OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, has filed legislation aimed at improving safety for students traveling to and from school on high-speed state highways. The bill is named in honor of 9-year-old Talyn Bain, who tragically passed in a traffic accident in Glenpool while on his way to school. 

House Bill 2979, known as the Talyn Bain Act, would require the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to establish reduced-speed school zones on certain state highways upon request by a local jurisdiction. The measure applies to high-speed roadways that run directly alongside public or private school property and lack adequate access roads or grade-separated entrances.

“Talyn was a young boy with a full life ahead of him, and his loss is something no family should ever have to endure,” Banning said. “This bill seeks to honor Talyn in a meaningful way by taking responsible steps to better protect children on their way to and from school.” 

Under the proposal, ODOT would be required to establish a 45 miles per hour school zone on qualifying state highways adjacent to schools. The reduced speed would be enforceable during designated drop-off and pick-up times when flashing beacons are active, including during school-designated hours approved by the department. Local jurisdictions would be responsible for maintaining and operating all school zone signage and equipment once installed. 

“This is a practical step that helps communities slow things down where children are crossing, learning and growing,” Banning said. “When local schools and cities see a safety concern, this bill gives them a way to step in and help prevent another family from facing this kind of loss.”

HB2979 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature and, if passed, would take effect Nov. 1, 2026.