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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, today is reminding Oklahomans they can opt-in on a federal income tax credit next year for individual contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). Funding is to be used for scholarships for elementary and secondary education expenses. Crosswhite Hader is the House author of House Bill 3704 , which recently was signed into law by the governor. She said the federal program is similar to the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship program, a state tax-credit program that supports scholarship efforts in Oklahoma. HB3704 declares the state's intent to participate to the fullest extent permitted by federal law in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. It also directs the governor to formalize the state's election and required agreements and designates the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) as the administering agency. State agencies, including the Tax Commission and the governor, are prohibited from adopting rules or regulations that go beyond what federal law requires when implementing this act. "This allows Oklahoma taxpayers the freedom to donate to a registered scholarship granting organization, whether they have children or not," Crosswhite Hader said. "The funding from these organizations will then be available for eligible Oklahoma students to attend the school of their choice or to help pay for other educational expenses, such as tutoring or academic materials. Every parent should have the right to determine the education that is best for their children, and taxpayers should be able to support such choices with their own tax dollars."  Gov. Kevin Stitt previously signed an executive order opting Oklahoma into the federal program. Crosswhite Hader said this legislation just puts this in statute so going forward this will be available to all willing taxpayer participants. The tax credit is part of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law last year by President Trump. The act provides for an individual, dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 per individual taxpayer or $3,400 for a joint federal return for contributions to state-approved, federally recognized nonprofits that distribute private-school scholarships to eligible children, defined as students from households earning no more than 300% of their county’s median income.  States must proactively opt into the federal tax credit program, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Oklahoma is now one of 27 states currently opted in. Under HB3704, the OTC will be required to identify and register eligible SGOs, maintain and submit their list to the U.S. Treasury, develop rules, forms and procedures to administer the list, and ensure compliance with federal guidelines, including contribution reporting and scholarship distribution. The Oklahoma Council on Public Affairs recently reported the tax credit could generate an additional $24 billion in education funding annually nationwide. Every $1 billion in scholarships could fund tuition at a school of choice for 77,000 students or cover tutoring for more than 300,000 students.

A bill by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, to strengthen Oklahoman's constitutional rights and enhance transparency within Oklahoma’s criminal justice system has been signed into law. House Bill 3742 , known as the Due Process Protection Act of 2026, updates Oklahoma’s criminal procedure statutes by modifying timelines and requirements related to discovery in criminal cases. Harris said these changes will ensure both prosecutors and defense attorneys have adequate time to review evidence prior to trial. "House Bill 3742 will provide clearer guidelines for courts and attorneys, reduce delays and improve the overall integrity of criminal proceedings across our state," Harris said. "At its core, this law reinforces the fundamental principle that every Oklahoman deserves a fair and transparent legal process which is required by the constitution. By improving how discovery is handled before trial, justice can be served efficiently while protecting the due process rights of all parties involved." HB3742 addresses procedures surrounding preliminary examinations and disclosure, helping promote consistency and protect the constitutional rights of individuals involved in the judicial process. The bill passed both legislative chambers unanimously and was signed into law on April 27. It takes effect Nov. 1. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, this week secured House passage of Senate Bill 933 , a measure creating the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act. SB933 would establish a legal pathway for patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to access individualized investigational treatments tailored to their unique genetic profile when no other approved options remain.  The bill would allow eligible patients, with physician approval and informed consent, to pursue customized treatments developed specifically for them. Participation is voluntary for manufacturers and the bill does not require insurance coverage. "Medicine is changing fast, especially when it comes to treatments built around a person's genetic makeup," Stark said. "For patients facing serious diagnoses, this creates an opportunity to explore those options closer to home and alongside their doctor."  Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, is the Senate author of the measure.  "This bill broadens access to innovative treatments, offering hope to terminally ill patients who have exhausted all approved options and cannot participate in clinical trials," Stanley said. "I’m proud to see this bill pass the House and look forward to finalizing it before the Senate, further improving quality, accessible health care in our state."  The legislation outlines eligibility requirements, ensures patients are fully informed of potential risks and limits liability for providers and manufacturers acting in good faith. It also prohibits state entities from blocking a patient's access to treatment.  Stark said the bill reflects a growing effort to make emerging, personalized treatments more accessible to patients facing serious diagnoses. The measure would build on similar laws enacted in other states and aims to give Oklahomans more options without requiring them to seek treatment outside the country.  SB933 now returns to the Senate for consideration of House amendments. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 1436 , a measure aimed at improving communication and access to information for families experiencing pregnancy loss, passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now heads to the Governor’s desk. House author Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, says the bill would provide that when a fetal death occurs in a hospital, or when a woman presents to a hospital for treatment of a miscarriage, the hospital must, prior to discharge, provide the woman or a designee with a standardized form explaining how to request a fetal death certificate or a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth. "Families facing pregnancy loss are walking through one of the most difficult moments of their lives, and they deserve clear, compassionate communication from the moment they receive care," Roe said. "This bill helps ensure they are informed about their options and supported as they navigate an incredibly personal experience." The bill would also require hospital staff to verbally inform patients and families of their ability to request these documents. The legislation directs the Oklahoma State Department of Health to develop and publish the form on its website, including clear instructions and contact information for the Division of Vital Records. Roe said the measure creates consistency across hospitals and ensures no family leaves without knowing what resources are available to them. "This is about making sure every family is treated with dignity and given the information they need during a time of grief," Roe said. "By standardizing this process, we are helping provide clarity and support when it matters most." According to the March of Dimes 2025 Report Card , Oklahoma’s infant mortality rate is 7.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, and in 2023, 341 infants died before reaching their first birthday. SB1436 passed the House with an 89-0 vote and now heads to the Governor's desk for final approval.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, and Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today responded to reports of a likely tornado that damaged homes and property in Atoka and Pushmataha counties, specifically in the communities of Bentley and Caney as well as an area at Sawmill Road south of Lane. The National Weather Service was surveying damage Wednesday after severe weather moved through the area on Tuesday. "We're thankful to have no reports of death or serious injury from these storms," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. "Still, we understand people suffered damage to their homes and other property, and some are without power. We're working with local and state officials to make sure everyone has what they need to recover." Both lawmakers were in Oklahoma City for the legislative session when they got news of the storms that included a possible tornado, strong winds, heavy rain and hail. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 3147 , authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, and Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, has become law, authorizing the creation of the Route 66 Centennial License Plate in consultation with the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission. The measure became law without the Governor’s signature after passing unanimously in both the House and Senate. The new plate commemorates the 100th anniversary of U.S. Highway 66, established Nov. 11, 1926. In 2026, Route 66, often called the Mother Road, is being celebrated nationwide throughout the year. "Oklahoma has the longest drivable stretch of Route 66, and it is filled with the diners, motels, museums and small businesses that tell the story of our state and our country," Hildebrant said. "I am thrilled that the license plate is now in statute and thank my colleagues for understanding the importance of the Mother Road in our state. Catoosa is home to one of the most recognizable stops along the route, the Blue Whale, and celebrating 100 years is meaningful for all of us." Senate author, Seifried, says the new license plate is an exciting chance for Oklahomans to have a piece of Route 66. "Route 66 is one of Oklahoma’s greatest economic and cultural assets, bringing visitors from around the world and supporting jobs in cities and towns along the route," said Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore. "This new license plate gives Oklahomans the chance to celebrate the centennial by taking a piece of the Mother Road with them wherever they go. I’m proud to represent so many communities that are part of Route 66’s enduring legacy." The law authorizes Service Oklahoma to work with the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission on the design for the plate. The agreement allows for up to $20 from each plate issued to be directed to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, said proceeds from plate sales will support promotion and preservation efforts along the historic highway. "This will help us continue telling Oklahoma’s story to people from around the world as we begin the road’s next 100 years," Martin said. "Route 66 in Oklahoma goes through more than 40 communities and covers over 400 miles. It’s known as the Main Street of America, and it is still Main Street in many of these towns." Before the plate can be produced, at least 100 Oklahomans must sign up and pre-order it. Organizers say that effort is already underway. Route 66 Day was held at the Capitol on April 21, where historic sites and communities along Route 66 gathered to mark the highway’s 100th anniversary. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association was there collecting signatures and email addresses of those who would be interested in pre-ordering the plate. Service Oklahoma is currently working on a final design of the plate and a link where Oklahomans can sign up and pre-order it online.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation authored by Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, authorizing the placement of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on the Oklahoma State Capitol grounds has been signed into law.  House Bill 4486 allows the State Capitol Preservation Commission to work with private entities to design, construct and place the monument near the Capitol Arch at no cost to taxpayers. "Families who have lost a loved one in service deserve to be recognized in a meaningful way," Townley said. "I've had the chance to hear from families who live with that loss, and it stays with you. This gives them a place at our Capitol that reflects that sacrifice and honors it for years to come." The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument honors families who have lost a loved one in military service and is part of a national effort led by the Woody Williams Foundation. The monument will be privately funded and located on the Capitol grounds alongside other military tributes. The memorial will feature four pillars representing homeland, family, patriot and sacrifice, with imagery designed to reflect Oklahoma communities and military service. Townley said placing the monument at the Capitol ensures it will be accessible to all Oklahomans and visitors, creating an opportunity for reflection, education and recognition of those who have given their lives in service to the country. Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Edmond, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, is the Senate author of the bill.

The House today sent legislation to the Governor's desk authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, that removes restrictions on teachers from teaching in public schools after retirement. House Bill 2288 changes an existing 36-month waiting period to six months for teachers who retire before they can return to teaching in Oklahoma public schools, while also drawing on their earned retirement benefits. Currently, teachers are allowed to go into a job in the private sector or in a private school, but must wait 36 months before returning to a public school classroom. "Our state has a teacher shortage and we must do all we can to keep quality teachers in our public school classrooms as long as they are willing to continue teaching," said Hilbert. "We need to allow these teachers – many of whom are still in their prime working years - to draw down the retirement benefits they have earned while remaining in the classroom if they choose to do so." The bill passed both chambers unanimously.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, secured House passage of Senate Bill 1369, a measure to ensure the continuation and long-term stability of Oklahoma’s 988 Mental Health Lifeline. Senate Bill 1369 would create the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund, which will support staffing, operations and the long-term sustainability of the 988 system. The state would be required to implement funding strategies to ensure the system is adequately supported, including maximizing federal funding opportunities and verifying reimbursements to behavioral health providers. The House passed the measure with a vote of 85-7. "Without legislative action, current funding for Oklahoma’s 988 system is set to expire soon, " Norwood said. "Since the launch of this critical three-digit number, thousands of Oklahomans have relied on this service, and we have a responsibility to ensure it remains available to those who need it most." The measure also designates the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the primary oversight entity for suicide prevention and crisis service activities, including coordination with designated 988 Lifeline crisis centers. Norwood said the legislation builds on earlier work to ensure continuity of care and access to crisis services across the state. "This measure creates a dedicated, sustainable funding structure and establishes clear oversight so we can provide a stable, coordinated response for individuals in crisis, both now and in the future," Norwood said. To support the implementation of the measure, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1164 , which provides $5.9 million in funding for the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund. That measure was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt on April 21. The bill, authored in the Senate by Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, now advances to the governor’s desk for final approval.