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Lawton-area legislators are mourning the loss of Lawton Police Chief James T. Smith, who passed away on Jan. 22, 2026, at the age of 66.  Reps. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, along with Sens. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, and Spencer Kern, R-Duncan, remembered the longtime law enforcement officer in a joint statement.  "Chief Smith embodied what it means to be a public servant. Throughout his decades with the Lawton Police Department, he led with integrity and compassion, and he maintained an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Lawton families. Our community is stronger and safer because of Chief Smith’s vision and leadership. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the officers of the Lawton Police Department and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him."  Smith dedicated more than 35 years to law enforcement and was named Chief of Police for the Lawton Police Department in 2012. His work with the department was recognized statewide, including being named Large Agency Chief of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police in 2025 and receiving the William “Bill” Tilghman Public Service Award from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2024.       In addition to his law enforcement career, Smith served 30 years in the military, retiring as a Colonel after service in the Kentucky Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves.  The lawmakers ask the community to join them in honoring Smith’s legacy of service and to keep his family and colleagues in their thoughts during this difficult time.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, has filed two bills that would protect lawful businesses from excessive liability and give Oklahoma farmers more flexibility to sell products directly to consumers. House Bill 2960 would expand existing liability protections for firearm manufacturers, distributors and sellers to include firearm component parts. The bill specifies that businesses that lawfully manufacture or sell firearms or firearm component parts could not be held liable for injuries or damages resulting from misuse or aftermarket modifications made by others. “Oklahoma law already recognizes that manufacturers should not be punished for the criminal actions of someone else,” Hardin said. “This bill would close a loophole by ensuring those same protections apply to firearm components.”  House Bill 3056 would update the Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act by removing restrictions on the incidental sale of raw, unpasteurized milk. The bill would remove the gallon limit on sales and clarifies that farmers may sell raw milk directly to consumers at farms, farmers markets, feed stores and restaurants, as well as through delivery from the farm. The measure would also allow advertising of raw milk sales and permits farmers to make cheese using milk produced on their own farms. “This legislation supports Oklahoma agriculture and respects consumers’ freedom to choose,” Hardin said. “Farmers should be able to sell their products and consumers should be able to decide what they buy without unnecessary government interference.” HB2960 and HB3056 are eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, announced today a joint resolution that would place a constitutional amendment before Oklahoma voters to restructure how the investment returns from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) are managed and distributed. This measure expands what TSET can hold by allowing real property, stocks and other equity investments to be added to the trust, not just cash. It would eliminate the TSET Board of Directors entirely and transfer all remaining responsibilities to the existing Board of Investors (BoI), whose role would be expanded to fully managing, administering and transferring trust assets and earnings. Under the proposal, TSET earnings would be distributed annually in a fixed order: first to fully fund Oklahoma’s Promise (OHLAP) scholarships, and then any remaining earnings would be transferred to the Education Reform Revolving Fund (the 1017 Fund). Because the distribution formula would be set in the Constitution, the Board of Directors would no longer be necessary. "By eliminating duplicative administrative structures and prioritizing funding for Oklahoma’s Promise and the 1017 Fund, this reform delivers real savings and results," said Caldwell. The reform is intended to simplify TSET’s structure, reduce administrative costs and increase the amount of money going directly to scholarships and education funding. Eliminating the Board of Directors and associated staff functions is projected to save at least $4.19 million annually. Based on an average $6,000 Oklahoma’s Promise award, those savings alone could fund scholarships for nearly 700 additional Oklahoma students each year. "This resolution reflects a practical, good-government approach," said Caldwell. "The goal is to fully fund every Oklahoma student who can academically qualify for Oklahoma's Promise to go to college and career tech tuition-free, as well as students seeking apprenticeships."

Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, has introduced legislation establishing a statewide effort designed to position Oklahoma to compete for a U.S. national laboratory and other major federal research centers. If passed into law, House Bill 3176 would establish the Oklahoma Gas, Artificial Intelligence, and Space Research Hub (GAS Hub) to serve as a central coordinating entity, connecting state agencies, higher education and industry partners. The legislation is designed to create organizational readiness rather than initiate a specific project, establishing a disciplined framework for federal engagement, site evaluation, workforce alignment and long-term competitiveness. The GAS Hub would be located within the Department of Commerce. Archer said the focus is to attract long-term research investment and support advanced workforce development across the state. The GAS Hub could lead to new high-paying technical jobs, expanded opportunities for CareerTech graduates and university researchers, and economic growth in both rural and urban communities.  "Great opportunities don’t wait for states to catch up," Archer said. "We have the talent and resources available, but we need Oklahoma to be in position when the starting gun goes off, so we don't miss our chance. By laying the groundwork now, we can make sure we're organized and truly competitive when the time comes to seize the next opportunity." Archer emphasized that national laboratories function as long-term economic engines, generating sustained federal research investment and compounded private-sector activity over decades. For example, Oak Ridge National Laboratory  contributes more than $7 billion annually to Tennessee’s economy, with similar long-term economic impact seen in states such as New Mexico . Archer, who chairs the House Energy Committee, pointed out that energy and aerospace, the state's two largest advanced industries, intersect directly with national security and supply chain networks, which he said would make Oklahoma a prime site selection for future national laboratories if there was an established framework. "When you look at the national lab system, nearly every energy sector is represented, except oil and gas," he said. "We're at a time when energy security, space technology and computing power are vital to our national defense and global competitiveness. If we're ready when the time comes, Oklahoma could have a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity." Archer also pointed to a recent economic analysis showing that Oklahoma has lost ground in advanced industries relative to peer states, a trend he said underscores the need for a more coordinated, long-term strategy of attracting IP and development capital. "This is not a failure of effort. It’s a signal that our model needs to change," Archer said. "The GAS Hub is how we start making that change." The bill also creates the Oklahoma National Laboratory Development Program, which would identify and prepare sites by aligning workforce pipelines and assembling the infrastructure and incentives needed to attract federal investment, such as the U.S. Dept. of Energy, NASA, and the U.S. Dept. of War. With federal research priorities evolving and Oklahoma’s congressional delegation in key leadership roles, Archer said the timing is right to begin building the framework now. "House Bill 3176 is ambitious, and it may be hard, but the things worth doing usually are," Archer said. "When Oklahoma puts the right framework in place whether in aerospace, logistics or major national events, opportunity follows. This bill is about building the foundation for the next generation of opportunity." HB3176 would require annual reporting to state leadership to ensure transparency and accountability as the program moves forward. If enacted, the measure would take effect Nov. 1, 2026.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued a statement following the court’s decision denying a stay in the Illinois River Watershed lawsuit. The ruling affects poultry farmers across eastern Oklahoma, many of whom rely on poultry production as their primary livelihood. “I share in the disappointment of Oklahoma poultry farmers and The Poultry Federation following the court’s decision to deny a full stay in the Illinois River Watershed case. Last week, Attorney General Gentner Drummond told poultry farmers in Adair County that he was not opposed to a stay, though he ultimately opposed it in court.  During that meeting, I asked the Attorney General whether the same settlement agreement reached with George’s would be offered to the other poultry producers. He indicated that it would, which I hope signals a path toward resolving this lawsuit and providing some relief for the hundreds of farm families caught in the middle.  I appreciate the Attorney General’s willingness to meet with our community, hear concerns firsthand and visit a poultry operation to better understand today’s farming practices.  The uncertainty surrounding this lawsuit continues to weigh heavily on farm families who depend on poultry production for their livelihoods. If integrators are forced to pull out of Oklahoma, the economic consequences would extend well beyond individual farms, impacting local jobs, county governments and school districts.  My hope remains that state leaders and all parties involved can work toward a reasonable path forward that protects our natural resources while also preserving the family farms that are crucial to eastern Oklahoma.”   -END-   Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, has filed five bills for the 2026 legislative session focused on strengthening local decision-making, protecting taxpayers and ensuring accountability in major infrastructure and community development. “These bills reflect clear promises I made to my constituents, and I am committed to delivering real progress on them this session,” Shaw said. “Oklahomans are tired of being sidelined while decisions are made that affect their land, their utilities and their tax dollars. This package puts control back where it belongs – with local communities and taxpayers, rather than politicians, unelected bureaucrats and special interest lobbyists who have their own agenda and essentially complete control over our state.”   House Bill 3723 would require county commissioner approval and, in certain cases, a vote of the people before large-scale green energy projects can be sited. "The measure reinforces local control and ensures residents have a say before projects move forward in their communities," Shaw said. House Bill 3724 would address high-demand facilities by prohibiting taxpayer-funded subsidies and preventing costs from being passed on to other ratepayers. The bill would require these facilities to fully fund their own electric infrastructure upgrades, comply with strict water-use limitations, submit decommissioning plans and adhere to local ordinances. It also gives counties and municipalities the authority to prohibit such facilities and allows citizens to pursue initiative and referendum petitions to place the issue before voters. House Bill 3725 would strengthen workforce integrity by requiring employers to use E-Verify for new hires. The bill would direct the Oklahoma Department of Labor to create a centralized online portal for compliance instructions and reporting, while establishing penalties for violations and protections for employers acting in good faith. House Bill 3726 focuses on financial transparency and accountability at the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. It would end the practice of cross-pledging toll revenues between projects. The measure would ensure each turnpike project stands on its own financially while honoring existing bond obligations. House Bill 3727 would prohibit political subdivisions from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay associations that employ lobbyists. The bill also would establish a six-year cooling-off period before former legislators could register as lobbyists or renew existing registrations. Shaw said this would reinforce public trust and reduce the influence of taxpayer-funded lobbying. Shaw encourages constituents to reach out to their legislators in support of these bills. All bills are eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives completed bill filing Thursday, Jan. 15, for the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature. A total of 1,578 House Bills and 50 House Joint Resolutions were filed before the deadline. The full text of the bills, along with additional information including authors and co-authors, may be found online at okhouse.gov . Last year, the Clerk of the House reported 1,928 House Bills, 29 House Joint Resolutions, three House Resolutions, and two House Concurrent Resolutions were filed before the 2025 deadline. Of those, over 1,600 House measures remain eligible for consideration in the 2026 legislative session. Joint resolutions may be filed at any point during the session. The House is currently comprised of 80 Republicans and 19 Democrats with two vacancies. The Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature will begin Monday, Feb. 2, at noon with the State of the State address from Gov. Kevin Stitt in the House Chamber. 

Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, has filed a bill that would make it easier for 100% veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses to maintain property tax exemptions when moving to a new home. While Oklahoma law allows these exemptions to transfer when a veteran relocates, gaps in the current process can cause the exemption to remain with the property instead of following the veteran. As a result, families can temporarily lose the exemption and face unexpected tax bills during the transition. House Bill 4278 would address that issue by directing the Oklahoma Tax Commission to create a standard form for county assessors and treasurers. Veterans with disabilities and their surviving spouses would use the form after a real estate closing to confirm prior eligibility and ensure the exemption carries over to a new homestead. County officials would verify the information and update property assessments accordingly. "Veterans have already given so much in service to our country," Miller said. "This bill would help make sure they don't have to jump through unnecessary hurdles to receive these tax exemptions, that are already existing in law. By solidifying a standardized process, we’re providing certainty and a mechanism that ensure the portability of the benefit stays with the veteran.” The bill would also call for county assessors and treasurers to take steps to send ad valorem tax bills to previous homeowners if exemptions delayed billing. This bill would protect veteran's benefits while reducing administrative delays and confusion in the property tax process. HB4278 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2. 

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, has filed legislation to create a temporary sales tax exemption on fireworks as Oklahoma and the nation prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. House Bill 4093 would establish a four-day, tax-free period for the sale of fireworks beginning at 12:01 a.m. July 2. and ending at midnight July 5. The exemption is intended to coincide with Independence Day celebrations marking America’s semiquincentennial. "This is a historic milestone for our country, and it deserves to be celebrated in a big way," Norwood said. "Fireworks are part of how families and communities come together on Independence Day, and this bill helps make it easier for all Oklahomans to celebrate with a tax-free weekend." The measure defines fireworks as any combustible or explosive item sold to the general public for producing a visible or audible effect and directs the Oklahoma Tax Commission to promulgate rules necessary to implement the exemption. Norwood said the legislation is meant to honor the nation’s history while encouraging shared moments of celebration. "There is something special about watching fireworks on the Fourth of July," Norwood said. "They represent joy, freedom and the sacrifices that made this country possible, and I want families across Oklahoma to fully enjoy that experience as we mark 250 years of independence." If approved, the bill would take effect July 1, ensuring the exemption is in place for the Independence Day holiday period. HB4093 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.