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OKLAHOMA CITY – Children at risk of being taken or concealed during custody disputes will now have stronger legal protections under House Bill 2081 , authored by Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore, and recently signed into law. HB2081 creates the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act, allowing courts to step in with preventative measures when there is credible evidence that a child may be at risk of being wrongfully taken. Judges can act on their own or respond to petitions from a parent, guardian or district attorney. “This law strengthens the ability of Oklahoma courts to intervene when there is evidence that a child is at risk of abduction,” Blair said. “It puts safeguards in place to help protect children and provide a legal path for swift action when time is critical.” The act allows a verified petition to be filed in a court with custody jurisdiction, along with a copy of any existing custody order. The law outlines what must be included in a petition, including risk factors, past abduction threats or attempts and ties to foreign countries. If the court finds a credible risk, it must issue an abduction prevention order. The court can place restrictions on travel, order supervised visitation, require the surrender of passports or take other steps to prevent a wrongful removal. In emergency situations, the court may issue an ex parte warrant to take immediate physical custody of a child. Law enforcement may also be directed to assist in carrying out prevention measures. “This bill is about keeping children safe, and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for their support and to Governor Kevin Stitt for signing it into law,” Blair said. “This is a strong step forward for families and for the courts tasked with protecting them.” HB2081 takes effect Nov. 1.

A measure helping Oklahoma's firefighters access life-saving cancer screenings is moving to the governor's desk, and its House author is urging him to sign it. House Bill 2011 , known as the "Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act," would create a tax credit of up to $250 per year for unreimbursed medical costs incurred by firefighters for cancer detection procedures. The credit could begin in tax year 2026 and could be carried forward for up to five years. The author of the bill, Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, said the tax credit would help firefighters catch cancer early, a needed step as they face higher diagnosis rates due to long-term smoke and chemical exposure. "In March, Oklahomans saw our firefighters at their finest as they protected homes, lives and entire communities while battling relentless wildfires," Pae said. "House Bill 2011 is an opportunity to recognize that their service doesn’t end when the flames are extinguished; instead, the risks they carry linger for years in the form of long-term health impacts." Cancer is the primary cause of death among active-duty firefighters. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has designated firefighting as a cancer-causing occupation because of repeated exposure to hazardous substances such as smoke, firefighting foams, diesel exhaust, flame retardants and toxic building materials. These carcinogens, along with others like formaldehyde, asbestos and cigarette smoke, significantly increase the risk of cancer in firefighters. "Our firefighters have our backs in moments of crisis," Pae said. "It’s time we have theirs." For tax year 2028 and subsequent tax years, the total amount of credits used to offset tax would be adjusted annually to limit the annual amount of credits to $1.5 million. The percentage adjustment formula would be $1.5 million divided by the credits claimed in the second preceding year. The measure cleared its final hurdle on Thursday when Senate amendments to the bill were approved by the House 80-2. It now moves to the governor's desk. 

A bill designed to better support individuals living with epilepsy is now on its way to the governor's desk after receiving final approval from the House. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, developed the bill in collaboration with Hannah Whitten, the sister of Dylan, whom the bill is named for. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 25 due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is a fatal complication of epilepsy, referring to the sudden death of a person with epilepsy where no other cause is found. House Bill 2013 , known as Dylan's Law, seeks to improve education and awareness around Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) among medical professionals and the public. If signed into law, HB2013 would require the State Commissioner of Health to provide epilepsy education for medical professionals, including training to help them identify patients at risk for SUDEP. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner would also train staff to recognize SUDEP in cases where it may be a cause of death. "Dylan’s Law is about saving lives and honoring those we’ve lost to SUDEP," said Pae. "This legislation gives families, medical professionals and first responders better tools to protect people living with epilepsy. I’m proud of the bipartisan support it received in the Legislature, and I encourage the governor to sign it into law so we can begin making a real difference across Oklahoma." Dylan's sister, Hannah Whitten, praised the bill's passage. "I am so incredibly humbled to see the most comprehensive epilepsy reform bill in the United States named after my brother be approved by the Oklahoma Legislature and head to the Governor’s desk to sign into law," Whitten said. "I pray another family doesn’t have to suffer like we have. I'm very thankful to Representative Pae and Senator Stanley for their tireless work." The bill also tasks the Division of Health Care Information with creating a program to raise awareness of SUDEP risks among people with epilepsy. In addition, autopsies of individuals known to have epilepsy would include an investigation into whether SUDEP was the cause of death, with findings reported on the death certificate and submitted to the North American SUDEP Registry. Beginning June 1, 2026, individuals with epilepsy could voluntarily add a symbol to their state-issued driver’s license or ID card, allowing law enforcement and emergency responders to quickly identify them. The symbol could also be added to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, and individuals would be allowed to remove it at any time. The House gave the bill its final approval 60-22 on Thursday. It now moves to the governor for consideration. If signed into law, it would take effect Nov. 1, 2025. 

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 70-15 to approve Senate amendments to House Bill 1095 , the Municipal Carry Act, sending the legislation to the governor for final consideration. The measure, authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, brings parity between municipal and county governments by allowing city councils to authorize certain elected officials, judges and designated municipal employees to carry concealed firearms in municipal buildings within their jurisdiction. The bill aims to support smaller communities with limited law enforcement resources while continuing to prohibit firearms in sensitive areas such as courtrooms, jails and schools. “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House and Senate for their support of this bill that protects our Second Amendment rights, and I especially want to thank Senator Gillespie for her hard work and leadership in moving this bill forward on the Senate side," Hildebrant said. "Equipping local governments with a way to enhance safety where law enforcement coverage is limited not only allows municipalities to decide for themselves what type of protection they need but also offers another way to keep citizens safe." The bill originally passed the House with a 66-13 vote. The Senate adopted minor, non-substantive changes, including language clean-up for clarity and consistency. Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, was a key advocate for the Municipal Carry Act in the Senate, playing a major role in guiding the bill through the legislative process and working closely with colleagues to secure its passage with a strong 39-8 vote. "The passage of House Bill 1095 is deeply meaningful," Gillespie said. "Our municipal leaders — our mayors, city councilors, municipal judges, and employees — step up every day to serve their communities. They deserve to feel safe while doing so. This bill is about trust and respect. It gives municipalities the option to allow their own officials and employees to protect themselves in the buildings where they work and serve. It's a commonsense measure rooted in safety, responsibility, and local control. I’m grateful to my colleagues in both chambers who stood with us on this. Their support sends a strong message: we value the people doing the work of government at the local level, and we want them to be protected." The measure now awaits action by the governor.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives paused to remember the lives of two Oklahoma law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year.  The House held a moment of silence in remembrance of Corporal Robert William Sumner, who served with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, and Brian Keith Herbert, who served with the Osage Nation Police Department.  The House also adopted House Resolution 1029 , authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, recognizing the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as National Police Week in Oklahoma and designating May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers Memorial Day.  The resolution aligns with the national observance of National Police Week, first established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, to honor law enforcement officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.  "Every day, men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line to protect our communities," Harris said. "During National Police Week, and especially on Peace Officers Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on their courage and recognize the debt of gratitude we owe to them and their families. We must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe."  The resolution affirms the House’s continued support for federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers and their efforts to uphold justice and public safety with honor, integrity, and dedication.

A measure protecting Oklahoma's children and clarifying Oklahoma's "Romeo and Juliet" law has been sent to the governor's desk. House Bill 1003 , authored by Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, increases the age threshold for statutory rape from 16 to 18 years old. It also preserves protections under the state's "Romeo and Juliet" law, meaning young people who engage in consensual sexual activity with someone under 18 would not be charged with rape if the age difference between them is less than four years. "House Bill 1003 protects young Oklahomans without criminalizing teenagers who are growing up together," Olsen said. "This bill maintains our responsibility to shield minors from exploitation while still showing grace to young people in close-in-age relationships. I am grateful for the work of my Senate coauthor, Senator Warren Hamilton, as well as Representative Tim Turner, to pass this bill and I appreciate their collaboration." Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, was a coauthor of the bill. "House Bill 1003 is one more tool to protect our children from grooming and trafficking. Our children deserve as much protection as we can provide. I appreciate Senator Hamilton and Representative Olsen for allowing me to be part of this bill and believe that we are one step closer to protecting our children." The bill also removes an age qualifier to clarify that sex between a school employee and a student under the age of 20 is considered rape. The Senate amendments to HB1003 passed the House 60-21 on Thursday. The measure now moves to the governor for consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY - A new law strengthening parental involvement in insurance decisions will take effect later this year. Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, authored House Bill 1516 , which requires signed parental or guardian consent before a minor can enter into a life, accident or health insurance contract. The bill also raises the minimum age from 15 to 16 for minors to contract for such insurance and provides legal protections for insurance agents acting in good faith. “The Oklahoma legislative branch encompasses numerous intricate components, and it is concerning that minors have been able to enter into legally binding agreements with insurance companies," Banning said. "I would like to express my gratitude to my fellow legislators for their support in advancing HB1516 which is a sensible adjustment to current law no longer allowing minors to enter into such agreements.” Previously, Oklahoma law allowed 15-year-olds to enter into certain insurance agreements on their own. HB1516 revises that by requiring parental or guardian consent and ensuring that unemancipated minors cannot be held to premium payment agreements such as promissory notes, without oversight. Additionally, the law expands regulation to include other forms of insurance contracts beyond life, accident and health, ensuring a broader layer of protection for minors and their families. The intent is to prevent minors from entering into legally and financially binding agreements without the maturity, understanding or supervision necessary for such commitments. HB1516 passed both chambers and became law without the governor’s signature. It takes effect Nov. 1.

A pro-family measure streamlining the adoption process for immediate relatives while protecting children will take effect later this year.  Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, authored House Bill 2647 , which establishes clear provisions on when a court can waive preplacement home studies. It also expands the eligibility for these waivers to include immediate relatives, including siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, of the child. The bill is named after Harris' 13-year-old constituent Shai Cooper, who is adopted.  Under the Shai Cooper Act, immediate relatives could apply for a home study waiver if they have been married for at least one year, have no felony convictions and have no protection orders against them. Single immediate relatives may apply for a waiver as well.  "The unanimous, bipartisan support behind the Shai Cooper Act shows just how committed the Legislature is to protecting children while making it easier for loving relatives to provide a safe, permanent home," Harris said. "I'm incredibly proud to see this bill, inspired by my constituent Shai Cooper, become law and make a real difference for families across Oklahoma." HB2647 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond.  "The enactment of the Shai Cooper Act marks a significant step forward in our commitment to Oklahoma's children and families," Thompson said. "By allowing courts to waive preplacement home studies for qualified relatives, we are removing unnecessary barriers that delay permanent, loving placements. This law honors the legacy of Shai Cooper and reflects our dedication to prioritizing the best interests of our most vulnerable citizens." The Shai Cooper Act passed both chambers unanimously and became law without the governor's signature. It takes effect on Nov. 1. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two measures authored by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, aimed at improving educational access for justice-involved youth and strengthening child protection laws, have officially been signed into law. House Bill 1940 , signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt on May 9, modifies charter school sponsorship provisions to allow the Statewide Charter School Board to sponsor charter schools when the applicant is the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) or is contracted with OJA. The bill is designed to expand educational services to youth in the custody or supervision of county juvenile justice systems. The new law will take effect July 1. “This legislation helps ensure that youth under county or state supervision don’t fall through the cracks when it comes to education,” Sterling said. “By enabling the Statewide Charter School Board to work directly with OJA, we’re creating more opportunities for academic support and rehabilitation.” House Bill 1935 , which became law without the governor’s signature on May 8, updates the statute of limitations for the failure to report abuse or neglect. The bill stipulates that legal action must be initiated by the victim’s 45th birthday, allowing survivors more time to seek justice. The measure takes effect Nov. 1. “Delays in reporting abuse are common, especially when the victim is a child,” Sterling said. “Many survivors don’t fully understand what happened to them until years later, or they may be afraid to speak out due to trauma, fear of retaliation or lack of support." According to the American Society of for the Positive Care of Children , 89% of victims are maltreated by one or both parents. "We know that, in many cases, children are reluctant to speak out because they don’t want to 'bite the hand that feeds them', especially when the neglect or abuse is coming from a parent or caregiver", Sterling said. "This change recognizes those challenges and gives survivors a more realistic window of time to process their experiences and pursue justice. It’s about creating a legal system that reflects compassion and understanding of the long-term impacts of abuse.” Sterling, a longtime advocate for youth services and public education, said both bills reflect ongoing efforts to better serve vulnerable populations across Oklahoma.