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Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, has been elected chair of The Energy Council, an international nonpartisan organization focused on energy policy. He was elected chair during the Council's annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last week. Archer, who served as vice chair of the Council's Executive Committee last year, joined the Executive Committee last February and has been a member of the Council since 2022. "I am honored to have been named chair of the Energy Council by my colleagues," Archer said. "This organization plays an important role in bringing policymakers together to address the opportunities and challenges facing the energy industry. I am committed to continuing conversations to support a strong, stable energy future as Oklahoma powers our country and world."  Archer is the chair of the Oklahoma House Energy Committee and is a member of the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee. He has represented House District 55 in western Oklahoma since 2022 and previously served as mayor of Elk City.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, hosted an interim study examining how Oklahoma taxes Software as a Service, digital memberships and whether Oklahoma's tax code should be updated to reflect the growing shift toward digital products and services, including software subscriptions, music, audiobooks and streaming services. Interim Study 26-068 , titled Software as a Service (SaaS) and Digital Memberships, considered the potential impact of taxing such products on state and local revenue, and also reviewed approaches taken by other states. "Many who'd like to eliminate the state income tax are cautious and ask a question. 'How do you replace the revenue those taxes fund?'," Lepak stated when he began the meeting. "It's fair question with layers of answers that we seem debated during the current election cycle. This study does not attempt to address that question, although one answer is to transition to more of a consumption-based tax system. This study is narrowly focused on taxing one set of services, software as a service and digital services. But I would add, this policy shift deserves consideration, even if decoupled from the idea of eliminating the income tax." Lepak said Oklahoma's economy has changed significantly while the state's tax structure has largely remained rooted in an economy built around the sale of tangible goods. "We have a 21st century economy we're living in that was built on an economy from 100 years ago. Perhaps we should consider making some changes to better align the reality of an economy to the day we're living in," Lepak said. The Oklahoma Municipal League requested the study to examine how changing consumer spending habits could affect local revenue. Dave Andren, director of research for the league, discussed municipalities’ reliance on sales and use taxes as consumers increasingly spend money on digital and subscription-based services. "The economy has changed, but our policy has not," Andren stated. "Oklahoma's sales tax was built around those physical retail, tangible goods and as we have those local storefronts. They have shifted over into what's called the SaaS model, and that's Software as a Service. We are no longer going and we're no longer purchasing those tangible goods from the store. We're now paying for subscription-based services, online, and in the current statutes of Oklahoma, those subscriptions are no longer taxed and because of that we are losing revenue." Andren pointed to several examples of the shift, including consumers moving from purchasing CDs to using music streaming services, from DVDs to video streaming platforms and from boxed computer software to cloud-based programs. "Now everything is cloud based, digital services. This is where we are," Andren said. "We have gone from a tangible society into a digital society, and we need to move forward." Andren said sales and use taxes account for 68% of local government budgets in Oklahoma, making changes in consumer spending particularly significant for municipalities. "We are ranked number one in the reliance on sales tax in the nation," Andren said. "The next highest sales tax reliance is 50% and that's the state of Alabama. So, when you look at a pie chart and you see how municipalities are funded, sales tax is the largest chunk by far. Cities still have to fund public services like police, fire streets, water parks." The study also examined South Dakota’s approach, which applies sales tax to certain digital products and vendor-hosted software. Corey Jager, tax policy manager with the Oklahoma Tax Commission, discussed how Oklahoma could administer a tax on digital products if lawmakers chose to pursue legislation. Jager said lawmakers first would need to clearly define which products would be taxable. Potential categories discussed included digital audio and visual products, streaming and television services, digital books and audiobooks, video games, periodicals, information services and software. Lawmakers also would need to determine applicable exemptions and establish sourcing rules to determine where sales tax revenue is collected. Lawmakers would also need to establish sourcing rules, such as those outlined in the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, of which Oklahoma is already a member. Under these rules, sales tax on a digital product would generally be based on where the purchaser receives the product. This means the tax revenue would be directed to the purchaser's location rather than the location of the business selling the product. Jager also emphasized that after legislation is passed, the need to give the Tax Commission sufficient time to develop administrative rules and educate businesses and taxpayers before any new tax requirements take effect. "I will say 30 days is not enough time to get emergency rules in place and so just a consideration for the legislature. If you're going to make this change, we would like a little bit more time," Jager stated. "We also try to provide vendors and taxpayers with guidance, so they know how to follow the law, and they know how to report and collect sales tax appropriately. There's also the other pieces, the taxpayer and the vendor piece." The Tax Commission estimated taxing digital products could generate approximately $40 million annually in additional state sales tax revenue. "The main things to consider are defining is exactly what you want to tax and putting that into statute, applying our streamline definitions and sourcing rules to maintain compliance, maintain a user-friendly atmosphere for the businesses that sell to Oklahoma," Jager said. "Allow lead time for rules registration and system changes and then potentially see a revenue generated to the state of about $40 million." After the presentations concluded, the discussion broadened to Oklahoma's overall tax structure and whether comprehensive tax reform would be more effective than making individual changes to the tax code. The study can be viewed on the House website, https://www.okhouse.gov/ , under live proceedings. Search by calendar day, Sept. 28, then for study IS 26-068 Software as a Service and Digital Memberships starting at 9 am.

Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, this week led an interim study examining the benefits, costs and long-term impacts of data center development in Oklahoma. The study was held before the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee's Utilities Subcommittee, where Chapman serves as vice chair. During his opening remarks, Chapman said he wanted the discussion to move beyond some of the strong opinions surrounding data centers and give lawmakers an opportunity to look at the issue from multiple perspectives. He encouraged committee members to consider both the potential benefits and costs and allow the information presented during the study to guide future discussions. "For the past year, I've heard a lot of discussions and concerns about data centers, and I felt it was time to lay the cards on the table and look at this issue as objectively as we can," Chapman said. "There are potential opportunities, but there are also legitimate questions about infrastructure, resources and the effects on communities. We need to understand what communities may be saying yes to, what they may be saying no to and what safeguards need to be in place." Much of the study focused on how data centers affect utility planning and local resources. Speakers discussed the large power needs of newer facilities, safeguards intended to keep project costs with the customers creating them and how water use can vary depending on a facility’s design and cooling technology. The discussion also covered permitting and community impacts, including infrastructure needs and potential economic and workforce opportunities. Speakers noted that oversight can involve different state and local authorities depending on the project. They also discussed ways to better connect existing resources so communities can more easily evaluate proposed projects and understand potential impacts. Chapman said he will continue reviewing information gathered during the study to determine whether additional legislative action is warranted.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko, and Rick West, R-Heavener, today thanked Gov. Kevin Stitt for his order to pause on enforcement of all taxes, regulations and fines levied on the use of red dyed diesel in farm vehicles. The representatives serve as chair and vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee, respectively. "The governor's action to create relief in this area for our state's agricultural producers is much needed and appreciated," Patzkowsky and West said in a joint statement. "This will not only benefit our hardworking farmers and ranchers, but the savings will expand to everyone who benefits from the food and other products they produce." Stitt on Monday issued a letter to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission ordering the pause and instructing the Tax Commission to seek Dyed Diesel Fuel Penalty Relief from the Internal Revenue Service. He also instructed the Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to suspend any and all enforcement actions regarding the use of dyed diesel fuels in highway vehicles during this time period. The request will remain in place for 120 days from the date of the order. The governor pointed out in his action that Oklahoma feeds the world, and yet the state's farmers and ranchers are facing unprecedented challenges as they head into harvest season. The governor said that as their costs increase, so do prices at the grocery store. He said the state should ease burdens where it can in order to provide relieve for the agricultural industry and for Americans trying to feed their families.

Oklahoma lawmakers examined emerging technologies and strategies to strengthen the state’s electric grid and meet growing energy demand during an interim study Wednesday at the State Capitol. The study, requested by Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, and Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, heard from Oklahoma’s largest electric utilities, the Southwest Power Pool, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the Pew Charitable Trusts to discuss the state’s transmission and distribution systems and technologies that could improve grid capacity and reliability. "This study wasn’t about reaching a predetermined conclusion," Archer said. "It was about understanding what technologies are available, how they’re being evaluated today and what technical, economic or regulatory barriers may affect their use." Archer told the committee energy usage in the U.S. and Oklahoma has been relatively flat for two decades but is currently undergoing a "very extreme demand for power." "Over my 12 years in state service, proposed transmission projects have repeatedly triggered nasty eminent domain fights across my district," Murdock said. "This study gave my legislative colleagues a better understanding of new grid-enhancing technologies that can strengthen our electric system and lower costs for consumers, all without massive new transmission lines. I look forward to continuing to work with Representative Archer on bringing these grid enhancements here to Oklahoma." Adam Snapp, director of transmission planning for Oklahoma Gas & Electric, discussed grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) such as static synchronous compensators, which provide dynamic voltage support, and advanced power-flow control devices that can help reduce congestion and make better use of existing transmission lines. Snapp said OG&E has used GETs since 2007 and plans to continue using them as appropriate, describing them as a "valuable tool in the toolbox." He also noted that when existing structures are nearing the end of their service life or a significantly larger conductor is needed, rebuilding a transmission line may be the most cost-effective option. Jeffrey Ellis, director of distribution planning for Public Service Company of Oklahoma, said utilities are already using these technologies as they evaluate how to best serve ratepayers. He emphasized that grid-enhancing technologies are not a replacement for traditional transmission in every circumstance. "GETs and traditional transmission are not competitors," he said . "Advanced technologies may increase capability or address particular transmission constraints in the right circumstances, but they do not eliminate situations where maybe rebuilding is necessary." Richard Ross, director of transmission readiness and seams planning for the Southwest Power Pool, discussed the challenges of meeting long-term transmission needs, noting that many of the best long-term solutions can involve large transmission lines that take years to bring into service. David Parsons, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, echoed that sentiment, telling legislators demand is changing faster than many of the core infrastructure processes traditionally relied upon to serve it. The discussion comes as Oklahoma considers how to prepare its electric system for increasing demand while making efficient use of existing infrastructure. Last session, Archer and Murdock authored House Bill 3183 , the GET Over Congestion Act, which would have required utilities to analyze the cost effectiveness of deploying advanced transmission and grid-enhancing technologies to address congestion. Archer said the discussion provided lawmakers with a better understanding of how utilities and regional planners evaluate transmission needs and where emerging technologies may fit within that process.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, has been named the 2026 Public Official of the Year by the Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association (OFMA). The award is based on Cantrell's efforts to pass House Bill 1675 , the state's first statewide youth camp safety law focusing on severe weather preparedness and emergency planning. The legislation requires all youth camps and outdoor programs to conduct a site-specific hazard assessment and develop an emergency action plan by the end of the year.  "While this legislation was born out of unimaginable tragedy, I'm glad that something positive might come from it that can benefit future campers," Cantrell said. "I'm thankful to be recognized for my efforts in championing this bill, but the praise belongs to a much wider audience. Still, I thank the folks at the Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association for giving me this award. I will treasure it, and it will stand as a reminder of the souls we lost that day."  Cantrell received the award at a banquet help Sept. 22 at the Osage Casino & Resort in the Skyline Center in Tulsa. HB 1675 was inspired after the deaths of 27 girls, now known as "Heaven's 27," who lost their lives during flooding at Camp Mystic in Hunt, TX in 2025. Cantrell's legislation updates procedures for how camps are to receive emergency alerts and report to parents and local emergency management officials as well as staff training requirements.  "We want summer camp to be a fun and safe experience for all involved," Cantrell said. "This legislation should help." OFMA consists of professionals who encourage and support flood-safe development and flood mitigation through promotion of sound floodplain management practices and the natural and cultural benefits of the floodplain. They also offer education and certification to floodplain management professionals.  "Saving lives and reducing property loss from floods are our ultimate goals," association materials read.  

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, led an interim study examining if Oklahoma's current approach to teacher professional development is producing meaningful results. During her opening remarks, West said she wanted to "peel back all the layers of the onion" to better understand what districts and educators are being asked to do, how they are doing it and whether it works. West, a former school board member, pursued legislation earlier this year to modify teacher professional development requirements. "This study took a close look at every facet of Oklahoma’s teacher professional development system," West said. "The discussion highlighted the importance of making professional development relevant and focused on helping teachers and students succeed. I am grateful to all the educators and administrators who gave up their time to speak on this important topic, and I look forward to continuing the conversation in the coming months." Stephen Walden, a social studies teacher at Tahlequah High School, told the committee professional development is most effective when it is directly connected to the needs of teachers and their students. "The best PD for teachers, in my opinion, is actionable. It's relevant. It knows its audience. It isn't one size fits all. And it allows for follow up and modification," he said . Samantha VanOsdol, an educator and elementary math curriculum coordinator with Putnam City Schools, said as a classroom teacher, said a lack of follow-up can limit the impact of professional development. "Sustained, in-depth professional learning is essential to keep this learning from being one and done and actually impacting what happens in a classroom," VanOsdol said . Dr. Katy Green, executive director of education effectiveness and professional development for Tulsa Public Schools, said simply tracking the number of hours completed doesn't demonstrate whether professional development was effective. She pointed to a framework to evaluate effectiveness, including whether teachers valued the training, whether they changed their classroom practices, whether they developed new knowledge and skills, and whether there are potential connections to student outcomes. "A number of hours completed provides one piece of information, but it doesn't tell us whether that learning was relevant, whether the teacher applied it or whether it improved instruction," she said . Additionally, Green highlighted the need for professional development to reflect local circumstances rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. She said Tulsa Public Schools can reach the state’s 150-hour five-year cap through its normal professional-learning calendar before accounting for any additional training or support. Administrators from Broken Arrow Public Schools described a model built around ongoing learning rather than disconnected professional-development days. The district uses instructional coaching, classroom observation, model classrooms and ongoing support to help teachers apply what they learn. "When we started thinking about how to respond to these challenges, one of the biggest shifts for us was realizing that that teacher development, learning that they're doing, really isn't a one day on the calendar," said Bridget Powell, executive director of instruction. "It needs to be a layered approach to professional learning." Kristin Graves, assistant superintendent of instruction, told lawmakers districts should have greater flexibility in how they use time for professional learning, while remaining accountable for the results. "Districts across the state are just like students in a classroom," Graves said . "There are varying needs from district to district and what teachers need. So the less that is mandated, the more districts have the freedom or flexibility to develop things that meet their specific teachers' needs," later adding, "if that freedom or flexibility was offered, we also believe we should fully be accountable to how we used that time." The study also examined the potential for regional education service centers to provide districts with more accessible professional-development resources. Oklahoma State School Boards Association Executive Director Dr. Sean Hime presented a proposal, developed by a coalition of education organizations, that would establish regional education service centers within roughly 200 miles of every Oklahoma teacher. Lawton Public Schools, he said , had to "pay the Texas regional service center for their teachers to get trained." West said the study confirmed concerns about the current approach and highlighted areas that warrant further examination. "We know it's not working the way anyone intends for it to work, or hoped that it was designed to work," she said . "We've gotten a lot of stuff that I think we can peel back and start having deep conversations about."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, on Wednesday held an interim study before the House General Government Committee examining the operational timeliness associated with the transfer of titles to wrecker companies and others when property has been abandoned or held as a lien. "The purpose of this study is to find solutions and hopefully resolutions with Service Oklahoma regarding the Title 42 process," Bashore said. Title 42 under Oklahoma Statute deals with possessory liens and the legal process of obtaining a clean title. This can be attempted by businesses such as mechanics, towing or wrecker services that seek to claim or foreclose on vehicles, boats, manufactured homes or trailers for unpaid repair work, storage or abandoned property removal. Possessors of such property must work through Service Oklahoma for the title. Multiple study presenters expressed frustration with the process. Many of the complaints centered around the National Moter Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), utilized by Service Oklahoma to complete title searches. Complaints ranged from up to four-month wait times to get titles returned, lack of direct communication with NMVTIS and loss of money because of the extreme wait times – all of which hurts these businesses. Bashore said the idea for the study came from a constituent who owns a wrecker service who said it was taking excessive months to obtain titles. "They have to keep these vehicles on site, not being able to move them, and this is impacting these businesses economically," Bashore said. Bashore said he reached out to Service Oklahoma leadership, and they were very responsive. "Service Oklahoma, we know, had some issues in the past," Bashore said. "But it looks like they've made some progress and are doing good things in some areas. I'd like to commend them for that, but in this issue, we need some resolution." Bashore invited presenters from wrecker and title service companies and many in the auto industry to explain their experiences. He also asked Jay Doyle, chief executive officer, and Diedra O'Neil, chief strategy and operating officer, with Service Oklahoma to answer some of the complaints. Marcia Lock, an owner of G&M Wrecker Service in Pryor, OK, explained her company has a used dealer license and she is a Title 42 clerk who services seven wrecker companies and individuals throughout Northeast Oklahoma. "So, I see this from all aspects," she told committee members. Lock said she currently has 34 vehicles for individuals and wreckers' services dating back to the first of June that she has not received titles on because NMVTIS has a hold on them. "The Title 42 division is behind two months in okaying Title 42s," Lock said. "It's not the people's fault that work in these offices. They work their butts off. It's that they don't have enough help." Lock said one problem is that she and others have no way to contact NMVTIS directly to find out where the title is in process. Instead, they contact Service Oklahoma's corrections' office and are told nothing can be done. "As a wrecker company and business owner and used car dealer, we can't sell a car (we don't have title to), and we can't keep a car on the lot for seven or nine months without selling them," she said. Michelle Roeser, office manager at Stevens Ford in Enid, expressed similar frustrations. She said when they call Service Oklahoma's corrections office, they are told their only course of action is to sit and wait. "If NMVTIS would tell us what the problem is, we could help," Roeser said. "Communications with NMVTIS is impossible." Randy Floyd, general manager of Stevens Ford explained, "By the time we get our title back and can sell the vehicle, we've lost maybe $1,500 to $1,800 in value because the bank is only going to finance what the vehicle is worth at that time." Other study presenters included Joshua Falcon, owner of Falcon Title Services; John Holt owner and Tara Worbes who works in the title department at the John Holt Auto Group in Chickasha; Melissa Van Ostrand, chief financial officer with Fowler Automotive in Norman; and Shannon Hutton with Bob Moore Auto Groups in Oklahoma City. Jay Doyle and Diedra O'Neil with Service Oklahoma attempted to educate study participants on Title 42 processes at the agency and NMVTIS. They also detailed things they said are in the works to help alleviate some of the concerns and frustrations expressed by study presenters. "Anytime we do have people that are not satisfied with our services, we obviously want to make sure that we can improve that and make that better," Doyle said. Doyle said the agency's responsibility is to balance between two obligations. One is the desire to issue titles as quickly as possible, the other to be sure the state title is not incorrect, fraudulent, stolen or has other unresolved ownership records. Running NMVTIS checks on titles on the frontside of transactions started in 2025 at the urging of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations, the attorney general's office and others, Doyle said. He said he believed the agency could make changes to this process to satisfy those seeking titles and those seeking to protect public safety. The study can be viewed on the House website, https://www.okhouse.gov/ , under live proceedings. Search by calendar day, Sept. 23, then for study IS26-032 Title 42-Liens, under General Government starting at 9 a.m.

OKLAHOMA CITY –The House Criminal Judiciary Committee on Tuesday held an interim study by Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, examining child-sensitive policies and practices when children are present during the arrest of a parent or caregiver. Turner, who served more than two decades in law enforcement, including as a sheriff and narcotics officer, said the intent of the study was to examine current Oklahoma law enforcement policies, practices, training and data collection efforts while identifying practical opportunities to strengthen officer training, cross-system collaboration, and available resources that support public safety and improve outcomes for children and families. "Law enforcement officers are asked to make difficult decisions in rapidly evolving situations where officer and public safety must always remain the highest priority," Turner said. "The purpose of this discussion is not to change that mission. Officers must maintain the ability to do their jobs. But we also must consider children who are present when an arrest takes place and the impact that may have on them." Turner said it was his intent during the study to learn how many Oklahoma children are affected by parental arrest in their presence; what procedures and resources are in place and available to help officers and affected children; what happens to those children after an arrest to make sure they are safe and supported; and ways to make this process better and safer so children are protected while not compromising law enforcement officers and public safety. The study was requested by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY), through its legislatively mandated Children of Incarcerated Parents (CIP) Advisory Committee. OCCY Executive Director Annette Wisk Jacobi gave an overview of the commission's work to improve services and outcomes for Oklahoma's children, youth and families. She said the commission works across agencies, systems and communities to identify and address issues affecting children and youth and to promote programs that support them. "Our role often places OCCY at the intersection of multiple systems, including child welfare, behavioral health, education and the justice system," Jacobi said. Dr. David McLeod, chair of OCCY's CIP Advisory Committee and a director at the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma, spoke about what children may experience when witnessing an arrest of a parent or caregiver. They may feel their safety is threatened, he said, or have caregiver separation anxiety. They'll likely be confused about what happens next. This can create acute or toxic stress and trauma responses. This can later result in emotional and behavioral difficulty, negative family and police perceptions, posttraumatic stress symptoms, physiological stress and can impact school performance and development. McLeod said law enforcement and lawmakers should consider what is preventable, what is already feasible and what data Oklahoma lacks. Some protective factors to consider include having a trusted adult in place to help the child, giving clear information about what is happening now and what will happen next, having a safe caregiver in place who will help the child maintain school and other routine activities, offering follow-up support. Shannon Luper, program director of Girl Scouts Beyond Bars and Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, shared that more than 26,000 Oklahoma children have a parent in prison, and one in 10 have experienced incarceration of a family member. For many children, a parent's arrest is their first interaction with the justice system. "The question is not only what happens to the parent. It is what happens to the child," she said. "Parental arrest is not a single event for the child. It's a journey." Luper included the perspective shared by youth when they were asked what they remembered about the experience of a parent or caregiver being arrested, what helped them, what could have been different and what they would like policymakers to understand. Child-sensitive arrests are just the beginning of the conversation, Luper said. What organizations such as hers do after an arrest is equally if not more important. This may include making sure the child can visit their incarcerated parent to help maintain healthy family relationships, partnering with caregivers to provide support, mentoring the child, teaching leadership and resilience, and supporting the parent with education and opportunities to reconnect with their children. Other presenters who shared lived experiences included Mikayla Woods, a Haskell County resident; and Daryll Savell on the Parent Partnership Board with OCCY. The study also featured a question-and-answer session with law enforcement, featuring Scott Walton, sheriff of Rogers County; Jon Sappington, former Rogers County undersheriff; and Kevin Branscum, an investigator with the District 25 district attorney's office. This study can be viewed on the House website, https://www.okhouse.gov/ , under live proceedings. Search by calendar day, Sept. 22, then for study IS26-082 Child-Sensitive Arrest Policies and Practices in Oklahoma, under Criminal Judiciary starting at 1 p.m.