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The Oklahoma House of Representatives High School Page Program has opened applications for the First Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, announced Program Director Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang. Every year, hundreds of juniors and seniors from across the state participate in the House High School Page Program at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Participating students have the opportunity to view the legislative process up close and gain a deeper understanding of state government. Students accepted to the program are assigned to one week during the legislative session, which runs from the first Monday in February through the last Friday in May. They arrive on Sunday afternoon and serve Monday through Thursday in the House Chamber during daily session. Pages also assist representatives and staff with tasks and participate in the House Page Mock Legislature on the floor of the House Chamber. "Working with our wonderful high school Pages and getting to know them serves as an important reminder of why we were sent to the Legislature—to improve our great state not for ourselves, but for their futures," said Hill, who has served as the program director since 2020. "Any student, regardless of what career path they may be interested in, leaves the House Page Program with a strong understanding and appreciation of the political process and the importance of civics engagement." Hotel accommodations and chaperones are provided for all students. Pages are transported to and from the State Capitol daily and are closely supervised. Interested high school juniors and seniors may visit https://former.okhouse.gov/Pages/ to submit an application or contact their state representative for more information. The First Regular Session of the 60th Legislature begins Mon., Feb. 3, 2025.

The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus today issued the following statements regarding the announced proposed partnership between Oklahoma and Denmark. "God has blessed Oklahoma with rich abundant petroleum resources," said Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, who chairs the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus. "Oklahoma's oil and gas is all-natural, locally-sourced and we must reject the unscientific climate change cult ideology that has spread like a cancer through so many industries, states and nations. The battle against Oklahoma's God-given natural resources is an assault on common sense, logic, reason and actually science-based evidence. The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus supports free enterprise and partnering with allies, but we caution against interfering with free market principles by directing tax dollars to private companies and creating an unfair market place with subsidies." Oklahoma and Denmark share similarities, such as oil and gas being a primary industry and a strong Christian heritage. "Oklahoma is an energy-rich state," said Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, who serves as the House vice chair. "And we believe the majority of Oklahomans don't want the government pushing any aspect of the Democrat's green new deal scams. We should let the free market work and focused on Oklahoma companies." The proposed partnership between Oklahoma and Denmark uses terminology such as "clean energy," "green energy" and "carbon capture." "Our concern is in the specific details of this proposed partnership," said Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, who serves as the Senate vice chair. "While we can appreciate Denmark and the opportunities for this proposed partnership, we must put Oklahoma first and foremost. It seems there are too many concerns under this current proposal for us to offer our support."

During the 21st Annual National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Sportsman-Legislator Summit held in Baton Rouge, LA, Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, was elected to serve a full, two-year term as a member of the NASC Executive Council (EC). Established in 2004 by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), NASC provides the synergy to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, trapping, and professional fish and wildlife management in state capitols. With more than 2,000 legislators who are members of state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses from all 50 states, this unprecedented network of pro-sportsmen legislators provides the nexus and support among the state caucuses that is critical to the successful advancement of pro-sportsmen policies across the nation. Working with staff at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), the EC assists with the establishment and promotion of pro-sportsmen ideas, and facilitates the sharing of information between state caucuses, conservation partners and allied industries. "Hunting, fishing and outdoor traditions have been a cornerstone of my life, instilling values of sportsmanship and respect for nature. In Oklahoma, these activities are more than pastimes – they are a way of life that unites us and preserves our state's rich heritage," Archer said. The EC plays a critical role in the protection and advancement of hunting and angling rights and the continuation of our sportsmen’s heritage by establishing the activities of NASC, assisting with policy development, setting guidelines for affiliated state caucuses, as well as media outreach intended to highlight the role hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping play in supporting conservation policies that also benefit our nation’s social and economic well-being. "I would be remiss if I did not thank my friend and former legislator, Kevin Wallace. Kevin opened the door for me to this incredible opportunity. I am humbled to carry the torch for Oklahoma and the central United States," said Archer.

Oklahoma House Republicans this week elected their new caucus leadership for the upcoming 60th Legislature. The 81 Republicans maintain their supermajority in the House. Newly elected caucus leadership includes: Rep. Stan May, R-Broken Arrow, as Caucus Chair Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, as Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, as Caucus Secretary "I am honored to have been elected by my colleagues to serve for a second term," May said. "I look forward to working with our new legislative leaders on pressing issues such as economic development, educational improvements and public safety." This is May's second term as Caucus Chair and fourth term in office. During the previous Legislature, May also served as vice chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Judiciary. "I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the House Republican Caucus, my district and the people of Oklahoma," Archer said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues toward a shared vision and dedication to the conservative principles Oklahomans value." Archer, a second-term legislator, served as vice chair of the House General Government Committee as a freshman lawmaker. Before being elected to the House, he served two terms as mayor of Elk City. "I appreciate the trust placed in me to serve in this role," Cantrell said. "The House is in an excellent position to address critical issues facing our state, and I am optimistic about the future of our caucus, our state and our country." Cantrell, also a second-term legislator, previously served as Marshall County Commissioner for District 2. During the previous Legislature, he was vice chair of the County and Municipal Government Committee. Archer and Cantrell succeed Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole, and Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, in their respective positions. Representatives were officially sworn in on Wed., Nov. 20. The full House will formally vote on its next Speaker and Speaker Pro Tempore during Organizational Day on Jan. 7, 2025. The first session of the 60th Legislature convenes on Feb. 3.

Ninety-nine members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives took their oaths of office Wednesday, Nov. 20, in the House Chamber. The oath was administered by the Honorable Dustin P. Rowe, vice chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. One member took the oath of office Monday and a second member will take the oath of office at a later time.  The House will consist of 81 Republicans and 20 Democrats. There are 17 new members and 84 returning members. Newly-elected Republicans include Mark Chapman, House District 12; Tim Turner, House District 15; Jonathan Wilk, House District 20; Ryan Eaves, House District 22; Derrick Hildebrant, House District 23; Jim Shaw, House District 32; Molly Jenkins, House District 33; Stacy Jo Adams, House District 50; Jason Blair, House District 53; Mike Kelley, House District 60; Rob Hall, House District 67; Mike Lay, House District 68; Emily Gise, House District 90; and Gabe Woolley, House District 98. Newly-elected Democrats include Michelle McCane, House District 72; Ron Stewart, House District 73; and Ellen Pogemiller, House District 88. The full House will officially convene for an organizational day on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, and the First Session of the 60th Legislature reconvenes on Monday, Feb. 3.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, released the following statement expressing his gratitude and reflecting on legislative accomplishments during his eight years as Speaker of the House, and twelve years in the House of Representatives: “First and foremost, I would like to thank my wife and children for their support these last twelve years. Without them, I would never have been able to effectively serve the citizens of our state. Next, I want to thank the citizens of District 22 for electing me twelve years ago and allowing me to serve them for over a decade. It has been the honor of a lifetime. I would also be remiss if I did not extend a sincere thank you to my fellow House members, and the citizens they represent throughout our great state, for putting their trust in me to lead as Speaker of the House. Finally, I would like to thank the staff of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for their hard work and dedication. Together, we have accomplished meaningful changes for the people of Oklahoma. We right sized Oklahoma's budget, moving from deficits to billions in surplus. This allowed us to cut taxes, protect core services and invest in the future of our state. We invested more in education over the past eight years than in the previous 27 years combined. We lowered taxes on citizens and businesses, creating an economic environment that attracts new investment and encourages growth. We protected constitutional rights, defended the lives of the unborn and fought back against the Leftist agenda that has swept across our nation over the past four years, which led to Oklahoma being ranked as the second most conservative Legislature in the country. Last, but not least, we created more parental choice in education, allowing parents, and students, to determine their own educational pathway. Of course, there are countless other accomplishments that could be included in this list, and I truly feel that as my time as Speaker comes to a close, Oklahoma is in a better place than it was twelve years ago. I would like to congratulate my successor in House District 22, Ryan Eaves, and wish him well as he embarks on his own legislative journey. I hope that he feels the joy of service as deeply as I have these past twelve years.  I want to leave you with a quote from President Ronald Reagan who said, 'The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.' I hope I have been a leader worthy of my station, and I am forever grateful for your faith in me. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. God bless the Great State of Oklahoma." -END- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Daniel Seitz, House Leadership Communications Liaison Phone: (405) 962-7649 Email: daniel.seitz@okhouse.gov 

The Oklahoma House Republican caucus today elected Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, as Speaker-Elect of the House for the 60th Legislature. Speaker-Elect Hilbert has served as Speaker Pro Tempore for the House since 2022. He is set to become the 45th Speaker of the House and the ninth Republican speaker. “I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust the Republican caucus has placed in me heading into the 60th Legislature,” said Hilbert. “Together, we must rise to the occasion of the urgent challenges facing Oklahomans, including the ongoing pinch of inflation, a widening workforce skills gap and much-needed investment in our public infrastructure system including transportation, water, wastewater and broadband connectivity. Our caucus is ready to make the tough decisions needed to move Oklahoma forward.” The Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives is the body’s chief presiding officer and is responsible for committee appointments, the flow of legislation and the management of the House budget and staff. The speaker also serves as an ex-officio voting member on all House committees. Hilbert, 30, will be the youngest House speaker in Oklahoma state history and only the second Republican speaker 30 years old or younger in any state since 1873. The House Republican caucus also elected today Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, as Speaker Pro Tempore-Elect; Rep. Stan May, R-Broken Arrow, as Caucus Chair; Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, as Caucus Vice Chair; and Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, as Caucus Secretary. In Hilbert's eight-year tenure in the House, he has authored over 40 bills that have been signed into law. Oklahoma’s budget is in better shape than it has ever been and the budget negotiation process is more transparent than ever, due in part to Hilbert’s efforts as Vice Chairman of the Appropriations and Budget Committee and his previous leadership positions. Hilbert has tackled numerous policy challenges head-on. He authored the DRIVE Act, which brought the state's transportation funding into the 21st century, while simultaneously spearheading modernization of Oklahoma's ad valorem tax reimbursement system. Hilbert also led the charge to create and implement a transparent process for the distribution of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to targeted and transformational projects across the state. Additionally, Hilbert was the author of the Redbud School Funding Act, which directs a portion of revenue generated from marijuana taxes to school districts with below-average local property taxes, enabling them to address pressing infrastructure needs. This legislation also stopped countless lawsuits in their tracks as it settled longstanding questions of funding disparity amongst public schools. “I came to Oklahoma City to get things done,” said Hilbert. “My record in the House reflects that. I will work diligently to conserve tax dollars while looking for wasteful or duplicative services and continue to fight for a stronger, brighter Oklahoma.” Hilbert is coming into legislative leadership as Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, was elected last week by his caucus as Senate President Pro Tempore-Elect. “I have worked closely with Sen. Paxton on significant legislation - including combatting ghost employees and allowing gubernatorial appointment when there is a U.S. Senate vacancy - and look forward to partnering with him and Gov. Stitt as we build on the momentum from Election day for a conservative vision for Oklahoma,” said Hilbert. Hilbert was elected Speaker-designate by his Republican colleagues in March. Members of the 60th Legislature will take their oaths of office Wednesday at 10 a.m. and will convene for its first session in 2025. The entire body of the House will formally vote for its next Speaker of the House on Organizational Day for the 60th Oklahoma Legislature on January 7, 2025. Hilbert was elected in 2016 to represent House District 29, which contains portions of rural Creek and Tulsa counties. He holds a bachelor's degree in agribusiness from Oklahoma State University, where he also served as Student Government Association President. Hilbert and his wife, Alexis, have two daughters, Addison (5) and Dorothy (2). The family lives in Bristow and are members of Foundation Church in Sapulpa.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, today was elected Speaker Pro Tempore-Elect by the Oklahoma House Republican caucus to serve during the 60th Legislature. The Speaker Pro Tempore serves as the chamber's second highest officer and assists leadership in all facets of administering the business of the House. The position serves as a voting member on all House committees. "It's an honor to be selected by my peers to serve in this capacity," Moore said. "I appreciate their trust and look forward to supporting the goals of our caucus and to serving as second to our new Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert. Together we will work toward improving our state's economy to ensure the needs of all Oklahomans are met, whether in our schools, on our state's roadways, in our hospitals, in our places of employment or in any agency that serves the public. Oklahoma's best days are in front of us." Moore was elected to the House in 2020. He most recently served as chair of the House Higher Education and CareerTech Committee as well as a member of the Appropriations & Budget Committee among others. During his time in office, he has voted on legislation to protect life and the Second Amendment, reduce rules and regulations, lower taxes, defend property owners' rights, preserve water resources, and protect girls' sports and parental rights. He's demanded law and order and voted to improve education and teacher pay, among many other conservative causes. Moore is a fifth-generation native of Custer County. He's a graduate of Clinton High School and holds a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Christian University and a law degree from Oklahoma City University. He and his wife, Rachel, and their three children live in Clinton. Members of the 60th Legislature will be sworn into office at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20. The entire body of the House will formally vote for its next Speaker and Speaker Pro Tempore on Jan. 7, during Organizational Day. The first session of the 60th Legislature convenes Feb. 3.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, has refiled a bill that would add accessory to murder in the first or second degree to the list of crimes that would require an offender to serve 85% of their prison sentence before being eligible for consideration for parole. Those convicted also would not be eligible to earn any type of credits that would reduce the sentence to below 85% of what was imposed. House Bill 1001 is named Lauria and Ashley's Law after 16-year-olds Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman, of Welch, who were kidnapped, tortured, raped and killed on New Year's Eve 1999. It is presumed their bodies were dumped in a Pitcher mine pit, but their remains have not been recovered. Ashley's parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were shot to death in the crime. Their remains were found in their mobile home that had been set on fire. The bill was filed on the first day new House measures were eligible to be requested for the 2025 legislative session, which convenes Feb. 3. "I made a promise to the Bible family that I would continue to fight for justice for victims like Lauria and Ashley," Bashore said. "For almost 25 years, these families have lived with the unimaginable pain of not knowing the full details of this crime or where their loved ones' bodies are located. They've endured the long, arduous process of court cases and agonizing searches for the bodies of the missing girls. While this legislation can't lessen their pain, they deserve to know that justice will be fully served in similar cases moving forward." Lauria Bible's mother, Lorene Bible; her cousin, Lisa Bible-Brodrick; and other family members, have been vocal in support of the legislation. A similar bill passed the House last year with an overwhelming majority, but the bill was not considered in the Senate. The legislation addresses the reduced prison sentence of a man charged with accessory to felony murder in the case. Ronnie Busick in 2020 received a 10-year prison sentence with five years' probation, but only one year supervised. Because of good-days earned while incarcerated as well as time credited while in a county jail, Busick was released after just three years in prison. He was released back into the community where the crimes were committed, in close proximity to where family members of the victims still live. It is reported that Busick received a lessened sentence in exchange for information leading to the discovery of the teens' bodies. They still have not been found.  "This legislation will ensure going forward that anyone connected with a felony murder such as this will not be released prematurely from prison and will not receive any type of credits for time served," Bashore said. Lorene Bible said the family was never told that accessory to felony murder was not an 85% crime. They would never have agreed to Busick's sentence had they known. Bible said when the family found out Busick would be released after just three years in prison, they were furious, but they soon realized there was nothing they could do. She said the family wants criminals who go along with these crimes to know that if they get caught, they will do as much time as the person who commits the murder. HB1001 will be available for consideration during the first session of the 60th Legislature. If enacted, Lauria and Ashley's Law would go into effect Nov. 1, 2025.