Representative David Hardin

R

District 86

Hi, I’m David Hardin and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 86th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 21, 2024
Recent Posts

Hardin Disappointed as HB4090 Stalls in House

Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, commented on House Bill 4090, which failed to progress following the House of Representatives' third-reading deadline for bills from their chamber of origin. HB4090 proposed criminalizing unlawful presence in the United States. Under the bill, if a person is arrested and found to be illegally present in Oklahoma, they would be charged with a felony and subject to a minimum penalty of five years imprisonment. "It's disappointing that House Bill 4090 failed to advance," Hardin said. "Under Joe Biden's administration, the border crisis has reached unprecedented levels, forcing states to act on their own. This legislation could have served as a significant move toward addressing the urgent problem of illegal immigration within our state. Instead, we continue to ineffectively manage the influx of individuals entering Oklahoma illegally." Under HB4090, a person arrested may post a cash bond of at least $100,000. Alternatively, the court could issue a written order requiring the person to return to the foreign nation from which the person entered if the person agrees to the order, has not previously been convicted of a violent crime, and is not charged with another felony offense. The measure would require the Department of Corrections to notify the United States Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security to arrange transportation for the repatriation of the person. In 2023, Hardin visited McAllen, Texas, and the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass, Texas, on the border between the United States and Mexico. "I saw firsthand the reality of what is happening at our nation's southern border," Hardin said. "Under the current administration's deliberate and ineffective border strategy, record numbers of immigrants are entering the U.S. illegally, depleting resources and overrunning towns and cities throughout the country." As part of his efforts to better address illegal immigration in our state, Hardin recently reached out to House leadership to get HB4090 passed. It passed the Judiciary—Criminal Committee 6 -1 but failed to get a hearing on the House floor.

Mar 13, 2024
Recent Posts

House Passes the Oklahoma Jail Standards Act

The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation to set standards for all state detention and lockup facilities. Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, authored House Bill 3757, which would establish the Oklahoma Jail Standards Act and authorize the State Department of Health to promulgate rules to implement it. "In the past, our jail rules were just that—rules," Hardin said. "But now, with this new law, we're making an effort to codify robust regulations into law, defining elements such as inmate living space and safety monitoring." The measure directs detention facility inspections to be limited to the specific requirements of the Oklahoma Jail Standards Act or rules. Detention facilities must have staff available to perform sensitive functions and procedures to accommodate inmate gender. Under HB3757, a county or municipality operating a detention facility may request a waiver from any provision of the Oklahoma Jail Standards Act or any rules upon a showing that application of such provision would impose undue hardship upon the county or municipality or the inmates held at the facility. HB3757 passed the House 92 – 1 and moves to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Weaver, R-Moore.

Feb 22, 2024
Recent Posts

Hardin Releases Statement on House Bill 4118

Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, released the following statement today in response to the spread of false information about his legislation protecting law-abiding farmers and landowners from sue-and-settle tactics.   "Oklahoma farmers are worried about the potential threat of wealthy, out-of-state activists suing them to promote a liberal environmental agenda. These sue-and-settle tactics are commonly used nationwide to impose regulations, and the lawyers behind them are known for targeting those who lack the means to defend themselves, such as small-family farmers. "Let me be clear: House Bill 4118 will only shield Oklahoma's protein farmers who comply with the state's nutrient management plan. Those not in compliance will face recourse, which could include litigation. "In Oklahoma, there are strict laws and regulations in place for poultry growers. They must follow a state-approved nutrient management plan that provides guidelines for responsibly handling poultry waste. These plans ensure poultry growers protect soil and water resources as they produce affordable food and responsibly use the byproducts to benefit other agriculture commodities around the state. Recently, I spoke with Blayne Arthur, Oklahoma's Secretary of Agriculture, where I requested an increase in the budget for more poultry inspectors to implement better testing and preventative measures. "Oklahoma's poultry producers and the industries that support them have demonstrated their dedication to maintaining clean water for decades. Their diligence in following nutrient management plans has contributed to a more than 50% decline in phosphorus levels in the Illinois River watershed since 2002. Nearly 1.8 million tons of poultry litter has been transported out of the Illinois River watershed since 2005, and even the Oklahoma Tourism Department continues to rave about the pristine water in the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller. "It is crucial to protect Oklahoma's family farmers and ranchers now more than ever, as we have lost over 8,000 farms since 2017. These farmers and ranchers work hard every day to provide a healthy and affordable food supply for people worldwide. I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that they can continue to do so for generations to come, even if it means taking a stand against radical groups who seek to mislead Oklahomans." HB4118 passed the House 68-28 on Monday and now moves to the Senate.