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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 2263 this week, a measure authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, to improve road safety by prohibiting handheld cell phone use in active school and construction zones. HB2263 builds on Oklahoma’s existing ban on texting while driving by restricting handheld cell phone use in designated high-risk areas. The legislation allows drivers to continue using hands-free technology such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring they can stay connected without taking their hands off the wheel. “Distracted driving is a serious issue, and this bill is a straightforward, common-sense step to keep drivers’ focus where it belongs: on the road,” Miller said. “You can still take a call using hands-free technology but putting the phone down in these critical areas will help save lives. It’s a small change that makes a significant difference.” The legislation establishes clear enforcement guidelines, mirroring penalties for existing texting and driving ban. Importantly, the bill also protects driver privacy by ensuring law enforcement cannot examine, confiscate or download data from a driver's phone without a warrant or probable cause of a crime. According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, between 2017 and 2021, distracted driving led to 250 fatalities and 8,000 injuries in the state. Studies show drivers involved in crashes are twice as likely to have used their phones in the minute leading up to the accident. HB2263 passed the House 59-24 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, issued the following statement in response to the devastating wildfires that swept through House District 32 late last week, forcing evacuations, destroying homes and leaving many without power. “The wildfires that tore through our communities last week have left a trail of destruction and heartbreak. My heart goes out to all those affected, including the Ferguson family, who suffered an unimaginable loss. Allen Ferguson, a beloved youth wrestling coach in Chandler, tragically lost his life while trying to save his son, Will, who remains in critical condition. Allen was a hero, and his dedication to his family and our community will never be forgotten. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the first responders, firefighters and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to protect lives and property. The resilience and generosity of our community has been evident in the way neighbors have come together to support one another in this time of crisis. My prayers are with all those who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones. In the face of such devastation, our community’s strength and compassion continues to shine. We will stand together to support those in need as we begin the long road to recovery. My office is available to help connect those affected by the fires with resources and support. We will continue working with state and local officials to assist in recovery efforts as our communities rebuild.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, today expressed her heartfelt sympathy and support to the residents in her district following the recent wildfires that have caused significant damage to the community. "My heart goes out to the people in District 33 affected by these devastating fires," Jenkins said. "I am incredibly grateful to the brave men and women who fought the fires and carried out evacuations, as well as the first responders and emergency personnel who worked tirelessly to protect lives and property. I am praying for the families who have lost their homes and those beginning the difficult process of rebuilding. Recovering from such a loss is never easy, but I have faith in the strength and resilience of our communities. I am committed to supporting these families as they navigate the challenges ahead and ensuring they have the resources needed to rebuild and recover. "The 33 Road Fire remains active, burning nearly 34,000 acres with only 20% containment. I am working with state and local officials to ensure that all of our communities receive the resources and support they need during this challenging time. Our district is strong and resilient, and I have no doubt this community will come together and emerge even stronger."

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved the Shai Cooper Act, a bill aiming to streamline the adoption process while ensuring the safety of children.  Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, introduced House Bill 2647 , which would establish clear provisions on when a court can waive preplacement home studies and expand the eligibility for these waivers to include immediate relatives of the child.  Immediate relatives, including siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, 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.  "The Shai Cooper Act ensures that children are given the best opportunities for stability and that family members who are committed to their well-being can act quickly to provide loving homes," Harris said. "By making this process more accessible and flexible, we are helping to strengthen families and protect the interests of our most vulnerable children. I was honored to carry this legislation in recognition of one of my constituents and help make this process easier for other Oklahomans who find themselves in similar situations." The bill is named after Harris' constituent 13-year-old Shai Cooper, who is adopted. HB2647 passed the House floor 86-0 and now moves to the Senate for consideration. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Wednesday – Red Earth Day at the Capitol – recognized several leaders of Red Earth Inc. on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and presented them with a citation honoring their organization. Fetgatter is the House Leader of Tribal and External Affairs. "Oklahoma is Indian country, and no matter if you are a citizen of one of our 39 tribes or not, our culture, history and art are a part of every fiber of who we are as a state and how we are recognized around the world," said Fetgatter who is a member of the Choctaw Tribe. "I want to thank Red Earth for continuing to keep those traditions alive." Recognized Wednesday were Executive Director Chelsey Curry (Tlingit), President Jeff Hargrave (Muscogee Creek/Choctaw), Board members Amanda Williams (Cheyenne and Arapaho) and LaRenda Morgan (Cheyenne and Arapaho), and Understanding Regalia Presenters Verna Street (Cherokee and Meherrin) and Domingo Whiteman (Cheyenne and Arapaho). Also helping to welcome the members of Red Earth Inc. was Rep. Ken Lutrell, co-chair of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Native American Caucus. Lutrell is Cherokee. The citation presented notes that Red Earth Inc. has been a leader in preserving and promoting Indigenous art, culture, and traditions for nearly four decades, educating the public and fostering appreciation for Native American heritage through world-class exhibitions, cultural programming and community events. The organization first held the Red Earth Festival in 1987, which is recognized as one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Indigenous arts, bringing together artists, dancers, and cultural leaders from across North America to showcase both contemporary and traditional Native expression. The organization also holds Red Earth Day at the Capitol, an event that celebrates Indigenous artistry, educates the public on Native traditions, and highlights the importance of cultural preservation through live demonstrations, exhibits, and educational outreach. The citation further noted that Red Earth Inc. continues to enrich Oklahoma’s cultural landscape by ensuring that Indigenous art remains a thriving and celebrated part of Oklahoma’s identity, inspiring future generations to honor and appreciate the artistic and historical contributions of Native communities.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House passed two measures this week that would reform the way judges are vetted and selected in Oklahoma. The state's Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), established in 1967 by an amendment to the state Constitution, is charged with nominating the three most qualified candidates for appointment by the governor to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Court of Civil Appeals, as well as district and associate district judgeships when vacancies occur outside the normal election process for those positions. Currently, six of the 15 members of the commission are attorneys and nine are non-lawyers. "A majority of Oklahomans are ready to modernize how state judicial applicants are vetted and appointed," said Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, who is the author of the bills. "The judiciary provides a vital check and balance function as laws are created, and it is important the system remains above reproach and is managed by those who know the law best. These two measures would update the nominating process in a way that would benefit the public while preserving the integrity of this system." House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, added, "These changes have been a long work in progress as we've listened to and considered the concerns of all Oklahomans. Our ultimate goal is for those who are most familiar with the law to promote judicial candidates that have demonstrated a strong record of competence, a commitment to administer justice based on existing law, and who have exhibited the highest moral character. These bills would allow us to make some much-needed changes to this long-established process." House Joint Resolution 1024 would send to a vote of the people a state question asking whether to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to make changes to the structure and terms of the members serving on the JNC. If approved, the question would establish that at least one member of the JNC be from each of the state's five congressional districts at the time of their appointment. If the state were to get another congressional seat, a change to the composition of the commission would be automatic. The six JNC members appointed by the governor and the six members of the Bar Association would serve six-year terms. The change would remove restrictions allowing the three at-large members to either be an attorney or have a familial relationship with an attorney. It would remove the prohibition on political appointments, allowing all appointments to be from one political party, if desired. It also would allow those appointed by House and Senate leaders to succeed themselves beyond their initial two-year terms. A yes vote would limit commissioners from serving more than 12 years. House Bill 2103 seeks to modernize the statutory portion of the JNC. It would prohibit any JNC member from participating in the decision-making process if the member is related to a nominee to the third degree either through ancestry or by marriage. The measure establishes penalties for violation and disclosure requirements, including the amount of any contributions made to the judicial campaign of any applicant. Both measures now move to the Senate where they are authored by Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to expand the list of dignitaries eligible to perform marriage ceremonies in Oklahoma was approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House Bill 2205 adds deacons and elders to the list of individuals authorized to solemnize marriages, alongside judges and ordained religious leaders. Rep. Mike Lay, R-Jenks, who authored the bill, emphasized that HB2205 provides more flexibility for Oklahomans seeking a trusted individual to officiate their wedding. The legislation also recognizes the important roles that church leaders play in the community.  “This bill reflects the values and traditions that are important to many Oklahomans, while also recognizing the diverse roles that church leaders play in the lives of our communities,” Lay said. “By expanding the list of dignitaries who can solemnize marriages, we are ensuring that more Oklahomans have the ability to choose someone they trust to officiate their marriage, all while preserving the integrity of the ceremony.”  The bill amends 43 O.S. 2021, Section 7, which outlines who can perform formal marriage ceremonies in the state. The change will allow deacons and elders to serve in this role, alongside other authorized religious leaders such as ministers, priests and rabbis.  The bill passed the House 80-5 and now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House passed legislation authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert that removes restrictions on teachers from teaching in public schools after retirement. House Bill 2288 eliminates an existing 36-month waiting period for teachers who retire before they can return to teaching in Oklahoma public schools. The bill will allow career teachers to continue teaching past their retirement age while also drawing on their earned retirement benefits. Currently, teachers are allowed to go into a job in the private sector or in a private school, but must wait 36 months before returning to a public school classroom. "Our state has a teacher shortage and we must do all we can to keep quality teachers in our public school classrooms as long as they are willing to continue teaching," said Hilbert, R-Bristow. "We need to allow these teachers – many of whom are still in their prime working years - to draw down the retirement benefits they have earned while remaining in the classroom if they choose to do so." The bill passed the House with a vote of 74-7 and will move to the Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House passed legislation today that ends higher education course and program statutory restrictions based on geographic location. House Bill 2854, by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, puts a moratorium on statutory geographic restrictions for two and four year colleges across the state. This will allow the Oklahoma State Regents to meet their constitutional obligation to help degree-seeking students enter critical workforce areas. "This bill will ensure that the Regents and the institutions can work together to create innovative programs for all Oklahomans seeking a post-secondary education," said Hasenbeck, R-Elgin. "This change is long overdue and will help our colleges and universities meet our state's evolving workforce needs and give students much-needed choice in our higher education system." The bill passed the House with a vote of 68-21 and will now move to the Senate for further consideration.