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Newly-elected Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, took his oath of office in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wed., June 18. He won a special general election earlier this month to represent House District 74 in Rogers and Tulsa counties. "Today has been an incredible day, and I’m deeply honored to represent the people of House District 74," Norwood said. "Serving my local community is a responsibility I take seriously. I truly love Oklahoma, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to make our state an even better place to live. I look forward to showing up every day and working hard to help our community thrive." Originally from Muskogee, Norwood has lived in Owasso since 1994, where he works as a youth minister. He holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Southwestern Christian University and a master's degree in applied theology from Oral Roberts University. He earned his doctorate in leadership and global perspectives from Portland Seminary at George Fox University. Norwood and his wife, Ann, have two children. "Rep. Norwood has spent decades serving his community in ministry and today he takes on an additional role giving back to the people of his community. He is a great addition to the House of Representatives and I look forward to serving with him," said Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "It is great to have our full 101 House members seated, ready to do the people’s business throughout the interim and into the 2026 legislative session." He was sworn in by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Dustin Rowe along with Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City. Following Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony, the Oklahoma House is now comprised of 81 Republicans and 20 Democrats.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, joined state leaders from across the region last week for a high-level summit on rising antisemitism and the growing threats faced by Jewish students and Christian supporters of Israel on college campuses. "In light of recent events, this message is more urgent than ever," Gise said. "I stand with President Trump and proudly support Israel in its fight against extremist Islamic terrorism." The event , The Boulder Summit: Confronting Antisemitism in Our Region , was hosted by Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett and the Combat Antisemitism Movement following a recent antisemitic attack in which a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a peaceful gathering of elderly Jewish Americans. The summit convened just over a week after the attack to address what organizers described as a national emergency. "Oklahoma has zero tolerance for hate,” Gise said. "We’re not here to make statements, we’re here to pass laws that protect students and ensure every campus is a place of safety and respect. By taking clear and deliberate action, Oklahoma is setting an example for how states can respond to rising antisemitism with real solutions. When leaders act with courage, clarity and conviction, we can protect our communities and uphold the values that define us." During her remarks, Gise highlighted two bills passed during the 2025 legislative session as examples of Oklahoma’s commitment to taking meaningful action. Senate Bill 942 , co-authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, and Gise, requires schools to implement clear, enforceable policies addressing antisemitic harassment. The law ensures compliance with Title VI civil rights protections and prioritizes the safety of Jewish students and faculty. Senate Bill 991 , also authored by Sen. Thompson and supported by Gise, formally adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into Oklahoma’s public education system. The law mandates accountability for antisemitic incidents and sets a standard for identifying hate-based conduct. "In Oklahoma, we took proactive steps to address the growing threat of antisemitism with Senate Bills 942 and 991, strengthening our state’s response to antisemitic violence and ensuring our laws reflect zero tolerance for hate," Thompson said. "We will continue to lead boldly and unapologetically." In recent months, incidents of antisemitism tied to misinformation and extremist rhetoric related to the Israel–Hamas conflict have increased, including violent attacks, online harassment and the targeting of Jewish students and Christian Zionist groups. "This is not just a matter of foreign policy, it’s a matter of principle," Gise said. "Defending Israel and standing with our Jewish brothers and sisters, both abroad and here at home, is a core value I hold deeply." The summit brought together lawmakers, university officials, Jewish community leaders and national advocates to coordinate a state-level response to the rise in antisemitic violence, threats and harassment across the United States. Participants emphasized the need for stronger policies in higher education institutions and more vocal support from public officials. "I’m grateful to the City of Boulder and Mayor Brockett for the opportunity to join this important conversation," Gise said. "It was an honor to share how Oklahoma is addressing antisemitism through real policy. These discussions matter, and I’m hopeful they will inspire continued action to protect Jewish students and all those facing religious discrimination on our campuses."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Reps are applauding the national appointment of Adria Berry, executive director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), who has been named president of the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) Executive Board for the 2025-2026 term. Reps. T.J. Marti, R-Tulsa; Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee; and Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah, released the following joint statement: "Adria Berry’s appointment as president of CANNRA is a well-deserved honor that reflects the significant progress Oklahoma has made in regulating medical marijuana. Under her leadership, Oklahoma has become a model for other states navigating cannabis regulation. She has brought transparency, efficiency and a strong sense of purpose to an area of policy that has often been difficult to manage. This national recognition speaks not only to her individual leadership, but also to the work being done in Oklahoma to set clear standards, enforce the law and serve patients and businesses fairly. We are confident she will continue this important work and bring the same focus on consistent, transparent and equitable regulation that has strengthened Oklahoma’s medical cannabis program to her efforts guiding cannabis policy at the national level. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of her leadership in this new role." Berry was elected during CANNRA’s June 9 business meeting in Denver, held ahead of its stakeholder event that drew regulators and officials from over 30 jurisdictions and 175 national and international participants. CANNRA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit group of government agencies that regulate cannabis, cannabinoids and hemp across more than 45 U.S. states and territories, as well as several countries.

Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, has been named to Leadership Oklahoma Class 38, a statewide program that identifies and cultivates leaders dedicated to shaping a better future for Oklahoma. Leadership Oklahoma announced the 47 individuals chosen for its newest class on Monday, June 16. "I am truly honored to be selected for Leadership Oklahoma Class 38," Harris said. "This program fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our state and brings together collaborators who are committed to meaningful progress. I look forward to learning from this exceptional group and contributing to thoughtful conversations that help move Oklahoma forward." Over the next ten months, Class 38 will travel to communities across the state to explore key issues impacting Oklahoma’s future and engage in discussions on economic development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, the justice system and more.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Appropriations & Budget Chair Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, and Vice Chair of Senate Appropriations Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, applauded the governor's signing of House Bill 2758 , landmark legislation they authored that delivers up to $75 million in new resources for county roads and bridges across Oklahoma. The measure, which now becomes law, is one of the largest single-year investments in county transportation infrastructure in state history. It provides critical support to counties as they work to improve road conditions, address structurally deficient bridges, and bolster rural and urban transportation networks that Oklahomans rely on every day. “This puts this critical funding directly into the hands of our counties to fix the roads and bridges they know best,” Caldwell said. “This will keep Oklahomans safe as they travel. It will keep commerce moving through our rural and urban areas to the economic benefit of all Oklahomans, and it will lead to job growth and support the long-term future of Oklahoma’s infrastructure. We’re proud to stand with county officials in delivering the resources they’ve long needed.” Haste, the Senate author of the bill added, “This legislation is about solving real problems in every corner of our state. Oklahoma currently has 1,764 structurally deficient county bridges, making this historic investment critical to public safety and infrastructure modernization. HB 2758 delivers the funding counties need to begin replacing them, and to upgrade thousands of miles of rural roads that are vital to public safety, agriculture, and economic development.” Under the bill, counties may access up to $4,000 per mile of county roads to support targeted repairs and infrastructure modernization. This increase is significant. The new law is the product of collaboration between the Legislature, Gov. Kevin Stitt, and the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO), which championed the effort to secure new funding for all 77 counties. “This funding empowers counties to take on the kinds of large-scale repairs and upgrades that have too often been delayed due to lack of funding,” Haste said. “This is what good policy looks like — meeting a long-standing need with smart investment and strong partnership.” Caldwell added, "The majority of roads and bridges in Oklahoma are maintained by our counties. It's imperative we give them the tools and funding they need to properly maintain them for the safety of their residents and the businesses that rely on these lifelines. Getting this historic legislation signed into law is a huge win for all of Oklahoma."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today commented on the United for Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association's report on the impact of tribal nations on the state's economy. Fetgatter is the House Leader of Tribal and External Affairs. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation. The groups this week released a study showing First American tribal nations in Oklahoma contributed $23.4 billion to the state's economy in 2023. From Fiscal Year 2019 to FY 2023, the groups show an increase in economic activity of $4.9 billion, or nearly double, over the period from FY 2017 to FY 2019. The study found the tribes directly employed more than 55,600 Oklahomans and supported a total of 139,860 jobs to tribal citizens and non-citizens, accounting for more than $7.8 billion in wages and benefits to Oklahoma workers in 2023. "The positive impact of our tribal nations has long been known in Oklahoma," Fetgatter said. "This report gives concrete data to show just how significant that impact is to all of the people who call our state home – whether that be through stable and secure housing, good-paying jobs, education, health care services, contributions to our states infrastructure or much more. That's not even accounting for the cultural enrichment the tribes bring to our state. I'm grateful for the relationship we have with the leaders and citizens of our tribal nations."  The report highlights significant tribal contributions to health care, public education and workforce development in 2023, showing: Tribes spent $582 million providing health services to Oklahomans with over 3.5 million unique patient visits. Through gaming compacts between tribal governments and the state, tribes submit a percentage of their Class III gaming revenues for the exclusive right to operate gaming in the state. In 2023, tribes sent $208 million in exclusivity fees to the state – a 36% increase since 2019. More than $177 million of the fees went to fund public education across Oklahoma. When combined with the education portion of exclusivity fees, tribes delivered $351 million for Oklahoma education programs in 2023. The economic impact study was conducted by Dr. Kyle Dean, professor of economics and director of the Center for Native American and Urban Studies at Oklahoma City University. Dr. Dean analyzed data from 19 tribal nations based in Oklahoma. United for Oklahoma is a public education initiative supported by a coalition of tribes that are committed to nurturing mutual respect, shared strength and productive partnerships. The mission of the initiative is to raise awareness of tribal impact across the state. The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, established in 1986, is a nonprofit organization of Indian Nations with other non-voting associate members representing organizations, tribes and businesses engaged in tribal gaming enterprises from around Oklahoma. The purpose of the association is to advance the welfare of Indian peoples economically, socially and politically. 

A bill helping reduce the financial burden brought by adoption has been signed into law. Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, authored House Bill 2610 , which increases a tax credit for nonrecurring adoption expenses. The bill increases the maximum credit amount to 15% of qualified expenses, up to $3,000 for single filers and $6,000 for joint filers. Currently, the limit is 10% of qualified expenses, limited to $2,000 for single filers and $4,000 for joint filers. "The cost of adoption should never stand in the way of a child finding a loving, permanent home," Harris said. "Adoption is a deeply selfless and life-changing decision, and we should do everything we can to support those who answer that call. House Bill 2610 helps make adoption more accessible and gives every child the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive environment. By increasing the tax credit for nonrecurring adoption expenses, we’re putting our money where our mouth is and showing the value Oklahoma puts in families." HB2610 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa. "Increasing this tax credit is just one small way we can extend additional support to the dedicated and selfless Oklahoma families who provide safe, loving homes for children," Rader said. "This bill becoming law reflects our commitment to ensuring families have the resources they need to thrive as they grow their families through adoption." The measure takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Tulsa-area Reps released the following statement ahead of this weekend’s national celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. The milestone will be recognized across the country with tributes to soldiers past and present — including those who never returned home.  Reps. Chris Banning, R-Bixby; Mark Tedford, R-Jenks; Clay Staires, R-Skiatook; Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow; Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee; John Kane, R-Bartlesville; Mike Lay, R-Jenks; Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa; T.J. Marti, R-Tulsa; Mark Lepak, R-Claremore; Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow; Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa; and Stan May, R-Broken Arrow, issued the following:  “This weekend, Americans will pause to recognize 250 years of service, sacrifice and strength from the United States Army. It's a time to honor the generations of veterans — including many here in Oklahoma — who answered the call and stood in defense of our freedoms. We especially remember those who gave everything and never returned home. Their absence is a lasting reminder of the cost of liberty.  Many of us have served or have family who served, and we carry a deep respect for the commitment it takes to put on the uniform. That legacy is worth celebrating and protecting.  To those choosing to protest our duly elected President on this special day in our nation's history: Please be safe, be respectful and exercise that right with care.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, in May was honored as Representative of the Year by the Oklahoma Veterans Council. Smith serves as chair of the House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and is himself a veteran after serving in the Army where he specialized in military intelligence. He's also a member of the Legislative Veterans Caucus. It was after speaking to a Joint Session of the Legislature on Veterans Awareness Day, May 12, that he was surprised with being named Representative of the Year by the Veterans Council and awarded the council's majestic eagle statue. "I was totally shocked by this honor," Smith said. "It's my heart to serve the interest of our veterans here in the state Legislature. I respect their service and their sacrifices and those that their families make in order for them to serve. So many others in our Legislature have served in the military as well, so it was quite humbling to receive this award and recognition. I'm very grateful." The Oklahoma Veterans Council’s mission is to represent all Oklahoma veterans and their families, advocating at the federal and state level on behalf of those who have served. There are currently 275,000 military veterans who make their home in Oklahoma.