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OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola, Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rick West, R-Heavener, filed their seventh appeal brief at the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Thursday. It asks the court to overturn Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) orders approving some $1.5 billion of 2023 fuel and purchased power costs incurred by monopoly public utilities, including $530 million for ONG, $550 million for PSO, and $763 million for OG&E. This brings the total utility customer payments these state representatives have officially challenged to $475 million in rate increases, $3.2 billion in 2021 winter storm bonds, and $1.5 billion in fuel charges. They say there is more to come. This brief accuses the OCC of violating state laws about audits and prudence reviews, and of violating ratepayers’ due process rights by failing to give customers notice about these cases and by permitting OCC Commissioner Todd Hiett to participate. ONG, OG&E and PSO were represented in these cases by attorneys who hosted a 2023 party where Hiett allegedly sexually harassed two female OCC employees and drove home drunk. ONG also was represented by an attorney whom the brief describes as “an outcry witness” to Hiett’s alleged sexual assault of a ONE Gas employee at a June 2024 conference in Minnesota. The Representatives argue that State Ethics Rules and the Code of Judicial Conduct prohibit Hiett from participating in OCC cases involving victims/witnesses of his alleged criminal conduct. Charges were never filed, and the Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Hiett in May 2025. Thursday’s brief asks the Supreme Court to review the Ethics Commission’s legal determinations in that case. A November 2024 Attorney General Opinion (2024 OK AG 17) prevented the Council on Judicial Complaints from investigating Hiett for the alleged Code of Judicial Conduct violations. The state representatives have challenged that too, citing specific “evidence of bias” in the proceedings leading to the appealed orders. “Fuel adjustment clause charges are passed through directly onto customers’ bills, so the utilities have already collected this money from us,” said Gann, who is a customer of ONG, OG&E and PSO. “State law requires audits of the utilities’ fuel charges every year. It also requires the OCC to make sure those costs were fair, just, reasonable and prudent before approving them. These laws exist to protect ratepayers, but the OCC doesn’t seem to care whether the people conducting these audits and prudence reviews are qualified or not.  A December 2025 brief alleged the OCC had allowed a Public Utility Division (PUD) employee, believed to have dropped out of college as a sophomore, to perform required audits of utility companies collectively worth more than a billion dollars. The employee also testified that all the utility charges were “prudently incurred” and should be approved by the OCC. The lawmakers say, sadly, they were.  In an answer brief filed in January, the state attorney general, who represents ratepayers in utility cases at the commission but has instead defended all the challenged OCC orders, also defended the PUD employee. The AG’s brief argued that, “Neither the Commission rules nor Oklahoma statutes [specify] who PUD must employ as part of their Staff.” The attorney general also did not object when the alleged “college dropout” testified again in February 2026 about the prudence of another $600 million of PSO’s 2024 fuel charges he claimed to have audited.   “Not everyone has to graduate from college,” Rick West said. “But state employees being paid with taxpayer dollars have to be qualified for the jobs they’re hired for. This situation is not only an assault on the household budgets of utility customers; it is an insult to thousands of qualified public servants who are legitimately earning their paychecks.” This latest brief asks the Court to overturn the OCC’s approval orders and require new, lawful fuel audits and prudence reviews by outside, independent auditors and experts, instead of the OCC’s Public Utility Division (PUD) staff. “There are serious concerns about how the Corporation Commission is operating,” Kevin West said.  Thursday’s brief also asserts that a Supreme Court opinion cited by the utilities to argue that OCC decisions are entitled to a “presumption of correctness” from the court is actually based on language in the Oklahoma Constitution that was removed by amendment in 1941. The representatives have already accused Hiett’s defenders of relying on old Supreme Court opinions issued before Ethics Rule 4.7 (prohibiting conflicts of interest by state officers) was approved in 2014. “This could be another example of the Court’s need to explicitly recognize that the law upon which previous Court decisions were based has changed,” the brief says. Thursday’s brief is the last in the 2023 fuel cases appeal, meaning a decision by the court could come at any time. The representatives say they also plan to challenge the OCC’s fuel approval orders for 2021 and 2022 in their appeals of the agency’s 2024 fuel approval orders, two of which were filed the first week in December. The next cases are worth another $6.5 billion, they say.  The full Reply Brief for the combined 2023 fuel cases appeal can be read online here: https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetDocument.aspx?ct=appellate&bc=1064717532&cn=CU-122991&fmt=pdf The progress of all the appeals can be followed on the Oklahoma Supreme Court website. PSO rate case ($250m rate increases; $700m bonds; all briefs filed):    https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=122861 ONG, PSO & OG&E CY2023 fuel cases ($1.5 billion; all briefs filed):    https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=122991 OG&E rate case ($127m rate increase; $760m bonds; all briefs filed):    https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=123021 ONG rate case ($98m rate increases; $1.3 billion bonds; first brief filed; last due mid-June):    https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=123348 ONG 2024 fuel case ($390 million + $888m for 2021/2022; briefs this summer):    https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=123588 OG&E 2024 fuel case ($925 million + $1.9 billion for 2021/2022; briefs this summer):    https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=123608

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation by Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, to ensure Oklahoma participates in the federal Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children program has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for consideration. Beginning with the 2027 program year, House Bill 3638 requires the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to administer the program in coordination with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, which will assist in determining eligibility. "This is a fiscally conservative, targeted approach to support Oklahoma families while responsibly leveraging federal resources," Gise said. "For every state dollar invested, Oklahoma can draw down roughly twelve dollars in federal funds. That is a strong return for taxpayers and a smart use of dollars already being collected at the federal level." Gise says she believes benefits should be a trampoline to self-sufficiency, not a hammock for dependency. "This program reflects that principle. It is temporary, targeted and focused solely on low-income children during a gap in the school year when meals are not otherwise available because we know that hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation," Gise said. Under HB3638, benefits would only allow for essential food purchases and would not be used for soda, candy or other non-nutritive products, something she says ensures strong guardrails and accountability for taxpayers. Gise gave the example of a $4.9 million state investment under the measure, Oklahoma would unlock more than $63 million in federal funds to support over half a million low-income children. "That’s a strong return for taxpayers, with an estimated $75 million in economic activity benefiting local communities across the state," Gise said. The legislation also would create the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program Revolving Fund, structured to operate with both public and private support. This fund would allow Oklahoma to accept private donations and partner with community organizations to offset administrative costs and reduce the burden on taxpayers. "We are building this the right way," Gise said. "A revolving fund supported by both public and private partners ensures long-term sustainability without growing government. This is about maximizing resources, minimizing state cost and ensuring Oklahoma’s most vulnerable children don’t go hungry." HB3638 now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, is the Senate author.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, and Chris Banning, R-Bixby, are commending Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents across Oklahoma for their continued dedication during the ongoing partial federal government shutdown, which began Jan. 31. As the shutdown continues and TSA officers miss paychecks, airports across the country are beginning to experience longer lines and added strain on operations.  Miller, chair of the Appropriations & Budget Transportation Subcommittee, said the commitment shown by TSA agents during this time has not gone unnoticed.  "These men and women continue showing up, doing their jobs and keeping travelers safe," Miller said. "That kind of commitment speaks volumes about their character and their sense of duty. We are grateful for their service, especially during a time like this."  Banning also praised the resilience of TSA agents who have remained on the job despite the uncertainty.  "Air travel depends on consistency and trust, and TSA agents deliver both every day," Banning said. "They are a key part of keeping our airports secure and passengers moving safely. We are thankful for their dedication to safety and their commitment to their job." The partial federal government shutdown began Jan. 31 and remains ongoing.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, recently passed a bill that would remove the requirement that fees be assessed to people accessing their medical records. House Bill 2964 , would change the language in statute from shall to may. The bill would allow fees to be assessed, but the amount charged could only be up to the amounts currently allowed in state statute, not more. "This was a constituent request," West explained. "A man in my district requested his medical records and was surprised to find that the hospital was required to charge this fee. This would allow local health care providers to determine if they wish to charge these fees or waive them for the people they serve." Current state statute requires fees ranging from 30 cents per page for digital records to 50 cents per page for X-rays and other printed images, to a $20 base fee for other records, plus the cost of mailing or delivery. Statute says that in no event shall a charge for the reproduction of electronically stored and delivered medical records exceed $200, plus postage or delivery fee.  The bill passed the House unanimously on a vote of 92-0. It has been engrossed to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Kendal Sacchieri, R-Blanchard.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, on Tuesday highlighted strong early demand for the Parental Choice Tax Credit (PCTC) program following the opening of the application window for the 2026–27 school year. “The Oklahoma Tax Commission reports nearly 27,000 applications for the upcoming school year were submitted on the first day alone,” Caldwell said. “That represents almost 70 percent of the total applications received for the current school year. This level of demand underscores how strongly Oklahoma families value this program and reinforces the need to expand its funding so more parents can access educational options that best meet their children’s needs.” Caldwell is the author of House Bill 3705 , which would increase the annual cap on tax credits for private school students to $300 million. The measure also includes a growth mechanism: if total credits claimed in a given year reach at least 90 percent of the cap, the cap would automatically increase by $50 million in the following year. House Bill 3705 is eligible for consideration on the House Floor. It already passed both the House Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee, which Caldwell chairs, and the full House Appropriations and Budget Committee. The Parental Choice Tax Credit program was established through House Bill 1934 in 2023. The program provides families with greater flexibility to choose educational settings that best suit their children. Under the program’s tiered structure, eligible families may receive refundable tax credits ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 per student for private school tuition, depending on household income. Additionally, families who homeschool may qualify for a $1,000 per-student tax credit for approved educational expenses. Currently, tax credits for private school expenses are capped at $250 million annually, while homeschooling credits are capped at $5 million per year. The program is administered by the Oklahoma Tax Commission, which opened applications for the 2026–27 school year on March 16. The application period closes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 15. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all required documentation before the deadline to ensure consideration. More information, including application guidance and eligibility details, is available on the Oklahoma Tax Commission’s website: https://oklahoma.gov/tax/individuals/parental-choice-tax-credit.html

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure by Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, authorizing construction of a new bridge across the Arkansas River near Bixby passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for further consideration. "I appreciate my colleagues in the House for supporting this legislation," Tedford said. "As our communities continue to grow, it's important we take a thoughtful approach to infrastructure planning. This bill allows us to move forward with a project that better reflects the needs of the region today." House Bill 2123 updates state law related to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority by removing authorization for a previously proposed bridge and instead allowing for the construction of a new bridge in a more suitable location. The measure specifically authorizes a new bridge crossing the Arkansas River in the vicinity of Bixby to help improve connectivity and accommodate continued growth in the area. Tedford said the measure is part of broader efforts to ensure Oklahoma's transportation infrastructure keeps pace with population growth and economic development. HB2123 now moves to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, on Tuesday passed a bill in the House that would allow legal guardians and grandparents to be exempt from paying vehicle excise tax on the transfer of vehicle ownership to a child or grandchild. House Bill 2967 would expand the list of vehicle transfers that would qualify for the exemption. Currently, husbands and wives and parents to children are allowed to transfer vehicle titles without paying excise tax. "I'm calling this my grandpa bill," West explained. "Grandparents should be allowed to gift or sell their vehicles to their grandchildren without having to pay additional tax to the government." The bill was requested by a constituent of West. Current state law requires excise tax to be levied upon the transfer of legal ownership of any vehicle registered in Oklahoma, upon the use of any vehicle registered in this state and upon the use of any vehicle registered for the first time in the state. There are some exemptions for vehicles used for agriculture and for 100% disabled veterans, among others. HB2967 passed the House on a vote of 69-10. It now moves to the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Three measures by Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives this week and now move to the Senate for further consideration. "I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for supporting these measures," Chapman said. "Each of these bills addresses a different area of state policy, but they all focus on strengthening our systems and making sure state law is clear, consistent and working the way it should for Oklahomans." One of the measures, House Bill 3787 , clarifies that candidates for municipal office as well as individuals serving on school district and technology center school district boards of education must be qualified electors as defined by the Oklahoma Constitution. The measure helps ensure consistency in state law by making clear that these requirements apply across multiple levels of public office. The bill also reinforces existing language requiring candidates for state and county offices to meet qualified elector standards. Another measure, House Bill 4191 , modifies provisions of the Small Employer Quality Jobs Incentive Act administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The bill updates investment requirements and other program provisions to help ensure the program continues supporting job creation and economic development across the state. Chapman also advanced House Bill 1739 , which addresses provisions related to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System. The bill adjusts employer and employee contribution rates and clarifies eligibility for certain retirement benefit calculations. All three measures now move to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. John George, R-Newalla, on Monday secured House passage of House Bill 3263 , which would recognize the morel as the Oklahoma state mushroom.  George said each spring, tens of thousands of Oklahomans take part in the tradition of hunting morel mushrooms, a delicacy known for its unique flavor and difficulty to locate. While many like to post about their finds, they are protective of their hiding places. “Most years, I am out there with the many Oklahomans who enjoy searching for the morel,” George said. "Some people consider this almost as important as deer hunting in the fall, with families planning their time around this activity in the spring. Naming the morel as the state mushroom is a fun way to recognize this pursuit, but it also could help communities by promoting tourism and educating people about safe mushroom hunting and consumption.”  House Majority Leader Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa, said he and his stepfather would often hunt these elusive mushrooms together. Lawson amended HB3263 to be titled the “David Beyer Act of 2026” after his stepfather, who passed away two years ago.   “My stepfather got me started hunting morel mushrooms, and it was something we really enjoyed doing together,” Lawson said. “It’s incredibly special to me and my family that Rep. George allowed me to name this bill in memory of my stepdad. I’m glad some of my family could be here today as we remembered him, and I’m glad the state is recognizing the importance of the morel mushroom to Oklahoma’s culture.”  George said he hopes this bill will not only serve as a great representation of the morel hunting community but also encourage more people to explore Oklahoma’s diverse landscape.  HB 3263 passed on the House Floor and is now eligible to for consideration in the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain.