OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation, authored Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, aimed at increasing transparency and seeking public input in the planning of turnpike projects passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives today.

House Bill 1939 would establish additional oversight, reporting requirements and opportunities for public input in the planning of new turnpike projects. The measure would require the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to work more closely with local governments, provide additional notice to residents near proposed routes, and hold public meetings on major project decisions in compliance with the state’s Open Meetings Act.

Sterling said the bill is designed to ensure Oklahomans have a stronger voice in infrastructure decisions that directly impact their communities.

"When you are talking about major projects like turnpikes, the public deserves to be informed and involved from the very beginning," Sterling said. "This bill brings more transparency to the process and makes sure local communities are not left out of decisions that affect their property, their roads and their future."

The measure would also require detailed studies before new turnpikes are proposed, including analysis of potential routes, economic impact and environmental considerations. Property owners within a defined area of a proposed project would receive direct notification under the measure.

"This is about putting a structure in place that is open to the public and accountable," Sterling said. "We want to make sure these projects are thoroughly vetted and that taxpayers can have a voice during the process every step of the way."

Under HB1939, newly authorized turnpike projects would expire if key planning steps are not completed within a set timeframe, helping prevent projects from lingering indefinitely without progress.

"This ensures these projects don’t sit on the books without any sort of progress," Sterling said. "If we’re going to move forward with something as significant as these projects are, they need to be done in a timely manner."

The measure now advances to the Senate, where Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman is the Senate author.