OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of two new laws that take effect Nov. 1, both designed to improve public safety.

House Bill 3244 strengthens punishments for organized retail crime and identity theft and closes loopholes to protect the vulnerable.

House Bill 2941 requires first responders to notify law enforcement when treating a drug overdose and establishes that in cases of fatal overdoses involving fentanyl, that will be the presumed cause of death.

"Both measures are designed to protect the public," Bashore said. "Whether it's cracking down harder on criminals who are stealing personal information and defrauding citizens and businesses, or getting people faster help during a drug overdose, the emphasis is on making sure Oklahomans are safe."

HB3244 expands the definition and pattern of retail and identity theft crimes, and it closes a loophole where criminals exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and minors.

It is reported that fraud cases have risen sharply in recent years. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission received 3.5 million fraud reports. By 2025, that number had jumped to 6.5 million, with an estimated $12.5 billion in losses.

HB3244 also strengthens identity theft laws by expanding the list of personal information someone can illegally possess or use with fraudulent intent to include fingerprints, PIN numbers, DNA, usernames, passwords and more. The bill strengthens penalties for repeat offenders and improves coordination between law enforcement and financial institutions investigating suspected fraud.

Punishment ranges from 10 to 20 years in prison, fines of between $20,000 and $100,000, or both.

HB2941 requires first responders to notify law enforcement as soon as practicable after attending to the medical needs of the person they are treating when a drug overdose is suspected. Legal immunity will be granted to those who make the notification in good faith.

The measure also establishes that in cases of fatal overdoses involving fentanyl, that will be the presumed cause of death.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports fentanyl was involved in 86% of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, compared to approximately 10% to 20% annually prior to 2020. 

"Fentanyl is a growing problem in our state and across the nation, Bashore said. "Having more detailed data on the spread of this deadly drug in Oklahoma will help law enforcement identify problem areas, direct resources where they are needed most and better target those responsible for distributing this deadly drug."

Bashore also authored House Bill 2959, which took effect in May.

The bill requires allegations of abuse or neglect by a school employee to be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours, prior of any formal investigation by the school or school board or the questioning of the subject of the accusation.

"Too often, schools were interpreting the law to mean they had to notify law enforcement only after the school had finished its investigation into an allegation of abuse," Bashore said. "This clarifies the definition of immediately to mean within 24 hours. It gets quicker help for those traumatized by abuse and stops others from being victimized."