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OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1933 , authored by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, is headed to the Governor’s desk after gaining final legislative approval. The measure, known as the Maddix Bias Act, seeks to prevent the misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas. The bill is named in honor of Maddix Bias, a 2023 Tecumseh High School graduate and standout baseball player whose life was tragically cut short in a car crash caused by his boss, who was under the influence of nitrous oxide. HB1933 would make it a misdemeanor to possess, buy, sell or transfer nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication. Violators could face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 or both. The measure also will increase penalties for possession of larger quantities and for those who sell or provide nitrous oxide to minors, including potential jail time, steeper fines and suspension of business licenses. "This is a huge win for Oklahomans because while nitrous oxide is often mistakenly viewed as harmless, its misuse can have devastating consequences, like in the case of what happened to Maddix," Sterling said. "We have seen firsthand how dangerous it can be when misused. With this bill, we are taking a stand and saying that abusing this substance will not be tolerated in our state." Although nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in medical, dental, culinary and industrial settings, it remains widely accessible for recreational misuse through retail outlets and online sales. Health experts warn that repeated misuse can lead to serious neurological damage, including harm to the brain, nerves and spinal cord, and in some cases, death. "If we did nothing, kids would think whippits are for fun and games, like the use when you are at the dentist's office but at home, and that is simply not the case," Sterling said. "This is a growing problem that we can put a stop to, and I'm proud my colleagues in the Legislature recognized the need to act and took steps to address it." Sterling said the legislation is also intended to honor the memory of Bias and help prevent similar tragedies. "No family should have to endure the kind of loss that Maddix’s family has experienced," Sterling said. "This effort works to preserve his legacy, which will lead to greater awareness and safer communities across our state." HB1933 aligns with national efforts like H.R 7945 , the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act of 2026, which aims to curb the sale and misuse of nitrous oxide consumer products while preserving its legitimate applications.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure aimed at supporting sexual assault victims across Oklahoma has been signed into law by the Governor, securing the continuation of the Statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator position within the District Attorneys Council. House Bill 4141 by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, removes a sunset date in state law to allow the coordinator position to continue once funding is secured. The role coordinates with SANE nurses across Oklahoma who provide compassionate care to victims of sexual assault and collect critical forensic evidence that may later be used in court. "Our state needs this to be a permanent position because victims deserve it," Manger said. "I am thankful that the Governor signed this into law, making it a reality. Not many people understand that SANE nurses have a very specialized skill set in getting the documentation and tests needed to put their abusers away for good. This role is vital in not only getting the justice victims deserve but also in making Oklahoma a safer place to live and grow your families." The SANE coordinator position was previously funded through a federal grant administered by the Tulsa Police Department, but those funds expired, and the role ceased to exist. The SANE coordinator will oversee forensic medical examination training for SANE nurses statewide, providing consistent program development and ensuring all nurses have access to the same tools and resources. "Before this bill and the fund, Oklahoma had no centralized oversight or coordination among SANE programs which limited victims' access to exams," Manger said. "This would lead to perpetrators not being held accountable and also affected the quality of evidence collected in investigations." The coordinator will also be in charge of recruiting and developing additional SANE professionals to expand additional SANE and Sexual Assault Response Team programs. "We also cannot forget about the compassionate care that these SANE nurses provide victims," Manger said. "These are some of the hardest moments that could happen to a person and the nurses are trained and trauma-informed to provide the care victims need not to relive an unthinkable circumstance."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, and Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today commented on the signing of House Bill 3151 , a measure to increase the minimum number of instructional days for certain public schools while maintaining current instructional hour requirements. HB3151 increases the minimum number of instructional days from 166 to 173 for schools operating under an hours-based calendar, while maintaining the current minimum of 1,086 instructional hours. The change will take effect in the 2027-28 school year only if funding for the State Department of Education increases by at least $175 million over the next two fiscal years. "This sets a clear, consistent floor while ensuring schools keep the flexibility they already have to build a calendar that works for their communities," Hall said. "A lot of districts are already meeting this standard today, and nothing about this affects professional development days or the total number of hours students are in the classroom. It simply spreads that time across more days in a way that can better support student learning." Many school districts already meet or exceed the new 173-day minimum and will not be required to adjust their calendars. The measure does not impact professional development days and does not increase the total number of instructional hours required. The bill also requires school districts that hold parent-teacher conferences during the school day to provide an in-person option for parents and legal guardians. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, served as the Senate author of the measure. "This legislation reflects a thoughtful, balanced approach to strengthening our education system without placing unnecessary burdens on our schools," Pro Tem Paxton said. "By setting a consistent minimum number of instructional days while maintaining current hour requirements, we’re giving districts the flexibility to design calendars that better support student success. Importantly, this change is tied to meaningful increases in education funding, ensuring schools have the resources they need to implement it effectively. I appreciate Governor Stitt for signing it, Representative Hall’s leadership and the broad coalition of stakeholders who came together to support this commonsense reform." The measure was supported by a broad coalition of education and business groups, including the Oklahoma Education Association, Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration, Oklahoma State School Boards Association, Professional Oklahoma Educators, Organization of Rural Oklahoma Schools, United Suburban Schools Association, ExcelinEd, Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, Oklahoma Parents for Student Achievement and the State Chamber.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, commented on the signing of Senate Bill 1433 , known as the Guidance Transparency Act, a measure to increase transparency and accountability in state government.  SB1433 requires state agencies to make guidance documents publicly available, both online and at their principal place of business, ensuring Oklahomans have clear access to agency policies and interpretations. The measure also requires agencies to submit guidance documents to the Office of Administrative Rules for publication in a searchable, centralized format.  "With this legislation, Oklahoma becomes the first state in the nation to enshrine guidance document transparency into law," Hall said. "By requiring these documents to be accessible, we’re creating more transparency and helping the public better understand how decisions are made and which government agency documents are legally binding."  The legislation defines guidance documents broadly to include agency statements, memoranda, bulletins and similar materials that communicate official policy or interpretation, while clarifying that such documents do not carry the full force of law unless otherwise authorized.  "With the Guidance Transparency Act now law, we’re correcting internal processes that allowed agencies to act without enough transparency. Guidance documents will now be disclosed to the public and easy to access, resulting in clearer rules and greater accountability," said Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair.  SB1433 ensures agencies regularly update and publish guidance documents, including any amendments or rescissions, helping maintain accurate and up-to-date information for the public.  The measure takes effect Nov. 1, 2026.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House on Monday passed a bill that would prohibit solar generation facilities and battery energy storage systems (BESS) from qualifying for the five-year manufacturer ad valorem tax exemption beginning in January 2028. Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, is the House author of Senate Bill 237 . "Huge international energy developers do not need to be subsidized by Oklahoma tax dollars," Dobrinski said. "Oklahoma has 30 more days of sunshine than the average U.S. state. Our land prices, even with recent significant hikes, are still some of the lowest in the nation. We've removed similar exemptions for wind energy and data centers. It's past time for Oklahoma to treat solar and battery storage the same." Dobrinski explained this tax exemption was eliminated for wind in 2015 with Senate Bill 498 . In 2021, the Legislature recognized data centers were costing the state $46 million annually through the exemption, he said. Their eligibility was removed with Senate Bill 609 . "As lawmakers, we have the authority to add or remove categories of qualifying manufacturers through statute when these exemptions are no longer needed to promote investment in various industries," he said.  Dobrinski said most in the state embrace an all-of the-above approach to energy, and the state enjoys some of the lowest costs for power because of it. "Oklahoma is a net exporter of energy because of our abundance. Each new energy project should be based on the market opportunity and the return on investment," he said. Dobrinski pointed to a recent project in his House district as a reason the bill is needed. In March, NextEra Energy applied to the Oklahoma Tax Commission for a manufacturing exemption of ad valorem taxes for the $655 million Skeleton Creek 250Mw solar/200Mw BESS project in Garfield County. "Located in the geographic center of our country with low costs and low regulation, Oklahoma already makes sense for investments like these. We do not need to be paying property taxes or infrastructure costs on top our already favorable business climate and our natural resources." The Five?Year Ad Valorem Exemption for Manufacturers applies to real and personal property used in the manufacturing of a product, as well as property used in research and development activities. Because electric power generation is considered manufacturing, as it converts raw materials (fuel, wind, water) into electricity, the wind and solar industry have been able to claim the exemption. Applications are filed with the county assessor where the facility is located. If approved, the state reimburses the county for the exempted property tax for up to five years. Since the program began, more than $2 billion in property taxes have been exempted through this mechanism. The bill was amended in the House, so it will return to the Senate for final passage before moving to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation aimed at expanding access to funding for charter school facilities has been signed into law by the governor. House Bill 3372 , authored by Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, creates new financial tools to help charter schools secure funding for buildings and infrastructure needs. "This gives charter schools a real shot at building and improving their facilities without being at a disadvantage," Hall said. "If we expect these schools to deliver for students, they need the same kind of opportunities to invest in their classrooms and campuses. We're making sure they can plan, grow and serve families well into the future." The measure establishes a revolving loan fund program to provide lower-interest financing options for charter school capital projects, including construction, renovation and property acquisition. It also creates a bond credit enhancement program to help qualifying charter schools access more favorable financing terms. "This law is about creating a more level playing field so charter schools have access to the same type of facility financing options as traditional public schools," Sen. Adam Pugh, chairman of the Senate Education committee, R-Edmond, said. "By establishing responsible, sustainable funding tools, we’re helping these schools invest in safe, high-quality learning environments while maintaining strong oversight. Ultimately, this is about supporting students and giving families more quality education options across Oklahoma. I appreciate Representative Hall for his help on this measure." Under the law, the programs will be administered with oversight from the Statewide Charter School Board and support from a third-party financial administrator to ensure responsible lending practices and long-term sustainability. The bill also clarifies that charter schools remain responsible for their own financial obligations while establishing safeguards to protect state resources. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the Senate author of the bill. HB3372 will take effect Nov. 1, 2026. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, secured passage this past week of a measure in the House Appropriations and Budget Committee that would strengthen Oklahoma’s ability to investigate cyber-related crimes and financial fraud. Senate Bill 1859 would create a Cyber Crime and Fraud Unit within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation focused on investigating cyber-enabled criminal activity, including network breaches, ransomware, identity theft and other forms of digital fraud.  The unit would provide digital forensics, technical assistance and training to law enforcement agencies while coordinating with federal, state, tribal and local partners on investigations.  "Cybercrime is not something most people see day to day, but it’s happening constantly and it’s getting more sophisticated," Chapman said. "We need to make sure our investigators have the expertise and support when these cases land on their desks instead of asking local agencies to figure it out on their own."  In addition to establishing the unit, the bill creates a revolving fund to support its operations and ensure resources are available to carry out its responsibilities.  SB1859 passed on the House floor and now heads to the Governor's desk for final approval. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, issued the following statement after a shooting Sunday night at Arcadia Lake left at least 23 people injured. "This is a terrifying situation at a place where families gather to make memories. I am thankful that, at this time, no lives have been lost, but 23 people being injured is deeply concerning for our community. "I want to remind young people and families that just because an event is advertised in a certain way does not mean it is safe. You do not always know the people involved. It is important to be diligent about where you go and who you are surrounding yourself with. "I appreciate the quick response from Edmond law enforcement and first responders, and I am praying for those who were injured and their families. We will continue to support efforts to ensure our community remains safe." The shooting occurred during a gathering of young people near Arcadia Lake, a popular swimming and boating destination. A flyer circulated on social media described the event, "Sunday Funday," as featuring food, drinks, music and "good vibes, good people." Stinson is in contact with local officials and is monitoring the situation as the investigation continues to identify the suspects.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, today is reminding Oklahomans they can opt-in on a federal income tax credit next year for individual contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). Funding is to be used for scholarships for elementary and secondary education expenses. Crosswhite Hader is the House author of House Bill 3704 , which recently was signed into law by the governor. She said the federal program is similar to the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship program, a state tax-credit program that supports scholarship efforts in Oklahoma. HB3704 declares the state's intent to participate to the fullest extent permitted by federal law in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. It also directs the governor to formalize the state's election and required agreements and designates the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) as the administering agency. State agencies, including the Tax Commission and the governor, are prohibited from adopting rules or regulations that go beyond what federal law requires when implementing this act. "This allows Oklahoma taxpayers the freedom to donate to a registered scholarship granting organization, whether they have children or not," Crosswhite Hader said. "The funding from these organizations will then be available for eligible Oklahoma students to attend the school of their choice or to help pay for other educational expenses, such as tutoring or academic materials. Every parent should have the right to determine the education that is best for their children, and taxpayers should be able to support such choices with their own tax dollars."  Gov. Kevin Stitt previously signed an executive order opting Oklahoma into the federal program. Crosswhite Hader said this legislation just puts this in statute so going forward this will be available to all willing taxpayer participants. The tax credit is part of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law last year by President Trump. The act provides for an individual, dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 per individual taxpayer or $3,400 for a joint federal return for contributions to state-approved, federally recognized nonprofits that distribute private-school scholarships to eligible children, defined as students from households earning no more than 300% of their county’s median income.  States must proactively opt into the federal tax credit program, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Oklahoma is now one of 27 states currently opted in. Under HB3704, the OTC will be required to identify and register eligible SGOs, maintain and submit their list to the U.S. Treasury, develop rules, forms and procedures to administer the list, and ensure compliance with federal guidelines, including contribution reporting and scholarship distribution. The Oklahoma Council on Public Affairs recently reported the tax credit could generate an additional $24 billion in education funding annually nationwide. Every $1 billion in scholarships could fund tuition at a school of choice for 77,000 students or cover tutoring for more than 300,000 students.