Bergstrom filed mirror legislation, Senate Bill 1271 . The measures introduce early intervention for K-3rd students who have a reading deficiency, reimplement the policy of retaining third graders who do not read on grade level and assign literacy coaches to districts with low reading scores. "Reading is the foundation on which all other learning rests," Hall said. "If we do not ensure students have sufficient reading skills by third grade, we are hampering their ability to achieve academically. This could ultimately lead to fewer opportunities for them in the workforce and their careers." "Oklahoma is failing our children. By almost every metric, our state is facing a literacy crisis, and it is our kids and our grandkids who are going to suffer," Bergstrom said. "On top of that, this could severely hamper our state’s ability to compete and prosper." The changes are modeled after Mississippi's Literacy-Based Promotion Act (LBPA), approved in 2013. Since the implementation of the LBPA, Mississippi has climbed from 49th to ninth for fourth grade reading, as measured by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. "The reforms we are proposing have a proven track record of success. In fact, the groundwork was laid down in the Strong Reader’s Act," Bergstrom said. "However, if we want to see significant progress, we must pass these changes and stick to them. Oklahoma cannot afford another decade of illiteracy." The Oklahoma READS Act would increase opportunities to screen public school children in kindergarten and first, second and third grades for reading deficiencies throughout the school year. Additionally, the measure would require that if a student's reading performance is not on grade-level, the student will remain in the third grade, beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. Under the bill, those students will be provided intensive intervention services. The legislation does include specific "good-cause" exemptions under which a school district may promote a student to fourth grade, including students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and English language learners who have had less than two years of instruction. The Oklahoma READS Act also requires the State Dept. of Education (SDE) to employ and assign literacy coaches to districts identified by SDE as having many students who received low reading assessment scores. "We have an opportunity for serious gains in childhood literacy," Hall said. "Reforms and results in other states have shown that widespread illiteracy is a policy choice. We must make the necessary policy changes here in Oklahoma to put our students on a trajectory of success." The Oklahoma READS Act is eligible for consideration during the upcoming legislative session, which begins Feb. 2, 2026.