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

Feb 13, 2026
Recent Posts

Hardin Issues Statement on Poultry Litigation Settlement

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued the following statement after the state of Oklahoma finalized settlements totaling $25.5 million with Tyson Foods and Cargill in the long-running Illinois River Watershed litigation.  "For more than 20 years, this case has hung over the heads of poultry growers in eastern Oklahoma. I’ve heard from families who were unsure whether they would be able to continue operating from one year to the next. That kind of uncertainty takes a real toll on our rural communities.  These settlements bring long-needed clarity. They provide a framework to address water quality concerns in the Illinois River Watershed while also giving producers and integrators the stability they need to keep doing business in our state.  I appreciate the work that has gone into reaching this point, including the efforts of the Attorney General’s office, Gov. Kevin Stitt, Speaker Kyle Hilbert, Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton and Sen. Tom Woods. There has been strong support from state leaders and Oklahoma’s agriculture community to find a resolution that protects family farmers while also addressing water quality concerns.  Our poultry farmers are good stewards of the land. They’ve invested time and resources into modern practices, and they deserve a path forward that recognizes both environmental responsibility and the economic reality of raising food for our country.  I am hopeful the court will approve these agreements so they can take effect and provide lasting certainty for our producers. I also encourage continued efforts to reach resolution with the remaining integrators. If that does not occur, I believe we should carefully consider alternative approaches that address water quality through a strong regulatory framework without jeopardizing the livelihoods of hundreds of family farmers in eastern Oklahoma.  The priority must remain clear. We can protect our natural resources and ensure eastern Oklahoma poultry producers are able to operate and expand with confidence, without the constant fear of losing contracts or facing financial ruin."  The settlements require payments for remediation and conservation efforts within the watershed and outline additional measures related to litter removal and monitoring. Other defendants remain involved in ongoing proceedings.  -END- Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.

Jan 22, 2026
Recent Posts

Hardin Files Bills to Protect Firearm Manufacturers, Expand Raw Milk Sales

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, has filed two bills that would protect lawful businesses from excessive liability and give Oklahoma farmers more flexibility to sell products directly to consumers. House Bill 2960 would expand existing liability protections for firearm manufacturers, distributors and sellers to include firearm component parts. The bill specifies that businesses that lawfully manufacture or sell firearms or firearm component parts could not be held liable for injuries or damages resulting from misuse or aftermarket modifications made by others. “Oklahoma law already recognizes that manufacturers should not be punished for the criminal actions of someone else,” Hardin said. “This bill would close a loophole by ensuring those same protections apply to firearm components.”  House Bill 3056 would update the Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act by removing restrictions on the incidental sale of raw, unpasteurized milk. The bill would remove the gallon limit on sales and clarifies that farmers may sell raw milk directly to consumers at farms, farmers markets, feed stores and restaurants, as well as through delivery from the farm. The measure would also allow advertising of raw milk sales and permits farmers to make cheese using milk produced on their own farms. “This legislation supports Oklahoma agriculture and respects consumers’ freedom to choose,” Hardin said. “Farmers should be able to sell their products and consumers should be able to decide what they buy without unnecessary government interference.” HB2960 and HB3056 are eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

Jan 20, 2026
Recent Posts

Hardin Comments on Denied Stay in Illinois River Watershed Lawsuit

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued a statement following the court’s decision denying a stay in the Illinois River Watershed lawsuit. The ruling affects poultry farmers across eastern Oklahoma, many of whom rely on poultry production as their primary livelihood. “I share in the disappointment of Oklahoma poultry farmers and The Poultry Federation following the court’s decision to deny a full stay in the Illinois River Watershed case. Last week, Attorney General Gentner Drummond told poultry farmers in Adair County that he was not opposed to a stay, though he ultimately opposed it in court.  During that meeting, I asked the Attorney General whether the same settlement agreement reached with George’s would be offered to the other poultry producers. He indicated that it would, which I hope signals a path toward resolving this lawsuit and providing some relief for the hundreds of farm families caught in the middle.  I appreciate the Attorney General’s willingness to meet with our community, hear concerns firsthand and visit a poultry operation to better understand today’s farming practices.  The uncertainty surrounding this lawsuit continues to weigh heavily on farm families who depend on poultry production for their livelihoods. If integrators are forced to pull out of Oklahoma, the economic consequences would extend well beyond individual farms, impacting local jobs, county governments and school districts.  My hope remains that state leaders and all parties involved can work toward a reasonable path forward that protects our natural resources while also preserving the family farms that are crucial to eastern Oklahoma.”   -END-   Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.