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Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, secured House passage today of House Bill 4275, legislation aimed at expanding opportunities for certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to serve in more community settings. House Bill 4275 would update state law to allow certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to maintain their certification while working for municipalities and counties as integral members of mental health support teams at the local level.  Under current law, certification is largely tied to employment with the state, certain state contractors, tribal entities or veterans facilities. Expanding eligibility to the county and municipal level would allow these professionals to directly support county sheriffs and first responders, including police and fire personnel, as part of coordinated mental health response efforts.  HB4275 would create uniformity in the rules and standards for certification of both behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists. It also would maintain existing education, examination, supervision and continuing education requirements.  "Allied mental health professionals are a critical part of Oklahoma’s behavioral health system," Miller said. "As we continue strengthening that system, we have to make sure the professionals who are trained and certified to help can serve where they are needed most. This bill removes unnecessary barriers so behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists can work in places like fire departments and courts while maintaining the credentials that ensure quality and accountability."  Allied mental health professionals often work directly with individuals navigating mental illness or substance use recovery, helping connect them to services, monitor progress and provide peer support based on lived experience. As part of municipal and county mental health response teams, case managers and peer recovery support specialists would be able to assist sheriffs and first responders in crisis situations, helping connect individuals to appropriate treatment and community-based resources.  Expanding where these professionals can serve reflects widely recognized best practices and allows licensed clinicians to focus on clinical care while case managers and peers provide critical day-to-day support.  HB4275 passed the House 91-5 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Legislation restoring the eighth-grade literacy requirement to receive a driving permit has passed its first committee. House Bill 4153 , authored by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, would require minors applying for an Oklahoma driver license to demonstrate an eighth-grade reading level by passing the statewide reading assessment prior being issued a permit. Under the bill, students with an Individualized Education Program (IEPs) related to reading may provide alternative documentation of proficiency. Hasenbeck, a former middle school English teacher, said she saw firsthand how the possibility of receiving driver licenses at 16 motivated her students to take their literacy seriously. "House Bill 4153 is about making sure our young people are equipped with the basic skills they need to succeed both in school and out on the road," Hasenbeck said. "By tying reading proficiency to driver eligibility, we’re encouraging students to strengthen essential literacy skills that will help them throughout life while also promoting safer roads for all Oklahomans." The requirement, which had been in place for several decades, was eliminated in 2022. HB4153 passed the House Public Safety Committee and must pass the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee before it can be heard on the floor.

OKLAHOMA CITY –  The House Common Education Committee today advanced House Bill 4427, authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, strengthening Oklahoma’s adjunct teacher policy while prioritizing student success in early grades. House Bill 4427 updates existing statute to ensure adjunct teachers bring meaningful experience into classrooms while maintaining strong standards for student learning, particularly in the earliest grades. “We value the professionals who step into our schools with real-world experience and subject-matter expertise," Hilbert said. "We also have a responsibility to protect the quality of instruction our youngest students receive. This bill ensures we do both.” The measure clarifies that public and charter schools may hire adjunct teachers who possess distinguished qualifications in their field, as defined by the State Board of Education through formal rulemaking. For adjunct teachers who do not hold a baccalaureate degree, the bill requires they either be within two years of completing a degree program or have at least 20 years of distinguished, verifiable experience in the subject area they are hired to teach. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, adjunct teachers will no longer be permitted to teach core curriculum subjects, specifically math, English, language arts, science or social studies, in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. However, school districts may apply for a waiver for adjunct teachers who were previously employed in those roles, provided the teacher has completed professional development in the science of reading and receives approval from the State Board of Education. The bill also establishes that adjunct teachers may not serve longer than five years unless they earn a standard or alternative teaching certificate, complete the requirements for certification, or are actively on a pathway to becoming certified within two years. If certification is not achieved within that timeframe, continued employment as an adjunct teacher would not be permitted. Additionally, the State Department of Education will be required to publish an annual report outlining adjunct teacher qualifications, the subject areas in which they are teaching, and the types of distinguished experience that qualified them for the classroom. Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, who presented the bill in committee said the legislation strengthens accountability while maintaining flexibility to address workforce needs. “We are setting clearer expectations, giving direct paths to certification, and protecting early-grade instruction, all while keeping the door open for highly qualified professionals to contribute in our schools,” Lowe said. “This is a thoughtful step forward for students, parents and educators.” House Bill 4427 passed the Common Education Committee unanimously and will now advance to the Education Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Newly elected Rep. Dillon Travis, R-Maramec, took his oath of office Wednesday in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He was elected in a special election Feb. 10 to represent House District 35, which includes portions of Pawnee County and parts of Creek, Noble, Osage and Payne counties. "I am honored to be sworn in as the newest state representative," said Travis. "I promise to represent House District 35 well and continue working hard for rural Oklahoma. I am thankful for everyone who has helped me get here, especially my wife, mom, brother and all friends from across the district. I am blessed to be here and excited to get to work." Travis is a sixth-generation Oklahoman from Pawnee County with a background in agriculture and small business. He owns and operates an agriculture company serving producers across four states and manages his family's cattle and hay operation. Through his work in production agriculture and agribusiness, Travis has experience with land management, business operations, supply chains, input costs and regulatory policy affecting rural communities. He and his wife have one daughter and live in Maramec. Following Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony, the Oklahoma House is now comprised of 81 Republicans and 18 Democrats. -END- Rep. Dillon Travis serves District 35 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes Pawnee County and parts of Creek, Noble, Osage and Payne counties.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, chair of the House Business Committee, released the following statement on the committee's work so far this session as the first committee deadline approaches: “As we wrap up consideration of House bills in the Business Committee, I’m proud of the thoughtful and deliberate work our members have put in,” Banning said. “The role of this committee is to carefully review legislation that impacts Oklahoma businesses, taxpayers and job creators. We’ve had strong discussions focused on protecting Oklahoma’s economic climate and ensuring legislation is carefully considered and responsibly crafted. Our goal has been to advance sound policy while maintaining transparency and a fair process, and I appreciate the members who worked to move forward legislation that strengthens our state’s economic foundation.”  The House Business Committee has passed 20 House bills so far this session.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation aimed at shielding Oklahoma families and small businesses from higher utility bills is advancing at the Capitol. A measure that would require data centers to cover the infrastructure costs tied to their operations passed the House Utilities Policy Committee today with a unanimous 7-0 vote, clearing another step in the legislative process. Authored by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, House Bill 2992 , the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, would set guidelines for how electric suppliers and regulators address the rising energy demands of large data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence facilities. The bill defines "large load customers" as new facilities adding 75 megawatts or more of demand and clarifies that residential, commercial and traditional industrial customers are not included in that classification. "I appreciate the strong support behind this bill, especially from members of the Utilities Committee who understand how important this issue is for Oklahoma families," Boles said. "With more than a dozen potential data centers considering our state, we must make sure everyday Oklahomans are not left paying higher electric bills because of increased demand. This is about protecting ratepayers and ensuring large energy users pay for the infrastructure needed to support their operations instead of shifting those costs onto families and small businesses." The legislation would require the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and other governing bodies to ensure rates remain fair and that costs are assigned according to cost causation principles, meaning those who create the demand are responsible for the associated expenses. Electric suppliers would need to establish separate terms and conditions for large load customers, including credit protections and a minimum 10-year service commitment to reduce the risk of stranded costs if a facility leaves or significantly reduces usage. The measure would apply to all electric suppliers operating in the state . "I will continue working with my colleagues as well as stakeholders to move this bill forward thru the legislative process," Boles said. "We have a duty to put proper ratepayer protections in place. Oklahoma families should not be expected to finance major system upgrades required for high-demand users. Those costs should rest with the companies driving the need." Boles will next present the measure in the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee, which he chairs.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, has been appointed to serve in a National Additional Duty Position (NADP) as Special Advisor for Policy and Programs to the Air National Guard Judge Advocate Council, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Kannady, a Colonel in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, was selected by national leadership to advise on policy and program initiatives affecting judge advocates across the country. The three-year appointment places him in a key advisory role supporting senior Air National Guard legal leadership nationwide. The appointment comes as Brig. Gen. Chris Eason, also a former member of the Oklahoma National Guard, has been confirmed for appointment to the grade of Major General and assignment as The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force and Space Force. “Major General Eason’s confirmation as The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force and Space Force is a tremendous achievement for him, for Oklahoma, and for every Airman who values principled legal leadership,” Kannady said. “He is exceptionally qualified, and I congratulate him on this well-earned promotion. I look forward to supporting his vision and serving alongside him in this new national capacity.” Eason also praised Kannady’s appointment and the experience he brings to the role. "Colonel Kannady is a proven leader with a deep background of service as a Judge Advocate, both in the Marines and the Air Force,” Eason said. “He brings integrity and an unwavering commitment to the mission, and the JAG Corps and the Air National Guard are fortunate to have his leadership at the national level.” Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, chairman of the Oklahoma House Veterans Caucus and a retired member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard who served under both Eason and Kannady, said the appointments reflect the caliber of leadership Oklahoma produces. “I had the privilege of serving alongside both Chris Eason and Chris Kannady in the Oklahoma Air National Guard,” Hildebrant said. “They are leaders who put the mission first and take their oath seriously. This is about professionalism, constitutional leadership and ensuring our service members are led by officers who answer to the rule of law — not shifting political winds. Oklahoma should be proud.” Kannady emphasized that the Guard’s mission must remain grounded in constitutional principles and free from political interference. “The Oklahoma National Guard exists to serve the people and defend the Constitution, not to serve political agendas,” Kannady said. “Our Airmen deserve leadership rooted in the rule of law and respect for the chain of command. I will continue to defend that standard without hesitation.” Kannady has served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard for more than a decade after ten years in the Marine Corps and two years in the West Virginia National Guard. In addition to his military service, he serves in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he has been a consistent advocate for constitutional governance, public safety and support for service members, veterans and their families.

OKLAHOMA CITY — A measure to increase Oklahoma’s homestead exemption and provide direct property tax relief to homeowners statewide has been filed by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City. House Bill 4145 would increase the state’s homestead exemption from $1,000 to $7,000 of a home’s assessed value. If enacted, homeowners would subtract $7,000 from their home’s assessed value before property taxes are calculated. Lowering the taxable value would, in turn, reduce the overall tax bill. The change would apply statewide to qualifying primary residences. "This is broad-based, straightforward relief that will reach working families, seniors on fixed incomes and longtime homeowners who have watched their property values steadily increase," Manger said. "It keeps the foundation of our local funding system intact while giving homeowners room to breathe." Property taxes, or ad valorem taxes, are an integral source of local funding, supporting public schools, CareerTech, county law enforcement and courts, road and bridge work and other essential services such as police, fire, libraries and emergency medical care. Amid recent calls to eliminate property taxes entirely, Manger said any reform effort must acknowledge both the essential services these dollars support and the growing strain on homeowners as property values and tax bills rise. "The dollars collected through property taxes keep our schools open, our roads maintained and our communities safe," Manger said. "At the same time, families are opening their tax statements and seeing bills climb higher each year. We have a responsibility to address that pressure in a thoughtful way." If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, the measure would represent one of the most significant increases to the homestead exemption in state law and would begin delivering relief in 2027. Manger says HB4145 was designed to offer meaningful relief while preserving the framework that funds essential local services. "We can support our schools and local governments while also recognizing the real impact rising property taxes have on families," he said. "House Bill 4145 is about striking that balance and doing right by the people we serve." Under current law, qualifying homeowners receive an exemption on the first $1,000 of assessed value. If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, House Bill 4145 would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, passed a bill in committee this week to strengthen Oklahoma’s defined-contribution retirement plan for state employees. House Bill 3313 would update provisions within the Retirement Freedom Act to increase employer and employee contribution rates and enhance retirement planning resources for participants. HB3313 would increase the minimum employee contribution from 4.5% to 5% and raise the employer match from 6% to 7%. It also would expand access to individualized retirement planning services, update investment options and establish a lifetime annuity as the standard distribution option while still allowing alternative payout choices. "Our state’s greatest asset is its people, and that doesn’t change when they reach retirement," Eaves said. "When you dedicate your career to serving Oklahoma, you should be able to count on a strong retirement plan. Strengthening the defined-contribution system with higher contributions and better planning tools helps ensure our employees can retire with confidence after years of hard work." If enacted, these updates would provide greater long-term security and flexibility for public employees participating in the defined-contribution system. HB3313  now advances to the Government Oversight Committee for further consideration.