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 15, 2026
Recent Posts

Legislation to honor Talyn Bain, improve student safety

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.

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.