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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, passed six bills in the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee. The bills now await consideration to be heard by the full membership of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House Bill 1322 would create a Persistent Domestic Violence Offenders Registry available online to the public. Anyone convicted in Oklahoma of a second domestic violence offense after Jan. 1, 2027, would be registered through district court clerks on the registry created and maintained by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. House Bill 4104 would add three crimes to the list of those that require registry as a sex offender: second and subsequent offense of watching, gazing or looking upon a person in a clandestine manner for prurient interests; using photographic, electronic or video equipment in clandestine manner for prurient interests; and second or subsequent offense of using such means to capture images of a private area without consent.   "Domestic violence and sex offense crimes are the most repugnant to our society," Ford said. "The public deserves to made aware of when such criminals are in our midst. The hope, of course, is to deter such crimes in the first place." House Bill 4105 would exclude from the definition of "security guard" any person operating unarmed or contracted as an usher queue agent, ticket agent, gate agent, credential verification agent or similar role for any event, concert, festival or sporting event. Ford said the measure is a simple clarification of law. House Bill 4106 would lower the threshold amount for grand larceny from $1,000 to $900. Additionally, a third offense of petty larceny would become a felony offense. Ford said since voters originally voted to increase the threshold for grand larceny from $500 to $1,000 10 years ago, retail theft has increased exponentially. "Professional criminals know the threshold amount and consider the fines involved just part of doing business," Ford said. "While this is a small step to reduce petty larceny, it’s a move in the right direction." House Bill 4107 would make it unlawful to tamper with, activate, attempt to activate or cause to be activated an outdoor warning siren without proper authorization. Punishment would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in the county jail or both. If an unauthorized activation caused a false emergency response or public panic, the offense would become a felony punishable by up to $5,000, up to one year in the county jail or both fine and imprisonment. Ford said such tampering is happening now in his area, and it causes havoc. House Bill 4108 would add the operational area of an airport to the list of places considered critical infrastructure. Those convicted of trespass would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail for a term of six months or both. "This will protect our international and other airports as they conduct vital services for our citizens," Ford said. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A concurrent resolution by Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore, and Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, honoring Oklahoma native and country music icon Toby Keith and supporting the naming of a planned turnpike in his memory was heard on the Senate floor today and adopted. House Concurrent Resolution 1019 recognizes Keith’s lasting impact on music, his deep Oklahoma roots and his legacy of service to the nation. The measure proposes naming the new turnpike corridor the Toby Keith Expressway . The measure was heard and adopted on the House floor on Feb. 25. "Toby Keith was more than a country music star. He was a proud Oklahoman who never forgot where he came from," Blair said. "Naming this turnpike in his honor is a fitting way to recognize a man who represented our state with ultimate patriotism and generosity." The planned route is part of the ACCESS Oklahoma Long-Range Plan and would extend from Interstate 44 east to Interstate 35 near Indian Hills Road, continuing east and north to Interstate 40 at the Kickapoo Turnpike. The project is intended to improve safety, strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. "Over the course of his legendary career, Toby Keith never forgot where he came from or what he stood for," said Standridge. "His Oklahoma roots shaped him, and his love of America defined him. He was a country music superstar and a true patriot. I can think of no better way to honor his memory than by naming this future stretch of Norman turnpike in his honor, creating a lasting tribute to the legacy he leaves behind." Born in Clinton and raised in Moore, Keith rose to national prominence with a career that included more than 40 million albums sold and over 20 No. 1 hits. His songs, including "Should’ve Been a Cowboy," "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" and "American Soldier," earned widespread acclaim and a loyal fan base. In addition to his musical success, Keith was known for his unwavering support of the U.S. military. He performed more than 300 shows on USO tours in combat zones, offering encouragement to American service members stationed overseas. Keith also made a lasting impact through his charitable work. After a devastating tornado struck his hometown of Moore in 2013, Keith organized the OK Twister Relief Concert to support families who lost their homes and faced significant hardship in the storm’s aftermath. He also created the Toby Keith Foundation , which has helped children with cancer since 2006, focusing on providing no-cost housing for families during treatment. In 2014, the foundation opened OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for pediatric cancer patients receiving care at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, the Stephenson Cancer Center and other nearby facilities. "Toby Keith’s legacy goes far beyond music," Blair said. "He spent years supporting our troops and helping families and children in some of the toughest moments imaginable. This turnpike designation is just a small way to ensure his impact will be remembered by generations to come." Keith died Feb. 5, 2024, following a battle with cancer. The resolution honors his life, patriotism and enduring contributions to Oklahoma and the nation.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey  Caldwell , R-Faxon, made the following statement after  Senate leaders unveil a plan to fund teacher pay raise and education: "We look forward to working with the Senate through our normal budget process as we determine our education priorities and how to best move Oklahoma forward. We have concerns about any proposal that negatively impacts the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). The House has consistently supported commonsense retirement reforms to help experienced teachers return to the classroom, which the Senate has repeatedly rejected. We want to see the full details of Senator Pugh's plan as we work to strengthen our schools without compromising our educators’ long-term stability."

Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, today applauded the work the House Common Education Committee completed prior to the Feb. 19 deadline to pass bills out of policy committee. Lowe, a former ag teacher who chairs the Common Education Committee, said the members advanced measures focused on strengthening Oklahoma’s education system and supporting students, teachers and families across the state. "Education is one of the most important responsibilities we have as lawmakers," Lowe said. "The House Common Education Committee work to ensure every proposal is measured against a single standard: whether it improves outcomes for Oklahoma students." Measures passed by the House Common Education Committee prior to the Feb. 19 deadline include: House Bill 4358: Screen Time Limit for Young Students HB4358 , authored by Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, would limit the amount of screen time public school elementary students can receive during school . Under the bill, students in prekindergarten through fifth grades could only receive up to one hour of screen time each day. "Research is clear that limiting screen time is better for children," Moore said. "Their brain function, problem solving, creativity and focus is improved. Children thrive on face-to-face interaction with peers and instruction from live teachers. This legislation will set some healthy boundaries for children when they are in our public schools." House Bill 4359: Statewide Assessments in May This bill , also proposed by Moore, would require Oklahoma’s statewide student assessments to be administered annually during the month of May. These assessments, which are used to measure student proficiency and readiness aligned with academic standards, would take place in May beginning in the 2026-27 school year. "If state tests are held too early, students miss important preparation and instruction time," Moore said. "It's hoped this change will lead to improved academic outcomes." House Bill 3467: Maternity and Adoption Leave for Education Employees Under HB3467 , maternity leave benefits for full-time education employees would be expanded to allow leave following the adoption of a child under four years old. The measure is carried by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow. "I am grateful to see House Bill 3467 pass the House Common Education Committee," Boles said. "This bill is about recognizing that every child deserves a strong, supported start, no matter how they join a family. Adoption is a life-changing moment for both the child and the parents, and our educators should not have to choose between their career and being present for those first, critical days. This ensures they have the time to bond, to build that foundation and to truly be there when it matters most." House Bill 3711: School District Expenditure Transparency HB3711 , authored by Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, would require school districts to post on their websites the percentage of total expenditures dedicated to instructional costs. It also requires this information to be included with any bond proposals or bond guarantee applications to increase transparency about how taxpayer funds are used. "Oklahoma schools devote a smaller portion of their budgets to instruction, including teacher salaries, than schools in most other states," Caldwell said. "More than 25 percent of districts spend less than half of their funding on instructional expenses. While total education funding has increased, the share our schools spend on classroom instruction has dropped, highlighting the importance of transparency and public access to clear information about how education dollars are allocated, especially when schools are asking taxpayers to voluntarily raise their taxes." House Bill 3032: Free/Reduced-Price Meals Application Requirement This bill , carried by Lowe, would require that a parent or guardian complete the application for free or reduced-price school meals as a condition of student enrollment, with an opt-out option available. "Access to school meals is essential, but too often, families miss out on programs that help children learn and thrive," Lowe said. "This bill encourages families to engage in these programs early so their schools and communities can better support student well-being." Lowe also praised members for their diligence and commitment to students. "I'm proud of the thoughtful work our members have put in to carefully evaluate each bill before us," he said. "Their preparation, engagement and respect for the process reflect the seriousness with which we must approach education policy." Each of the 16 total bills passed by the House Common Education Committee now advance to the House Education Oversight Committee. The deadline to pass bills through oversight committees is March 5.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation aimed at protecting Oklahoma students from the dangers of fentanyl has been signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt. House Bill 1484 , known as Rain’s Law, requires schools to provide age-appropriate instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness for students in grades six through 12. The measure was authored by Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, and carried in the Senate by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. "This is a win for students everywhere," Johns said. "Too many young lives have been lost to something they never saw coming. I am proud of my colleagues and Governor Stitt for recognizing the reality of fentanyl and taking action to protect our students. By ensuring students understand just how dangerous fentanyl is, we are giving them the knowledge they need to protect themselves. This law will help save lives." The law is named in honor of Cameron University student Rain Reece, who died at 19 after unknowingly taking a pill laced with fentanyl. It establishes required educational components, authorizes qualified organizations to provide instruction and directs the Oklahoma State Department of Education to adopt curriculum standards and resources. The measure also calls for the governor to designate Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week in schools in coordination with National Red Ribbon Week. Weaver, who previously served as director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, said education is one of the most effective tools to prevent future tragedies. "Even after many years leading the Bureau of Narcotics, fentanyl remains unlike any drug I’ve ever seen, as it can be deadly in the tiniest amounts," Weaver said. "Rain’s Law ensures Oklahoma students learn how dangerous even a single pill can be, while equipping them with knowledge to protect themselves and their peers. I’m proud to see this life-saving legislation become law." The new law comes as fentanyl continues to devastate families across Oklahoma. For Johns, the issue is deeply personal. Eight of his former students have died from fentanyl. Rain’s Law now ensures students receive clear, factual information about the risks of synthetic opioids, including how fentanyl is often hidden in counterfeit pills and how even one pill can be deadly. Johns also recognized the advocacy of Rain’s mother, Karla Carlock, who has worked to turn her loss into a mission to protect others. Her efforts have reached beyond Oklahoma. Last summer, Carlock traveled to Washington, D.C., where she was present when President Donald Trump signed legislation strengthening fentanyl-related laws nationwide, underscoring the growing urgency to address the crisis. Rain’s Law was introduced during the First Session of the 60th Legislature, where it passed House committees and the House floor unanimously and was approved in a Senate committee. However, it was not heard on the Senate floor until the Second Session. "Rain’s life mattered, and her story is now helping protect students across our state," Johns said. "If this law spares even one family from that kind of heartbreak, then it is worth it. We owe it to our children to do everything we can to keep them safe."

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, today secured House passage of two bills ensuring taxpayer-funded assistance programs are reserved for those who are lawfully present in the United States. The measures advance the state’s commitment to Safeguarding Eligibility, Compliance and Use of Resources Efficiently (SECURE) when administering state and federal assistance. “Oklahoma taxpayers should never be forced to subsidize benefits for individuals who are in our country illegally," said Hilbert. These services are intended for legal, tax-paying citizens, and the House has made clear that we are going to ensure those benefits are protected for eligible Oklahomans.” House Bills 4422 and 4423 reinforce eligibility standards for public assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid and Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The legislation clarifies that individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States are ineligible for taxpayer-funded benefits and strengthens verification requirements to ensure state agencies are complying with federal law and directing benefits only to qualified recipients. Both House Bill 4422 and House Bill 4423 passed unanimously by House Republicans. “We continue to address the consequences of reckless federal border policies created under the Biden Administration that have made every state a border state,” Hilbert said. “Oklahoma must send a clear message: we stand with legal immigrants, American workers and the men and women of ICE and Border Patrol who enforce our laws. These bills promote cooperation with federal authorities and reinforce that Oklahoma will not serve as a magnet for illegal immigration or the misuse of public resources.” With House passage secured, the bills now move to the Senate for consideration. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking passed unanimously in the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. Roe, a veteran nurse practitioner and chair of the House Public Health Committee, said the measure is designed to ensure victims can safely seek help while receiving medical care. "Too often, victims are hiding in plain sight, even in places where they should feel safest," Roe said. "I received a note from a survivor of human trafficking about her struggle to find safety, and it is clear we can do more. I have seen how critical those quiet moments are between a patient and a provider. This bill gives victims a voice and a clear path to help when they are ready." House Bill 3287 would require all hospitals and health care facilities in Oklahoma to post signage related to domestic violence and human trafficking in both inconspicuous areas and private spaces intended for patient-provider use. The signage would inform victims that they can notify facility staff if they are experiencing abuse, coercion or trafficking. The measure also requires facilities to establish clear protocols for responding when a victim comes forward. These procedures would include reporting to law enforcement upon a victim’s request and ensuring the victim can be discharged or released safely without alerting or interference from an alleged perpetrator. "Some hospitals are already asking patients if they are victims of domestic violence or human trafficking," Roe said. "I have even seen situations where patients were told to place a red dot on a cup and leave it in a bathroom bin with their name. While those efforts are well-intentioned, this bill ensures every hospital has clear, consistent protocols in place to respond immediately and safely when a victim comes forward." Under the measure, the Oklahoma State Department of Health would be responsible for developing and distributing the required signage, which facilities could request at the cost of printing and postage. Roe said while some hospitals already screen patients for domestic violence or human trafficking, practices vary widely across the state. HB3287 would establish a consistent, statewide standard and ensure facilities are prepared to respond when a victim comes forward, often in the only moments they are safely separated from their abuser. "A hospital visit may be the only chance someone has to ask for help without fear," Roe said. "We have a responsibility to be ready for that moment and to respond in a way that protects their safety and restores their hope." HB3287 is now eligible to be heard on the House Floor.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, on Tuesday spoke at a rally at the State Capitol about his bill that would remove federal liability shields for claims such as COVID vaccine injuries, among others. House Bill 3119 would extend the period of time for people to file health care liability claims based on a good faith belief that a federal procedural bar was in place when a cause of action arose. Supporters of the bill say it would restore patients' constitutional rights to remedy and protect their right to bodily autonomy. The bill has not been heard in a House committee. "Why have COVID victims not been allowed to go back and pursue relief through the courts?" Humphrey asked. "This bill would allow people who believe they were harmed during medical treatment to go back and file civil liability claims against those that were either negligent or who practiced medical malpractice, had a lack of informed consent or committed medical battery." Humphrey said while the bill isn't limited to COVID, it was a big reason for him filing the measure. Humphrey said he worked with several people who documented what happened to their loved ones while they were undergoing medical treatment. He also held an interim study in October 2024, to which he invited speakers from various states to speak about their experiences during treatment for COVID. "This tells me the public wants this legislation and wants this bill to be heard," Humphrey said. HB3119 would specify that a good faith belief exists when a claimant or attorney could reasonably conclude, based on existing federal declarations, amendments, advisory opinions or judicial interpretations, that the federal liability immunity provisions applied to the alleged conduct. Federal procedural bar includes federal liability immunity provisions provided in the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act in U.S. statute. HB3119 would extend the good faith belief that a federal procedural bar was in place when a cause of action for health care liability claims arose to one year after the good faith belief no longer existed. The bill would apply to all such actions occurring on or after Feb. 1, 2020. The legislation also would ensure Oklahoma courts retain jurisdiction over claims that, but for temporary legal impediment or reasonable misperception of federal preemption, would have been timely filed.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, on Wednesday passed a pair of higher education reforms in the House Education Oversight Committee. House Bill 3700 would require state colleges and universities to implement a policy requiring students' grades to be based only on academic performance, including attendance, and not on a student's opinions, beliefs or conduct unrelated to academic situations. Caldwell said the bill is the result of his work on the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee, which was created through legislation signed into law in 2022.  "The committee was asked to review the free speech policies of the state's 25 colleges and universities and found this policy in place at Rose State College," Caldwell said. "We began asking other colleges and universities whether they had a similar policy. While some said they considered this an unwritten policy, to date I've not come across another college that had this as a formal policy."  Caldwell said he's been asked whether HB3700 is a response to a complaint filed last year by a University of Oklahoma student who said she was discriminated against because of her religious beliefs expressed in a class essay. Caldwell said the idea for the legislation predates that occurrence. Had it been in place, however, it might have alleviated the need for the student's complaint and the university's consequent action against an adjunct professor.  "Having a clear policy on this matter would better serve all parties," he said. Caldwell also cited reports in which students say they feel the need to self-censor or worry about expressing their personal opinions or beliefs on campus because of a fear it would negatively affect their grades.  "This, to me, runs contrary to the purpose of higher education," he said. “When a student enrolls in a college, they don’t sign away their First Amendment rights. We don't want teachers to reward students who agree with them or negatively affect the grades of those who don't." HB3700 passed the Education Oversight Committee on a vote of 8-1. It is now eligible to be considered by a vote of the full membership of the House.  Also passed by the oversight committee was House Bill 3701 , which would require the State Regents of Higher Education to review college degree programs on a five-year cycle. Any program determined to be "low producing," as defined in the measure, would trigger an annual review by the Regents, who must then consider suspending or deleting the program. The program could continue if it meets certain exceptions, but it would be placed on probationary status for three years and must submit a plan for improvement. Caldwell said this bill simply codifies into statute the Regents’ existing procedures for consolidating low-producing programs. The State Regents recently voted to eliminate 41 low-producing degree programs and suspend 21 others.