OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, this week passed two bills in committee aimed at protecting and benefitting youth.

House Bill 3544 would protect youth as they interact with Artificial Intelligence (AI). House Bill 3548 would create the Oklahoma Youth Entrepreneurs Promotion and Development Act of 2026.

"My focus with both pieces of legislation is protecting young Oklahomans," Maynard said. "One bill would protect them from predatory practices embedded in certain artificial intelligence. The second would protect them from burdensome regulation as they begin to learn the basic principles of business ownership."

HB3544 unanimously passed the House Civil Judiciary Committee on Thursday. It now awaits a hearing in the Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee.

"This bill would protect children when interacting with artificial intelligence chatbots that are designed to simulate emotional or human-like relationships," Maynard said. "There have been multiple incidences reported across the country where children have committed self-harm after these chatbots have encouraged it. I am asking that the Oklahoma Legislature be proactive in putting some common-sense policies in place."

HB3548 unanimously passed the House Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee on Wednesday. The measure would exempt sales tax for businesses owned and operated primarily by individuals who are under the age of 18. The exemption would extend only if the business receives limited assistance from adults and if the business generates gross revenue of less than $1,000 during the calendar year

"This legislation encourages real-world learning by allowing young people to operate small businesses without being buried in taxes and unnecessary red tape," Maynard said. "If a child wants to run a lemonade stand for a week, they should not have to purchase multiple permits to do so. I ask that we teach our kids entrepreneurship before we regulate them."

Maynard said the legislation complements Gov. Stitt's recently signed Executive Order 2026-04, which makes it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Oklahoma. Key actions of the governor's order include the exploration of tax waivers for startups and fairer access to state contracts for young businesses. Reports on fees, taxes, education and contracts are to be shared with legislative leaders by the end of the legislative session.

The next stop for HB3548 will be the full A&B Committee.