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Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, announced today that he will not seek reelection to House District 81: "Serving Edmond and the great state of Oklahoma has truly been the honor of a lifetime. "When I first stepped into the Capitol, I didn’t have a grand plan to become a ‘career politician’. In fact, if you had told me back then I’d spend a decade in this seat, I probably would’ve laughed and asked where the nearest exit was. But somewhere between the long committee hearings, late nights at the Capitol and the responsibility of representing the people of Edmond, this work became deeply personal. "I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside good people, building lasting relationships and being part of work that truly matters. "Some of the legislation I’m proudest of may not have always made headlines, but mattered where it counts. From strengthening our state workforce and improving civil service systems, to helping bring clarity to criminal justice sentencing and modernizing our elections calendar, I focused on doing the kind of work that quietly makes Oklahoma stronger and more effective. "At the end of this term, I will have spent ten years in the House and cast votes on more bills than I can count. Through it all, I’ve tried to approach each decision with one simple question: Is this good for the people I represent and the future of our state? "During my time in office, Oklahoma faced some significant challenges. Difficult budget years, the teacher walkout, and the uncertainty of COVID all come to mind. But I’m proud that our state didn’t just endure those moments. We came through them stronger. We made historic investments in public education, built the largest rainy day fund in state history and kept Oklahoma moving forward during some very uncertain times. "A role like this doesn’t belong to one person; it belongs to an entire family. I am incredibly grateful to my wife, Holly, and our three amazing children for their patience, sacrifice and unwavering support. They’ve sacrificed a lot over the last ten years, and I’m looking forward to giving more of that time back to them. "While I will miss the work and the people more than I can fully put into words, I will leave elected office with a full heart and a deep sense of pride in what we’ve accomplished together. It has been an incredible honor to serve the people of Edmond and the state of Oklahoma. Though this chapter is coming to a close, my commitment to this community and this state is not. That call to serve never really goes away—it just finds new ways to show up." Osburn was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as chair of the House Rules Committee. He represents House District 81, which encompasses central Edmond.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation this week giving Oklahoma families more control of funeral options for their loved ones. House Bill 3660 , authored by Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, would create a balance between personal freedom and public responsibility. It would give Oklahoma families an additional end-of-life option while ensuring the process is governed by strong commonsense safeguards. The legislation would mandate nothing but would allow those who want additional options for their loved ones to do so with confidence that those options are safe and responsibly managed. "This bill is about giving Oklahoma families the freedom to make their own choices about how to bury their loved ones, and making sure that when they do, it’s done the right way," Dempsey said. "The government shouldn't be able to dictate or restrict how a family wants to lay their loved ones to rest." Dempsey also addressed lies circulating about the bill, emphasizing that the bill does not weaken existing protections or create new risks to the public. "A lot of what’s being said about this legislation is inaccurate," Dempsey said. "This bill includes safeguards and limitations, with strict state oversight. This is not a government mandate - no one is required to use it. It simply gives families a choice that currently doesn’t exist in Oklahoma." This legislation works within existing law that already prohibits this organic material from being used in agriculture, food production or commercial distribution of any kind. Those restrictions in the Consumer Protection Division of the Oklahoma Fertilizer Act are governed by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry under Title 2, Sections 8-77. This provides an additional layer of legal protection ensuring the material cannot enter Oklahoma’s food ecosystem. It also aligns with existing regulations established by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the Oklahoma Funeral Board, which, under state law, are responsible for licensing and regulating the process. "There is no pathway legally or practically for this material to enter Oklahoma’s food supply or agricultural system," Dempsey said. "The protections are layered, they are explicit and they will be enforced. Families can have complete confidence in that. Anything said to the contrary is a lie meant to stir up Oklahomans for political gain." Dempsey says the bill is a straightforward approach to protect personal choice, uphold public health and make sure it is done the right way. "It ensures the process operates under clear, enforceable standards and accountability," Dempsey said. "The body is placed in a controlled environment, monitored throughout and tested at completion to ensure it is free of harmful pathogens before being returned to the family. Loved ones are allowed to keep the soil to spread the same way they might spread the ashes of someone who has been cremated." HB3660 is now eligible to be heard in the Senate.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, this week unanimously passed legislation in the House that targets the growing national crisis of identity theft. Bashore said House Bill 3244 expands the definition and pattern of these crimes to better encapsulate fraud techniques used by criminals. It would close a loophole where criminals exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and minors. Third, it would greatly enhance Oklahoma identity theft laws by expanding the scope of which items or modes are utilized by criminals. "Identity thieves are ruthless in their pursuit of stealing our personal information and using it to rob us of our assets," Bashore said. "This is a huge issue occurring globally, nationally, and unfortunately right here in Oklahoma. We must make sure the law is stronger than the criminal intent. This bill is thorough, listing almost every kind of identity theft we can think of and matching penalties to fit these crimes." Bashore said he received support for the bill from the Oklahoma Bankers Association, law enforcement agencies statewide and the AARP Oklahoma, among others HB3244 includes criminals operating in two or more municipalities, or when offenses are committed within and without the state or combined with online or phone fraud. The bill also adds the crime of organized retail theft, when groups work together to rob retailers. The measure also clarifies and broadens punishment for the crime of using coercion, deception, enticement, intimidation, bartering, recruiting or other means to exploit someone into committing these crimes. This includes someone who has a mental illness, is vulnerable, homeless, intellectually or developmentally disabled, elderly, a user of drugs or alcohol or is a minor. Again, this adds in the pattern aspect of these crimes, making the punishment more severe for those who commit these types of crimes more than once. The cost of identity theft is large, Bashore said. "It can cost victims thousands of dollars financially if it doesn't completely wipe out their assets. It can damage credit and create legal complications, and it can create enormous emotional distress. One's identity, after all, is unique and personal, the very core of who they are. It's time we hold better accountable and appropriately punish those who commit this type of crime." HB3244 passed the House on a vote of 92-0. It's been referred for engrossment to the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. Hall is chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Bashore is Deputy Majority Floor Leader for the House. 

Legislation by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, designed to strengthen tenant protections has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House Bill 2015  also updates Oklahoma landlord-tenant statutes to provide tenants with clear legal recourse if a landlord fails to meet their legal obligations under a rental agreement or as required by law. The measure outlines procedures tenants may follow in cases of noncompliance and establishes circumstances in which tenants may seek damages or withhold rent until issues are addressed. Pae said the measure is intended to modernize existing statutes and provide both tenants and landlords with clearer expectations and protections. "Renters deserve to know they have options when a landlord fails their responsibilities and doesn't uphold their side of a contract," Pae said. "House Bill 2015 brings greater clarity and balance to Oklahoma’s landlord-tenant laws while ensuring that disputes can be handled through a fair and structured process." HB2015 passed the House 52-30 and now advances to the Oklahoma Senate for consideration, where it is authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 3781 , authored by Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, a measure that would require insurers to submit proposed rate changes to the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner at least 60 days before those rates could affect consumers. "As homeowners across Oklahoma continue to face rising insurance costs, Oklahomans are rightfully asking questions," Adams said. "In a competitive market, transparency builds trust, and if rate increases are justified, then showing the work should not be a problem. This bill simply puts sunlight on the process so Oklahomans can have confidence in the system.” HB3781 would change how property and casualty insurance rate filings are handled by moving from a use-and-file system to a file-and-wait system. The commissioner would be required to review the filings within that timeframe or request a one-time 60-day extension if additional review is needed under the measure. Any rates determined to be excessive for the coverage provided would be subject to disapproval. The measure also directs the commissioner to halt any insurance practices deemed unfair or unreasonable. "This bill does not set prices, and it does not interfere with the free market," Adams said. "Insurance companies will still be able to charge rates that are actuarially sound and justified by risk. What this bill does is bring transparency to the process." Currently, insurers can implement rate increases and notify the Oklahoma Insurance Department afterward. Adams said the proposed change ensures rate adjustments are reviewed and supported by data before affecting consumers. "Oklahomans deserve to understand what is driving these insurance increases and to know that rates are based on real data, not just timing or process," Adams said. In addition to modifying the rate filing process, the bill repeals existing statutes related to market competitiveness and regulatory standards, allowing for a more consistent and transparent framework moving forward. "I believe in a strong, competitive insurance market," Adams added. "But I also believe in fairness and accountability. House Bill 3781 strikes that balance and helps protect Oklahoma families while maintaining a healthy marketplace." HB3781 passed the House with strong bipartisan support and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate, where it will be carried by Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved House Bill 4265 , including a floor amendment to designate a memorial highway honoring longtime House employee Harvey Weathers Jr., who passed away earlier this year. The amendment, brought by Reps. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, and Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, adds the Harvey Weathers Jr. Memorial Highway designation. The bill, as amended, passed the House unanimously. "Harvey represented the very best of public service," Dempsey said. "From his time in uniform to his years at the Capitol, he served with integrity and treated everyone with respect. This designation ensures his legacy will be remembered for years to come." Weathers served six years in the Oklahoma National Guard and spent 30 years as a firefighter in Oklahoma City. He later served 18 years as a sergeant at arms at the Oklahoma State Capitol, where he became a familiar and respected presence among lawmakers, staff and visitors. Dempsey said Weathers’ impact extended far beyond his official duties. "He had a way of connecting with everyone he met," Johns said. "He brought energy and humor wherever he went, and his kindness left a lasting impression on so many people at the Capitol." House Bill 4265 memorializes multiple highways, bridges and interchanges across the state while also updating location descriptions for certain existing designations. Among the new recognitions included in the measure are memorials honoring veterans, local leaders and community members in counties across Oklahoma. Lawmakers said the additions reflect a continued effort to recognize individuals who have made lasting contributions to their communities and the state. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has advanced House Bill 3742, aimed at strengthening constitutional protections and improving fairness in the state’s criminal justice system. HB3742 , named the "The Due Process Protection Act," authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, updates Oklahoma’s Criminal Discovery Code to clarify disclosure requirements and adjust timelines for resolving discovery issues in criminal cases. Harris said the measure is designed to ensure that both prosecutors and defense attorneys have access to necessary evidence earlier in the legal process, helping prevent delays and ensuring defendants receive their constitutional right to fair and speedy trials. "When prosecutors and defense attorneys have clear rules and timely access to evidence, it helps prevent unnecessary delays and ensures cases move forward based on the facts," Harris said. "The Due Process Protection Act strengthens Oklahoma’s discovery process so both sides can properly prepare while protecting the constitutional rights of defendants." Harris said he collaborated on the bill with numerous stakeholders, including district attorneys, law enforcement partners and attorneys in private practice.  HB3742 passed the House unanimously and proceeds to the Senate for additional consideration. It is authored in the Senate by Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has been appointed to serve on the Human Services and Public Safety Committee of the Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South) for a one-year term ending Dec. 31, 2026. "I am honored to be selected to serve on this committee by Speaker Hilbert to represent Oklahoma in these important conversations," Roe said. "Issues related to human services and public safety directly impact families across our state, especially in our rural communities. I look forward to working with fellow legislators to share ideas and develop solutions that make a difference." As a committee member, Roe will collaborate with legislators and policy experts from across the region to address key issues, participate in policy discussions and help guide the committee’s work. Members are responsible for attending meetings and sessions at the annual Southern Legislative Conference, contributing to policy discussions and serving as a resource for their state. "This appointment gives Oklahoma a strong voice at the table as we work with other states facing many of the same challenges," Roe said. "By sharing best practices and learning from one another, we can better serve our constituents back home." Roe serves as chair of the Oklahoma House Public Health Committee and has more than 40 years of experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner in her rural District 42. She is also among the few members of the Oklahoma House with a professional background in health care. CSG South hosts the Southern Legislative Conference each year, bringing together lawmakers and staff from across the region to discuss emerging policy issues, exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships among member states. The 2026 Southern Legislative Conference, which will be held July 11-15 in Lexington, Kentucky.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation, authored Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, aimed at increasing transparency and seeking public input in the planning of turnpike projects passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives today. House Bill 1939 would establish additional oversight, reporting requirements and opportunities for public input in the planning of new turnpike projects. The measure would require the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to work more closely with local governments, provide additional notice to residents near proposed routes, and hold public meetings on major project decisions in compliance with the state’s Open Meetings Act. Sterling said the bill is designed to ensure Oklahomans have a stronger voice in infrastructure decisions that directly impact their communities. "When you are talking about major projects like turnpikes, the public deserves to be informed and involved from the very beginning," Sterling said. "This bill brings more transparency to the process and makes sure local communities are not left out of decisions that affect their property, their roads and their future." The measure would also require detailed studies before new turnpikes are proposed, including analysis of potential routes, economic impact and environmental considerations. Property owners within a defined area of a proposed project would receive direct notification under the measure. "This is about putting a structure in place that is open to the public and accountable," Sterling said. "We want to make sure these projects are thoroughly vetted and that taxpayers can have a voice during the process every step of the way." Under HB1939, newly authorized turnpike projects would expire if key planning steps are not completed within a set timeframe, helping prevent projects from lingering indefinitely without progress. "This ensures these projects don’t sit on the books without any sort of progress," Sterling said. "If we’re going to move forward with something as significant as these projects are, they need to be done in a timely manner." The measure now advances to the Senate, where Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman is the Senate author.