Representative Chris Banning

R

District 24

Hi, I'm Chris Banning and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 24th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Jan 7, 2026
Recent Posts

Banning Files Legislation to Clarify School Library Material Standards

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, filed legislation this week prohibiting obscene materials in Oklahoma public school libraries. House Bill 2978 would update state law governing school library media programs by prohibiting the acquisition of materials that meet Oklahoma’s legal definition of obscenity. The measure removes references to subjective community standards and instead relies on established statute, creating a consistent statewide framework for school library decisions. “This legislation provides a straightforward statewide rule that helps ensure school libraries stay within the definition of education. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, education is defined as providing proper moral, intellectual and physical instruction," Banning said. Under HB2978 , school districts would follow the existing legal definition of obscenity outlined in Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes when acquiring library materials. Banning says this approach reduces confusion, limits conflict and gives administrators clear direction while preserving the innocence of our youth. 

Oct 16, 2025
Recent Posts

Banning Comments on Bixby Students' Free Speech Violation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today released a statement following reports that multiple Bixby students were asked to remove or turn their shirts inside out for wearing apparel referencing conservative public figures. According to reports, staff told two students to adjust their clothing under the district’s dress code policy, which allows intervention when attire is considered disruptive to the educational environment. “I have great respect for our public schools and the teachers who work hard to support students every day, but school policies must be applied equally to all students,” Banning said. “When students are told to turn a shirt inside out in one class and then complimented for it in another, that sends a confusing message. We can do better at applying our policies fairly and consistently.” "Our schools should be a place where students feel comfortable expressing their views respectfully and learning from one another, said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. It is a violation of the student's first amendment rights to prohibit him from honoring Charlie Kirk with a simple t-shirt. I appreciate Rep. Banning’s commitment to ensuring fairness in how school policies are applied." Banning added, “Our students have First Amendment rights and they should be free to express them respectfully in our classrooms. Students should be able to stand up for what they believe in, especially our younger kids. We can support our schools and still hold them accountable when they get it wrong.” Banning said he plans to author legislation to reinforce students’ constitutional rights to wear patriotic clothing at school. While such protections already exist, he said clarifying them in law is worth pursuing if it helps educators uphold those freedoms. Rep. Chris Banning serves House District 24, which includes Bixby and parts of Creek, Okmulgee and Tulsa counties. 

Oct 2, 2025
Recent Posts

Banning Applauds Fields as New State Superintendent

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today congratulated Lindel Fields on his appointment as Oklahoma’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Gov. Kevin Stitt named Fields, a retired CareerTech administrator and executive leadership consultant from Tulsa, to serve out the remainder of Ryan Walters’ unexpired term. Fields brings more than 30 years of experience in education, including his tenure as superintendent and CEO of Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, where he helped lead the center to a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Banning said Fields’ track record as a steady, results-driven leader will serve Oklahoma schools well. “Lindel Fields is the kind of leader Oklahoma students, parents and teachers need right now,” Banning said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with him through leadership training seminars for my own executives, and I’ve seen firsthand the integrity and wisdom he brings to every room. He’s calm under pressure, clear in his vision and committed to bringing out the best in others.” Fields retired from CareerTech in 2021 and has since worked with schools, businesses and local governments across Oklahoma through his firm, Your Culture Coach. His leadership coaching has been credited with helping organizations improve performance and better serve their communities.