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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today asked Oklahoma's attorney general to establish a multi-county grand jury to investigate the Oklahoma judicial system. In his letter, Humphrey referenced a recent federal appeals court ruling that favored a family suing members of the Wagoner County sheriff's office. Jeffrey Krueger died in 2019 after an arrest. His family sued arguing deputies used excessive force during the arrest. The United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit recently ruled the defendants in the lawsuit are not entitled to qualified immunity and the district court's recitation of the facts was incomplete. "Being a former law enforcement officer myself, I am generally going to be on the side of law enforcement," Humphrey said. "But this case deserves much greater scrutiny." Humphrey also referenced a recent Oklahoma Supreme Court public reprimand of Special Judge Emily Mueller. In their rebuke, justices noted violations of the state's Judicial Code of Conduct and found the judge's behavior to be biased, rude, undignified and disrespectful to attorneys and others in and out of her courtroom. "Based on the revelations revealed in these current reviews of our Oklahoma judicial system, I feel that you no longer can avoid calling a multi-county grand jury," Humphrey wrote to the attorney general. "I encourage you to act swiftly in convening a multi-county grand jury to look into these and all other matters." A full copy of the letter can be read here .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, joined Gov. Kevin Stitt for a ceremonial bill signing of House Bill 2364 , which expands the Sarah Stitt Act to improve workforce readiness and reduce barriers for Oklahomans reentering society after incarceration. Hill authored HB2364 to ensure eligible inmates are better prepared for life after release by requiring the Department of Corrections to assist individuals in obtaining a REAL ID noncompliant driver license or identification card. This measure removes a critical hurdle to employment and strengthens Oklahoma’s ongoing Restorative Workforce Initiatives. “Oklahoma has gone from leading the nation in incarceration rates to achieving one of the lowest recidivism rates,” Hill said. “HB2364 builds on that success by helping Oklahomans leaving incarceration take meaningful steps toward rejoining the workforce and contributing to their communities. In addition to supplying people the tools to succeed, every individual reenters the workforce saves taxpayers more than $20,000 each year. This legislation creates pathways for Oklahomans to rebuild their lives and support their families.” The Sarah Stitt Act, first passed in 2021, requires the Department of Corrections to provide inmates with essential documents prior to release, including vocational training records, work history, Social Security cards and resumes. HB2364 expands those requirements by prioritizing identification documents and ensuring inmates leave with the paperwork they need to obtain employment. “Ensuring that individuals leave incarceration with proper identification is a simple step that makes a big difference,” Hill said. “By reducing barriers to work, we are investing in the lives of our great state, building stronger communities, and moving Oklahoma forward.” The legislation also reflects Gov. Stitt’s policy pillars focused on Criminal Justice Reform and Classroom to Careers, supporting Restorative Workforce Initiatives that strengthen Oklahoma’s economy and communities. HB2364 takes effect Nov. 1, 2025. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has been appointed by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert to serve as the Oklahoma House majority party representative on the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board. “I am honored to be appointed by Speaker Hilbert to serve on the SAFE Board,” Roe said. “This is a critical issue in our state, and I will work to ensure survivors are supported and that evidence is handled with the highest standards of care and accountability.” The SAFE Board oversees policy and procedures regarding the collection, testing and storage of sexual assault forensic evidence kits in Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health , an estimated 17% of women and 3% of men nationwide have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. In Oklahoma, the rate of rape and attempted rape reported to law enforcement has been 35-45% higher than the U.S. average for the past decade. “Sexual violence has left lasting scars on far too many Oklahomans,” Roe said. “These statistics show the importance of the SAFE Board’s work. Our job is to make sure the system serves survivors with compassion while providing law enforcement with the tools they need to pursue justice.” Hilbert, R-Bristow, issued the appointment in a formal letter to Roe earlier this month. “I appreciate Representative Roe’s willingness to serve in this capacity,” Hilbert wrote in his letter. “Her leadership and commitment will be valuable to the board and to the people of Oklahoma.” The SAFE Board is a 17-member multidisciplinary body established in state law. Its membership includes two senators, two representatives, the attorney general, law enforcement leaders from state and local agencies, medical professionals, victim advocates and a sexual assault survivor.

OKLAHOMA CITY – An appeal brief filed Thursday by Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, asks the Oklahoma Supreme Court to invalidate some $700 million in ratepayer-backed bonds issued to cover costs incurred by Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) during February 2021’s Winter Storm Uri. Payments for those bonds have been collected on the monthly bills of PSO’s customers since the bonds were issued in September 2022. They are scheduled to continue for another 17 years. Gann’s brief tells the court that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) failed to provide a required audit of the bonds in PSO’s most recent rate case. He also argues PSO’s original 2021 Uri costs that were securitized into the bonds were never audited either. Gann asserts the audit failures are fatal in both cases, making the OCC’s orders void.  The brief says Oklahoma utilities PSO, Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. (OG&E), Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG) and CenterPoint/Summit paid some of the highest natural gas prices in U.S. history during two weeks in February 2021, incurring some $2.8 billion in debt. Interest and other expenses added another $2 billion, bringing the total cost of the bonds being paid by Oklahoma utility customers close to $5 billion. Gann’s brief relies heavily on a report by former Oklahoma Accountancy Board Chairman David Greenwell filed at the OCC in July 2024. In it, Greenwell said the OCC’s audit activities with respect to the winter storm costs and bonds “do not appear to comply with state law.” Former OCC Commissioner Bob Anthony also repeatedly criticized the one-page audits the OCC was putting forward to meet statutory requirements. “When Oklahoma law requires an audit, the Accountancy Act says it has to be done by independent, licensed CPAs following nationally recognized standards,” said Gann, who is a former internal auditor for Tulsa International Airport. “Unbelievably, the OCC allowed the utilities to audit themselves after the winter storm. And OCC employees who are not CPAs have performed fake audits of the bonds ever since.” Gann has asked the court to order everything that was wrongly collected from PSO’s customers to be refunded. He says that includes $130-million and $120-million rate increases approved by the OCC in November 2023 and January 2025. It also includes about $140 million of Winter Storm bond payments already collected as “Winter Storm Cost Recovery Rider” charges on PSO customer bills.  OCC Commissioner Todd Hiett cast the deciding vote to approve each of the OCC orders Gann is challenging. Gann’s brief argues the orders also should be overturned because Hiett violated state ethics rules by participating in the cases. Hiett has been publicly accused of alleged sexual harassment and drunk driving at a 2023 party hosted by PSO’s attorneys. Even though no charges have been filed, Gann’s brief says Hiett’s behavior has made him subject to undue influence and possible extortion by those attorneys and others, and a reasonable person would question his impartiality in PSO cases.  In May 2025, the Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against Hiett, finding that in this particular instance, Ethics Rule 4.7’s prohibition against conflicts of interest was not an issue. The Ethics Commission stated at the time that their decision took into account the constitutional requirements for the Corporation Commission, the legislative nature of the rate hikes and Oklahoma case law, including the well-recognized Rule of Necessity. Gann’s brief argues Commissioner Hiett should not have been held exempt from this rule and asks the Supreme Court to say so. Similar Supreme Court appeals have also been filed in rate cases for OG&E and ONG. Gann has been joined by Reps. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rick West, R-Heavener, in those appeals. Gann’s full Brief in Chief can be read online here: https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetDocument.aspx?ct=appellate&bc=1062686746&cn=CU-122861&fmt=pdf PSO, the OCC and the Attorney General’s Office have 40 days to respond. The progress of all the appeals can be followed on the Oklahoma Supreme Court website: PSO rate case: https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=122861 ONG, PSO & OG&E CY2023 fuel cases: https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=122991 OG&E rate case: https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=123021 ONG rate case: https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=123348

Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, today joined Governor Kevin Stitt for a ceremonial bill signing of a bill that eliminates the use of Chevron deference, a legal test that limited the ability of courts to interpret ambiguous administrative rules. Kendrix, who serves as House Administrative Rules Chair, authored House Bill 2729 , which entrusts courts with the responsibility of interpreting legislative intent related to administrative rules under legal scrutiny. "Ending the use of Chevron deference ensures that the rule of law, not the rule of regulators, governs in Oklahoma," Kendrix said. "When the agencies that write the rules are the default interpreters of rules, rather than the courts, we strip the judicial branch of the authority it needs to rein in bureaucratic overreach. I appreciate the support of the governor and my legislative colleagues who understand the valuable, but complex, role of administrative rules in our state government." The Chevron deference, established through a 1984 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, required courts to defer to an agency's interpretation of administrative rules. After the legal test was overturned in June 2024, courts could again independently determine the legislative intent of ambiguous rules. Administrative rules are the regulations written by state agencies to implement laws passed by the Legislature. While statutes set broad policy, rules provide the practical instructions needed to enforce those laws. Administrative rules proposed by state agencies must move through a legislative process and, once approved, have the force of law. "Administrative rules are a slippery slope," Kendrix said. "Without proper legislative oversight and full authority of our courts, it is very easy for an agency, intentionally or not, to overstep legislative intent and bypass the will of the people expressed through their elected representatives. It is a tricky area of our government, but one that I believe is vitally important to protecting the liberties of our citizens and preserving the boundaries of government power." Kendrix also carried three other administrative rule reform measures , all of which became law: House Bill 2728 creates the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025, which establishes new statutory requirements for state agencies adopting major administrative rules. The nonpartisan Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) is tasked with conducting impact analyses for proposed rules with a significant fiscal impact. Senate Bill 995 clarifies that any rule not explicitly approved by the Legislature is considered disapproved. Senate Bill 1024 prohibits the adoption of a proposed rule by an agency unless the agency receives approval from the Governor or the appropriate cabinet secretary. HB2729 takes effect Nov. 1. The other three administrative rules reform measures took effect immediately upon being signed into law.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, today participated in a ceremonial bill signing for Senate Bill 796 , which eliminates public funding for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs across Oklahoma’s higher education institutions. Crosswhite Hader is the House author of the legislation. The bill was signed into law in May but was ceremonially signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt today. Also attending the ceremony was U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and the bill's Senate author, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond. Ceremonial bill signings allow lawmakers and others who are influential in legislation to attend. "Taken on their own, the words diversity, equity and inclusion sound wonderful, but as a philosophy these programs are embedded with an artificial preference system that detracts from the core mission of our higher education institutions," Crosswhite Hader said. "Our students should be focused on academics and workforce training and not delayed by an additional requirement for graduation. "We are not saying these concepts can't be taught, just that the use of taxpayer dollars is inappropriate. I'm grateful to Senator Pugh for his work on this issue and to the governor for signing it into law. I'm also glad that Secretary McMahon was able to join us today for this ceremony." Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, the chair of the House Postsecondary Education Committee, added, "Oklahoma's universities should be centers of academic excellence that prepare students for careers and civic life, not places where taxpayer dollars fund ideological programs. Higher education must remain focused on merit, scholarship and workforce development. Senate Bill 796 protects academic freedom while keeping our institutions aligned with their core mission." SB796 codifies into law the governor’s prior executive order, prohibiting institutions within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education from using state funds, property or resources to support DEI positions, programs, hiring practices or activities. It also bars colleges and universities from mandating participation in training or education that grants preference based on race, color, sex, ethnicity or national origin. Additionally, SB796 prohibits requirements for loyalty oaths, ideological statements, DEI declarations in hiring or the disclosure of personal pronouns.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa, Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, and Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby, are welcoming Oklahoma teachers back to the classroom and thanking them for their dedication to students. Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, commended teachers who play a vital part in shaping students' future. “Oklahoma teachers work tirelessly to inspire and prepare the next generation,” Banning said. “Your influence extends far beyond academics. You teach resilience, encourage kindness towards others and build the foundation for lifelong success. I deeply appreciate the heart and energy you bring into the classroom each day.” Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, expressed gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice teachers bring to their work. “As the school year kicks off we want to say how much we appreciate the work you do every single day,” Tedford said. “We know teaching takes more than lesson plans and grading papers. It takes patience, creativity and a deep commitment to your students. The impact you have reaches far beyond the classroom and lasts a lifetime.” Sen. Brian Guthrie, R-Bixby, emphasized the role of Oklahoma educators in preparing students for higher education and the workforce. "Oklahoma’s dedicated teachers are shaping our future by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher education, the workforce and in life,” Guthrie said. “I’m incredibly grateful for their commitment and wish everyone a safe and successful school year." Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, recognized the lasting influence teachers have on their students and communities. "Oklahoma's teachers are the backbone of our communities. They invest daily in the growth, confidence and potential of our children. Teachers: your dedication inside and outside the classroom shapes not only individual lives but the future of our state. We are thankful for the important work you do and hope this school year is both rewarding and successful."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, attended the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) board meeting Wednesday and said what he saw confirmed his belief the association’s structure prioritizes bureaucracy over the needs of students and families. Burns, a former public school teacher and coach, previously studied OSSAA policies through an interim study in 2022. The study examined the association’s finances and governance, student eligibility rules for transfers and included testimony from parents and attorneys who raised concerns about hardship waivers and transparency. At Wednesday’s meeting, Burns said the board voted unanimously to deny an appeal on the eligibility of Glencoe High School basketball players and to reject a hardship request from another student. He said these are just two examples of why the current system should be dismantled. “The OSSAA is structured in a way that is unfair to student athletes and families,” Burns said. “They make families jump through hoops and waste time and money just to keep overwhelming power and control in the hands of their board. When the board votes unanimously to protect the status quo, it proves they are protecting the establishment, not the kids.” Burns said the 12-member board, composed mostly of school superintendents, operates with little accountability while controlling decisions that affect students statewide. “It’s time to dismantle the OSSAA and build a new system that stands independently, not controlled by the hierarchy of superintendents,” Burns said. In 2022, Burns authored House Bill 3968 , which would have allowed students transferring during the summer to a school district outside their residence to remain eligible for sports, with exceptions for dependents of active military personnel. The OSSAA oversees athletics, fine arts and other extracurricular activities for more than 430 school districts statewide. Current policy requires certain student-athletes transferring outside their home district to wait one year before regaining eligibility. “We are 50th in the nation in education,” Burns said. “We should be empowering kids rather than sacrificing them. The only way forward is to abolish this broken system and replace it with one that puts students and families first.”

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, has been appointed by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, to the Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission. The commission is tasked with advancing business ties and other mutually beneficial activities between Oklahoma and Ireland. “It’s an honor to help strengthen the bridge between Oklahoma and Ireland,” Chapman said. “When we open doors for our businesses abroad, we create new opportunities here at home. I appreciate Speaker Hilbert’s trust in me and look forward to contributing to this important work.” Chapman’s appointment is effective immediately.