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OKLAHOMA CITY — Legislation that would allow and later require certain public cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel has passed a House policy committee and now moves to an oversight committee. Authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, House Bill 3075 , formally titled the Oklahoma Common Cents Act, would not apply to the private sector and would apply only to public payments made in cash or the portion paid in cash. The measure does not apply to checks, debit cards, credit cards, electronic payments or other digital transactions. "This is a simple, practical bill that modernizes how we handle cash payments without impacting anyone who pays digitally," Hildebrant said. "HB3075 is limited to public cash transactions only. If you’re paying online or with a card, nothing changes." Under HB3075, final cash amounts owed to a political subdivision would be rounded to the nearest nickel. Amounts 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. Hildebrant says the bill was requested by one of his constituents, who is also the Rogers County Treasurer, Jason Carini. "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 cash transaction data across 2023, 2024 and 2025. The analysis found the rounding outcomes would have been minimal over the three-year period. In 2023, the county recorded 1,517 cash transactions, with rounding resulting in an overall net gain of $0.21. In 2024, there were 1,555 cash transactions, with an overall net gain of $0.75. In 2025, the county recorded 1,542 cash transactions, with rounding resulting in an overall net gain of $0.86. The Oklahoma Common Cents Act mirrors similar legislation currently being considered at the federal level. The federal Common Cents Act would direct the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to stop minting the penny and would require cash transactions to be rounded up or down to the nearest five cents. Under the measure, from the effective date of the bill through July 1, 2027, political subdivisions could choose to implement the rounding system. Beginning July 1, 2027, rounding would become mandatory for applicable cash transactions unless directed otherwise by Congress. The bill also outlines accounting provisions for ad valorem tax payments and authorizes political subdivisions to determine how overages or shortages are managed within funds under their control. HB3075 passed unanimously out of the House General Government Subcommittee by a 9-0 vote and will next be considered by the Government Oversight Committee.

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, today issued the following statement commemorating Feb. 4, 2026, as Rose Day, which recognizes the sanctity of life.   The House adopted House Resolution 1031 , which stated, in part, that the Oklahoma House of Representatives has "led the nation in adopting legislation to defend unborn children" and that "Oklahoma will continue to lead the nation in the introduction and enactment of legislation to protect unborn children." "Rose Day is a powerful reminder that every life is worth protecting," West said. "Each rose presented today represents a life, a hope and a future. Protecting the sanctity of life means standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves and ensuring compassion and care guide our laws and our communities." Rose Day, held annually near the beginning of the legislative session, draws hundreds of Oklahomans who support the lives of unborn babies. They distribute roses, each symbolizing the life of an unborn child, to legislators and other government officials. This year, supporters gathered in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for a short program, where Mia Armstrong featured as the keynote speaker. Mia, who has Down syndrome, is an actress, voiceover artist, author and advocate. She was joined by her mother, Cara. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, has filed a trio of bills to improve education outcomes for Oklahoma students and to provide greater access to higher learning. House Bill 4358 would require public schools, starting with the 2026-27 school year, to limit to one hour per school day electronic screen time for students in prekindergarten through fifth grade across all subject areas. "Study after study shows that limiting screen time for young children results in better brain function and focus, more creativity, better sleep and so much more – all of which lead to better learning outcomes for our kids," Moore said. "Oklahoma children deserve face-to-face time with their teachers and peers, not instruction through an electronic device.  House Bill 4359 would require state academic assessments in public elementary and secondary schools to be held during the month May each year beginning with next school year. "When academic assessments are held too early, students can miss up to a month of additional learning," Moore said. "If state tests are held in April, for example, students might spend the month of May watching movies or only half-heartedly reviewing lessons on which they know they won't be tested. Changing this schedule means our students have more time to prepare for end-of-year tests, and the test results themselves are more accurate and have greater meaning." HB4326 would expand access to the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, known as Oklahoma's Promise scholarship, to students of public K-12 school counselors, librarians, school nurses or athletic trainers and those who teach at CareerTechs. This builds on legislation Moore passed last year, House Bill 1727 , that extended the scholarship to children of all educators who are considered in statute as full-time certified teachers who have taught for at least 10 years in Oklahoma public schools. That became effective July 1. "The goal is to ensure more students can go to college," Moore said. "Data is clear that college graduates earn more than high school graduates. That benefits the students and society as a whole. This also serves as an added benefit for those who work directly with students in our public schools." HB 4386 clarifies that a certified teacher includes any full-time classroom teacher who is standard or alternatively certified by the State Board of Education and who teaches a classroom subject as determined by the State Regents. The bill also adds that a certified teacher shall be considered the parent of a student if the teacher is the natural or adoptive parent or the permanent legal guardian of the student. Children of emergency or provisionally certified teachers would not automatically qualify for the scholarship, only if they otherwise meet financial need and other eligibility requirements. The measure also would extend the scholarship to qualifying students seeking admission to CareerTech and to students that were in the custody of the state or a federally recognized Indian tribe. It would raise from 17 to 18 the age of a student in public or private school who may apply for the scholarship beginning in the eighth grade through Dec. 31 of their senior year. Students educated by other means may apply from the age of 13 until they reach 18. These measures are eligible for consideration during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convened Feb. 2.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Tribal and External Affairs Leader Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today issued the following statement after listening to Gov. Kevin Stitt's annual State of the State address. "With the leaders of many of our Native American tribes looking on from the House gallery, the governor made a mockery of our state’s unique history and the valued partnership our state has had with our tribal citizens for over 100 years. The governor says he has worked tirelessly to maintain unity of one Oklahoma, however he continues to ignore the reality of who we are as a state and single-handedly has destroyed decades of collaboration between state and tribal leaders. "When the governor, in his last State of the State speech, had the opportunity to correct the wrongs he has inflicted on our state’s tribes, he instead chose to exacerbate the divide and ignore the partnerships that have benefited Oklahomans for years in health care, public safety, education, infrastructure and many other areas of potential collaboration. "The Supreme Court ruling did not in any way make half of our state a reservation, and the governor knows it. The McGirt decision simply affirmed the U.S. Constitutional law of citizens who were unjustly removed from their homes and were given a promise of self-governance. "The end of Governor Stitt’s term gives us an opportunity to build on existing partnerships with our tribes. I hope our state’s next governor embraces and respects these sovereigns and their many contributions to our state."

Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, has filed legislation that would exempt sales tax for businesses owned and operated primarily by individuals who are under the age of 18. House Bill 3548 would create the Oklahoma Youth Entrepreneurs Promotion and Development Act of 2026. If enacted, it would be offered beginning in tax year 2027. "Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of our nation and the backbone of our state's economy," Maynard said. "This legislation encourages Oklahoma youth to start and maintain businesses that could benefit them in numerous ways, from saving for their own education to providing the first step for business ownership in their future." Maynard said the legislation complements Gov. Stitt's recently signed Executive Order 2026-04, which makes it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Oklahoma. Key actions of the governor's order include the exploration of tax waivers for startups and fairer access to state contracts for young businesses. Reports on fees, taxes, education and contracts are to be shared with legislative leaders by the end of our legislative session. HB3548 would exempt from tax the sales of tangible personal property or services made by a business that is owned and operated primarily by one or more individuals who have not attained 18 years of age, who are conducting such business as a sole proprietorship and not through any other legal entity. The exemption would extend only if the business receives limited assistance from adults in the form of supervision, transportation, safety oversight or other incidental support that does not constitute material management or operation of the business; if the business generates gross revenue of less than $1,000 during the calendar year; and if the business operates only on private property with the consent of the owner or lawful possessor of the property, or as part of a community event that separately registers youth vendors. This tax exemption shall not apply if an adult exercises primary control over the business decisions, management, or operations or if the business is materially operated for the benefit of any adult. The measure has been first read in the House and awaits assignment to a committee.

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) recently released a long-awaited forensic audit of its OKBred account. The audit, which Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, received and reviewed after an Open Records Request, found inadequate internal controls, noncompliance with statutory purpose and deficient documentation and record-keeping. It also revealed a lack of formal policies and procedures, lack of transparency to relevant stakeholders and inadequate reconciliation and independent review of finances. A comprehensive reconciliation of the Oklahoma Breeding and Development Fund Special Account (OKBred) began in May 2025. The objective of the audit was to determine the accurate balance of the OKBred fund as of June 30, 2025, and to evaluate the internal controls and processes associated with the management of the account. The account consists of restricted funds established by statute for the specific purpose of supporting and promoting Oklahoma breeders and the state’s breeding industry.  "As fiduciaries of these public funds, the OHRC has a legal, moral and ethical obligation to ensure proper governance, transparency and compliance," Harris said. "The independent audit demonstrates that the Commission has failed to meet these obligations."  The audit noted that OKBred's operational structure lacked sufficient financial controls, system support and interdepartmental oversight. These weaknesses directly contributed to reporting inconsistencies and increased the opportunity for error and potential fraud.  "This audit uncovers a serious lack of financial controls of the OKBred account, which calls into question past and ongoing funds that have been and are being distributed by the OHRC to horse breeders across our state," Harris said. "I urge the State Auditor and the Attorney General to immediately get involved to determine if these public funds have been misspent, whether any crimes were committed and what new procedures must be put in place immediately to ensure accountability and transparency with these funds." 

OKLAHOMA CITY — Freshman lawmaker Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, has filed legislation to create the 988 Trust Fund to help ensure Oklahoma’s mental health crisis hotline remains available to those in need as federal funding is set to expire later this year. “Oklahomans need to know that when they make that call, someone will answer,” Norwood said. “With more than 30 years of experience in mental health presentations, I understand how powerful one conversation can be. It can change the direction of someone’s life for the better. This bill is about making sure help is always there when someone needs it most.” House Bill 4092 would create the 988 Trust Fund and establish the sources of money that may be deposited into the fund, including legislative appropriations, federal funds, grants, gifts and other sources. Money in the fund could only be used for 988 Mental Health Lifeline and related behavioral health crisis services. Any actual funding levels would be decided later through the state budget process or separate legislation. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has confirmed that a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that partially funds 988 in Oklahoma is scheduled to end Sept. 30. Norwood said the pending loss of federal support makes it critical for the state to plan ahead. “We cannot let 988 come to an end,” Norwood said. “No one should ever make a permanent decision based on temporary problems. This bill helps make sure there is a fund in place, so someone is always there to answer the call for Oklahomans who are struggling.” The 988 hotline replaced the Suicide Prevention Lifeline to better serve Oklahomans experiencing mental health crises. Calls or texts to 988 connect individuals with trained mental health professionals who can provide immediate support, link callers to local resources and deploy mobile crisis teams when needed. According to recent data from Solari Crisis & Human Services , which partners with ODMHSAS to operate the 988 Mental Health Lifeline in Oklahoma, the most common reasons people contact 988 include coordination of care, self-harm or suicide concerns, anxiety and depression. While call volume spiked last fall due in part to SNAP-related stressors, 7,166 calls have been made to the hotline in the past 30 days alone. HB4092 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, is aiming to expand eligibility and qualifying expenses for a first-in-the-nation tax credit. West's  House Bill 4118  would eliminate the current age minimum for eligible family members. Currently, eligible family members must be at least 62 years old. Additionally, the bill would add mileage for medical appointments to the list of qualifying expenses. "Unpaid family caregivers shoulder enormous responsibility, often at significant personal cost," West said. "This bill removes unnecessary barriers so more Oklahomans can access a tax credit that recognizes the real financial sacrifices caregivers make every day. By expanding eligibility and recognizing mileage for medical appointments, we’re making this tax credit reflect the realities families face." The tax credit is capped at $2,000 per year for most participants, but individuals caring for veterans or those with a dementia-related diagnosis will receive up to $3,000. According to the AARP, family caregivers spend around $7,200 annually caring for a family member. "By expanding this tax credit, lawmakers can offer meaningful relief for Oklahoma caregivers who spend thousands of dollars each year to care for loved ones," AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl said. "Broadening eligibility helps lighten the financial load so caregivers can focus on what matters most which is caring for their loved ones." In 2023, the Legislature approved the  Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit , designed to help offset some out-of-pocket expenses incurred by unpaid family caregivers. The credit took effect in 2024, and Oklahomans could begin claiming it on their 2025 tax returns. The Oklahoma Tax Commission reported over 100 returns claimed the credit during its first year. HB4118 is eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which begins Feb. 2. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, has filed two bills for the upcoming legislative session aimed at stopping foreign terrorist activity and illegal foreign land ownership in the state. "Oklahoma welcomes those who have come to our country legally and who are willing to abide by the laws of our land," Turner said. "But those who are here to further a terrorist cause, to harm our citizens through drug or human trafficking or in any other manner, or who illegally purchase our land with an eye to siphon our resources and profits, should know that we will punish them to the full extent of the law." House Bill 3764 would enhance penalties for anyone convicted of a felony offense while acting on behalf of or supporting a known foreign terrorist organization as defined by the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. Enhanced punishment would include twice the maximum prison sentence and twice the maximum fine that could have been imposed for a first conviction for the underlying felony offense. These would apply in addition to, not in place of, any mandatory minimum sentence applicable to the underlying offense. The state would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant, at the time of the offense, was a member of, acting at the direction of, knowingly provided material support to or knowingly associated with in furtherance of the objectives of the designated foreign terrorist organization. Just last week, the U.S. Justice Departmen t reported it took into custody 37 foreign fugitives facing a range of criminal charges including human smuggling, drug and firearms trafficking, money laundering and other offenses. One of the fugitives was charged in the Western District of Oklahoma. Turner said this is just one small case of many. House Bill 3765 would create felony punishments for any alien or person who is not a citizen of the United States who has unlawfully acquired title to or owns land in this state either directly or indirectly through a business entity, trust or foreign government enterprise, and who uses such land to commit a felony offense in violation of state law. Upon conviction, the felony would be punishable by imprisonment for a term not to exceed two years, or by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both. In addition, all property seized would be subject to forfeiture. Turner acknowledges the state already has laws in place to limit the ownership of land in Oklahoma by non-U.S. citizens. This would create a separate felony offense for those unlawfully acquiring titles or deeds. Both bills carry an emergency clause, which if approved, would mean they take effect immediately after being signed into law.  Both measures will be eligible for consideration during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.