Representative Carl Newton

R

District 58

Hi, I'm Carl Newton and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 58th District.


representative

Leadership

Oversight Committee Chair

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Oct 1, 2025
Recent Posts

Speaker Hilbert and House Members Host Capitol to Community Event in Woodward

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and members of the Oklahoma House Republican Caucus continued their statewide Capitol to Community series this week with a two-day stop in Woodward. The event highlighted the region’s strengths in education, youth services, energy and natural resources while giving lawmakers the chance to engage directly with local leaders and residents. The tour began Sunday evening with a community reception at the Woodward County Event Center. On Monday, members spent a full day immersed in the area. Highlights included a visit to the Woodward TAP (Technical Applications Program) at Woodward Middle School, a stop at Western Plains Youth & Family Services to learn more about local efforts to support children and families and a tour of the High Plains Technology Center. The afternoon included a guided bus tour through Alabaster Caverns State Park, Boiling Springs State Park, and the Terry Peach Watershed Restoration Expansion Project, which gave legislators a firsthand look at the region’s natural resources and conservation efforts. “From career training in our schools to the stewardship of our natural resources, this community shows how local initiative and state partnership can come together to create real opportunities," said Speaker Hilbert. "Our Capitol to Community tour is about learning from local voices, and Woodward reminded us just how much Oklahoma’s strength begins at the community level." Representatives Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, and Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, who both represent the Woodward area, praised the event as an important opportunity to showcase northwest Oklahoma’s contributions to the state: “Northwest Oklahoma is proud of its people, its land, and its industries. This tour gave us the chance to highlight that on a larger stage. From education to energy to natural resources, Woodward plays a vital role in Oklahoma’s success. Having Speaker Hilbert and our colleagues here to see it firsthand is invaluable, and we are grateful for their commitment to listening and engaging directly with our communities.” The Capitol to Community series will continue with additional stops across Oklahoma throughout the interim including Ardmore, Lawton and Guthrie.

Jun 12, 2024
Recent Posts

Newton, Garvin Comment on Prior Authorization Act Being Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, this week commented on the Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act being signed into law.    House Bill 3190 establishes timeframes and policies for prior authorizations by insurance companies when health care services and procedures are sought.   "I'm very pleased we were able to get this act passed and signed into law," Newton said. "This will be great for Oklahoman patients seeking care as it will allow their doctors more time to spend with them and less time on administrative functions. The act also ensures medical professionals are the ones determining what qualifies for prior authorization."   Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan, is Senate author of the measure.   “I’m thrilled House Bill 3190 has been signed into law to simplify the prior authorization process and make it more transparent for physicians and patients alike,” Garvin said. “This measure will allow doctors to focus on treating patients instead of getting bogged down by tedious paperwork. Notably, this law also ensures medical professionals and their patients, not insurance bureaucrats, are determining the best course of treatment.”   The act requires health insurance companies to: Employ licensed medical professionals to make determinations that deny care; Modernize authorization systems; Publish prior authorization requirements online; and Honor prior authorizations for at least 45 days, or six months in the case of chronic conditions.   Newton said he worked with multiple health care providers, insurance groups and patient advocates to ensure the language is clear for everyone involved.    The bill passed both the House and the Senate unanimously. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2025. 

May 19, 2023
Recent Posts

Farm Driving Permit Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, this week thanked the governor for signing into law a bill that will allow teens as young as 14 years old who live or work on a family farm to be eligible for a driving permit to go directly to or from home, work or school. House Bill 1962 becomes effective Nov. 1, which will allow Service Oklahoma time to prepare the new permit. "Those who run family farms work from dawn to dusk to raise food and other crops to provide for families across the nation," Newton said. "Allowing these responsible teens to be a more effective part in meeting the needs on the farm by using their driving skills in work around the farm or driving to school will be a major benefit for family farms. I've already heard from a number of constituents that this will help them tremendously, and I'm very pleased to be able to offer them this added benefit."  Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, was the principal Senate author of the bill. “Many children from rural communities begin working on their family farm at a very young age," Jech said. "By the time they are teenagers, they are well-versed in agricultural practices and ready to take on larger roles on the operation. The farm permits and licenses available under House Bill 1962 will aid these teens in their work on their own farms and ranches, as well as make it easier for them to work at other local operations. I’d like to extend my appreciation to Representative Newton for his work on this legislation, as well as Governor Stitt supporting our state’s young agriculturists and entrepreneurs by signing it into law." Newton pointed out the neighboring state of Kansas has had this legislation in place for over 60 years and has found it beneficial. Newton also issued the reminder to teens that this is a special permit to help their farm families. It is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Applicants must pass all driving requirements as any other licensed driver. The measure also specifies restrictions for teens operating a motor vehicle while in possession of a farm permit as well as penalties for those who violate the terms of the new law, including the potential revocation of their driving privileges.