Representative Cody Maynard

R

District 21

Hi, I'm Cody Maynard and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 21st District.


representative

News & Announcements

Jan 15, 2026
Recent Posts

Maynard Files Trio of AI Safeguards

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, has filed a three-bill legislative package establishing commonsense safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence in Oklahoma. The measures seek to clarify that artificial intelligence systems are not persons and cannot hold legal rights, ensure state agencies use AI responsibly with human oversight, and protect minors from harmful AI chatbots and social AI companions. “This is not anti-technology, it’s pro people,” Maynard said. “We can embrace innovation while defending constitutional principles, parental rights and basic human dignity. AI should assist humans, not replace human responsibility.” House Bill 3546 would affirm that AI systems and algorithms may not be granted legal personhood under the Constitution or laws of Oklahoma. Maynard said the measure reinforces a foundational principle reflected in the Declaration of Independence: that our rights do not come from government but are endowed by our Creator and recognized by our Constitution. "Machines are created by man, and they must never be elevated to the status of the people they were designed to serve," Maynard said. House Bill 3545 would create guardrails for AI use in state government. It would restrict high-risk uses such as manipulation, unlawful discrimination through automated classification systems, real-time remote biometric surveillance in public spaces, and deceptive or malicious deepfakes. It also would require human review of certain AI-driven recommendations and would strengthen transparency by requiring agency reporting and an annual statewide AI report published by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. House Bill 3544 would protect minors from AI systems designed to simulate human-like relationships. It would prohibit the deployment of social AI companions and human-like AI chatbots to minors and would require reasonable age certification measures, with a narrow exception for certain therapeutic tools under strict professional oversight. Maynard said the bill reflects growing national concern, including widely reported lawsuits alleging that some AI-companion platforms foster emotional dependency in minors and, in tragic cases, encouraged self-harm. All measures will be eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

Sep 8, 2025
Recent Posts

Maynard Named Legislator of the Year by Child Care Association

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, was honored Saturday as the Legislative/Government Official of the Year  for 2025 by the Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma (LCA). He received the award during the organization’s annual gala at the Grand Casino in Shawnee. The LCA hosts its gala each year to recognize early education professionals and individuals who make a positive impact on the field. “When the Department of Human Services introduced abrupt rule changes that threatened to close daycare centers across Oklahoma, the Licensed Child Care Association stepped forward to make sure lawmakers understood what was at stake,” Maynard said. “After hearing their concerns, I was able to work with DHS to modify those rules and protect an essential service for families in every community. I’m humbled by this recognition, but the real win is that we preserved vital child care options for parents and children across our state.” Maynard currently serves on the House Common Education Committee and chairs the House Government Modernization & Technology Committee. He is also a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development Oversight Committee, the Administrative Rules Committee, and the Appropriations & Budget Finance Subcommittee. LCA Executive Board member Tina Feltman said Maynard was selected for the award primarily because of his work on administrative rules. She said Maynard was always agreeable to sitting down and discussing matters with board members. His taking time to listen and to check into issues for them, proved invaluable to the organization. Feltman noted that every LCA member across the state votes on the award recipient. She said members especially appreciated Maynard’s openness to questioning rules when necessary and his commitment to ensuring that early childhood educators have a voice in the process.

Mar 25, 2025
Recent Posts

Maynard Passes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act to Protect and Grow Oklahoma’s Financial Future

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, on Monday passed the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House Bill 1203 would allow Oklahoma’s state savings accounts and pension funds to invest in digital assets like Bitcoin. "This is a groundbreaking initiative to position Oklahoma as a national leader in embracing sound money principles and cutting-edge fiscal policy," Maynard said. "It's aligned with President Trump’s vision for digital assets and financial stability." HB1203 would authorize the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of the funds in the state General Revenue Stabilization Fund and Constitutional Reserve Fund in bitcoin or any other digital asset with a market cap of over $500 billion and stable coins. Any state retirement pension also may invest in the same manner if the legislation is enacted. Maynard said the investments would be managed prudently to meet the needs of fund managers. They would generate reliable returns for citizens and safeguard purchasing power against inflationary pressures. He said Bitcoin has proven to be stable over the last 10 years, producing an average annual return of about 49%. “Bitcoin represents freedom from bureaucrats printing away our purchasing power,” Maynard said. “As a decentralized form of money, Bitcoin cannot be manipulated or created by government entities. It is the ultimate store of value for those who believe in financial freedom and sound money principles.” The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act would ensure Oklahoma is prepared for a future where digital assets play a pivotal role in the global economy, Maynard said. By allowing state funds to responsibly invest in Bitcoin, the legislation would provide a hedge against inflation and reinforce Oklahoma’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and forward-thinking governance. “This bill is about protecting the hard-earned money of Oklahoma’s citizens,” Maynard continued. “By diversifying our state’s savings and pension funds into digital assets, we are not only securing a stronger financial future for our state but also demonstrating Oklahoma’s leadership in adopting innovative fiscal policies.” The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act underscores Maynard’s belief in leveraging technology to empower individuals and governments alike. With Bitcoin’s finite supply and decentralized nature, he said it represents a unique opportunity to strengthen Oklahoma’s financial foundation and ensure sustainable growth for generations to come. Maynard pointed out that without the passage of this legislation, fund managers could currently invest in Bitcoin or in riskier digital currencies without any cap, so this legislation puts prudent guardrails around the state's investment of taxpayer dollars. HB1203 now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee.