News

Southwest Oklahoma legislators are thanking Governor Kevin Stitt for his declaration of a state of emergency following historic flooding. Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton; Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton; Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon; Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin; Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin; and Sen. Spencer Kern, R-Duncan; released the following statement Tuesday: "We are incredibly grateful to Governor Stitt for his swift and decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in the wake of the historic flooding that has devastated our communities. This declaration is a crucial step in unlocking the resources we need to begin recovery and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.  We appreciate the relentless work of our first responders to protect lives and minimize damage during this time of crisis. Lives have been upended, homes and businesses damaged, and critical infrastructure compromised, but following this declaration, we can begin to mobilize much-needed assistance and coordinate with state and local agencies to address both immediate needs and long-term rebuilding efforts."  Multiple storm systems has caused massive flooding in southwest Oklahoma. Lawton has received an estimated 11.48 inches of rain throughout April, and additional rainfall is expected Tuesday and Wednesday. Additional areas included in the emergency declaration include Cotton and Cleveland counties. The state of emergency declaration, filed with the Secretary of State's office on Tuesday, may be found here .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Key legislation to eliminate an archaic state law that forces retailers to add a 6% markup to everyday consumer goods is one step closer to the governor’s desk. The Unfair Sales Act – legislation from Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and House Majority Deputy Floor Leader Steve Bashore, R-Miami – passed the House unanimously on Tuesday, putting the Oklahoma Legislature one step closer to eliminating a relatively unknown price hike on groceries and consumer goods. Senate Bill 638 repeals the state’s 76-year-old Price Control Act that forces Oklahoma businesses to impose a minimum 6% markup on retail goods like gasoline, groceries, over-the-counter medicines, diapers and other basic necessities. Daniels said Oklahoma is one of just seven states with a mandatory markup on retail goods because many other states have rescinded similar laws in recent years. “Repealing this outdated law reinforces the Legislature’s commitment to providing inflation relief for hardworking Oklahomans by putting more money back in their pockets,” Daniels said. “Coming on the heels of eliminating the state grocery tax — the largest tax cut in Oklahoma history — this bill takes another meaningful step toward helping families save on everyday essentials while eliminating an unnecessary government mandate.” Bashore, whose hometown is just a short drive from Missouri and Kansas, said this legislation encourages Oklahomans to keep their shopping local. "Forcing Oklahomans to pay 6% more for everyday items is simply unacceptable,” Bashore said. “We want our residents to shop in state for what they need without going to surrounding states where this unfair markup no longer exists. This will ultimately benefit the taxpayer, our local businesses and our overall state economy, and will allow the free market to flourish as intended. “I am extremely honored to partner with Senator Daniels to make positive change benefiting all Oklahomans. I'm incredibly pleased to have secured passage of this bill in House, especially gaining bipartisan support." The bill was amended in the House and now returns to the Senate for fourth reading and final passage before being sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation carried by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, to modernize the process for selling state-owned railroad assets passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives by a vote of 81-8. Senate Bill 341 directs the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to initiate a request for proposals process for the sale of any railroad assets owned by the state. Interested parties would have 120 days to respond. “This bill reflects our responsibility to manage state resources wisely and transparently,” Kerbs said. “By outlining a fair and open process for selling surplus rail properties, we’re not only protecting taxpayer interests but also creating opportunities for local development. It’s a practical solution that balances accountability with the potential for private-sector innovation.” Under the bill, ODOT is responsible for evaluating all proposals. If necessary, the department may conduct an economic impact or activity study as part of the evaluation process. The ODOT director must present a recommendation to the Transportation Commission within 90 days after reviewing the proposals. The measure also clarifies that any purchases made under a lease-purchase agreement must be approved by the Transportation Commission. Sen. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, is the Senate author of SB 341 and, alongside Rep. Kerbs, brings a longstanding commitment to transportation policy and infrastructure development as the measure moves through the legislative process. “With the Legislature’s approval of Senate Bill 341, we’re opening doors for economic development and growth by making it easier to transfer underutilized state-owned railroads to the private sector,” Frix said. “Putting these rail lines back in the hands of the private sector will strengthen our state’s railroads and our transportation system overall. This bill is an important step toward modernizing our rail infrastructure, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.” SB341 now moves to the governor's desk for consideration. If signed into law, it would go into effect July 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, today commented on the governor's signing of House Bill 1103 , which requires the Oklahoma Transportation Commission to notify a previous property owner if the land they sold to the Commission is going to be offered for sale. "This was a constituent request bill," Gann said. "This person experienced the taking of his land by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and then found out it was later sold without any notification to him. This would just give people in similar circumstances the ability to repurchase land that was taken from them by eminent domain." Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore is the Senate author of the bill. “This common-sense legislation gives original property owners the right of first refusal if land taken from them is later offered for resale,” Seifried said. “By allowing landowners the chance to reclaim their property at a fair price, this bill enhances property rights and promotes transparency. Above all, this is about doing what's right for those displaced by eminent domain and giving them the chance to recover what was taken from them.” Gann explained this measure extends the window of time that previous landowners have to reclaim their land – from 30 to 90 days - and specifies notification requirements by the Commission. The measure also removes the five-year time period the Commission now has to notify previous owners of the sale of the property. Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, is a coauthor of the bill and the author of identical legislation that did not previously advance.  "The five-year requirement, if it were to remain, would act as an incentive for the Commission to hold the property for five years so it could be sold at market value, resulting in increased revenue," he explained. "By removing the time limit, it incentivizes the department to more quickly offer the land back to the previous owner." Gann said the changes "add transparency to the process by requiring online publication of the land sale. This also clarifies eligibility and ensures fair offers to the original landowner rather than allowing the Department of Transportation to profit off of land they've taken." The notice is to contain an offer to sell the property back to the previous owner at no greater than the original price, provided the previous owner did not use federal funds to purchase the property. Notices must be sent by registered mail and posted on the Department of Transportation's website. The act becomes effective Nov. 1. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, comments on the appointment of Dr. Jim Hess as the next President of Oklahoma State University: "I am thrilled to hear of the official appointment of Dr. Jim Hess as the next President of OSU. His experience and dedication to student success and the university make him well-suited for this role. Since stepping in as interim president, he’s been a great partner to the Legislature, and his official appointment brings stability to the university as it prepares for continued growth and future success." "I’m grateful to the OSU Board of Regents for their swift and decisive action today. Having reliable, long-term leadership in place will allow the institution and the general public to buy in to a long-term vision of making Oklahoma State University the preeminent land grant University in the country."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, today shared the news of the passing of her uncle, former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Hamp Baker, who died following a battle with cancer at 91. Commissioner Baker served the state from 1974 to 1985, becoming a well-known figure both for his work and his memorable public safety campaign slogan: “Hamp Baker says Drive with Care.” The slogan—often seen on car hoods and signs across Oklahoma—became one of the most recognized marketing efforts of the 1970s. “He loved being a Corporation Commissioner and he loved Oklahoma,” said Townley. “But to me, he was just my uncle—my mom’s brother, the one who encouraged me to run for office and believed in me before I believed in myself. He even helped me put out signs. He was one of my favorite people on this planet. I am keeping my cousins and family in my prayers during this difficult time.” Even in his 90s, Hamp was still pulling his own oil wells up until about a month ago. After his time on the Commission, Baker continued to advocate for Oklahoma energy, working with the National Association of Energy Users to promote the use of Oklahoma natural gas on a national level. Baker’s passion for public service and deep commitment to his home state left a lasting impact on Oklahoma—and on his family. "My uncle’s slogan was ‘Put your stamp on Hamp,’” Townley said. “He certainly put his on Oklahoma.”

Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, has been named one of The Journal Record’s Oklahoma Achievers Under 40 for 2025, which is given to Oklahomans under the age of 40 who have made an impact on the state.  "I'm incredibly honored to be recognized as one of Oklahoma's Achievers Under 40," Pae said. "Public service has always been my passion, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve my hometown of Lawton and our great state. This recognition is a reflection of the many mentors, colleagues, and community members who have supported me along the way."  Pae was elected to serve House District 62 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2018. He currently serves as chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Human Services, as well as vice chair of the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee. In 2020, he was a co-vice chair of the House State and Federal Redistricting Committee following the decennial U.S. census.  He was awarded the 2019 Rising Star Award by the International Leadership Foundation (ILF) for his professional achievements and dedication to the improvement of the Asian Pacific American community. Prior to his election to the House, he worked in municipal government in Lawton.  This year’s honorees will be the 22nd Class of The Journal Record’s Oklahoma Achievers Under 40 list. All honorees will be recognized on May 15 at the Oklahoma History Center.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, on Monday secured passage of a bill that will create a lottery system for nonresidents seeking a hunting, killing or trapping permit with the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. Senate Bill 448 requires out-of-state hunters to pay a $100 permit fee in addition to the traditional hunting license fee to use refuge or wildlife management areas maintained by the commission. The measure now moves to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. "This just allows the Wildlife Conservation Commission to know who is hunting in the areas they maintain," Grego said. "If they have more hunters than can be managed at one time, this allows the commission to establish a lottery system." Grego explained this can be done on a case-by-case basis for specific areas maintained by the Wildlife Conservation Commission. It does not affect in-state residents or private land. Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, is the principal Senate author of the bill. “The passage of Senate Bill 448 marks a significant step forward in safeguarding Oklahomans’ access to our state’s wildlife management areas," Hamilton said. This legislation prioritizes the rights of our citizens while continuing to welcome visiting outdoorsmen from other states through the lottery system and permitting process outlined in this bill. I am grateful for the support of my legislative colleagues and look forward to seeing this measure signed into law.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, on Monday won passage of legislation that prohibits the governor from closing any business during a pandemic without documented scientific evidence that the nature of the business actually contributes to the spread of the disease. Senate Bill 672 now moves to the governor's desk for his consideration of signing it into law.   "This bill is not about actions taken in the past, but about how we're going to move forward as a state to protect the free enterprise of our business owners in the same way we allow the public the freedom to choose how best to protect themselves," West said. "What this bill does is ensure that due process will be afforded business owners even during a state of emergency." Sen. Julie McIntosh, R-Porter, is the principal Senate author of the bill. "The passage of SB672 is a significant step toward ensuring that our small businesses are not unduly burdened during emergencies," she said. "This legislation guarantees that any decision to close a business is backed by clear evidence and due process. It's about safeguarding the rights of our entrepreneurs while still allowing for necessary public health measures. I appreciate my colleagues in both chambers for supporting this commonsense measure." West said the language of the measure fits with Article Two, Section Two of the Oklahoma Constitution, which guarantees all persons have the inherent right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry.  According to the language of this bill, the governor would still have the ability to close businesses during a pandemic to protect public health if there is scientific evidence that a particular business is a contributor to the spread of the disease. The governor would have to give notice and the opportunity for a hearing for any business determined to be nonessential or determined to be detrimental to public health. This would give the business a course of action to plead their case and possibly stay open. West said during the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many small businesses across the state were forced to close even as larger businesses were allowed to remain open. Other businesses, such as restaurants or bars were forced to close after certain hours even though no scientific proof was presented that the spread of the disease was more prevalent at one time over another. These policies were devastating to businesses owners, forcing some to close or lay off staff, and it hurt the overall economy of the state. He said there is no evidence the policies did anything to stop the spread of the disease. The bill passed in the House on a vote of 74-15. If signed into law, it would become effective July 1.