Representative Derrick Hildebrant

R

District 23

Hi, I'm Derrick Hildebrant and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 23rd District.

representative

News & Announcements

Mar 25, 2026
Recent Posts

Hildebrant Secures Passage of Common Cents Act

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives unanimously passed the Common Cents Act, which would allow and later require certain public cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel. Authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, House Bill 3075 , would apply only to public payments made in cash, or the portion of a payment made in cash and would not affect private sector transactions. Payments made by check, debit card, credit card or other electronic methods would not be subject to rounding. "This is a simple, practical solution that reflects how people are already using cash today," Hildebrant said. "This idea came directly from a constituent of mine, Rogers County Treasurer Jason Carini, who recognized the need for clear statutory authority allowing state agencies and political subdivisions to round cash transactions following the discontinuation of the penny. I appreciate my colleagues for their unanimous support in moving this forward." Under the measure, political subdivisions could choose to implement cash rounding from the bill’s effective date through July 1, 2027. Beginning July 1, 2027, rounding would become mandatory for applicable cash transactions unless directed otherwise by Congress. The bill also outlines accounting provisions for ad valorem tax payments and allows political subdivisions to determine how any overages or shortages are managed within their funds. HB3075 now moves to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration.

Mar 23, 2026
Recent Posts

House Passes Gold Star Survivor Act Honoring Fallen Oklahoma Airman

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 2961 , now named the TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa. The measure honors the life and sacrifice of Tech. Sgt. Marshal Dakota Roberts of Claremore, who was killed in action on March 11, 2020. Roberts, a friend of Hildebrant, served in the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, part of the 138th Fighter Wing, where Hildebrant also served. Roberts and his wife, Kristie, were both members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, and Hildebrant shared a friendship with them both through years of service together. "I am grateful my colleagues recognized the weight of this bill, named for a fellow Airman and brother-in-arms who gave his life in service," Hildebrant said. "His family lives with that loss every single day, and this time of year is especially heavy for them. I wear his memorial bracelet in honor of his name and service dates and as a reminder of his sacrifice, and that of so many others, every day.  HB2961 provides spouses and children of fallen service members with free tuition, fees and room and board at Oklahoma public universities and career technology centers. Eligible recipients would have to maintain Oklahoma residency, and the fallen service member must have been an Oklahoma resident at the time of death. The Gold Star designation is given to those who lost their lives in the line of duty or in a combat zone since Sept. 11, 2001. Hildebrant, who is the chairman of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, said the legislation was driven by both personal conviction and a gap in state law. "When I reviewed the statute and realized Gold Star families were not explicitly named among survivors eligible for education benefits, I knew something needed to be done," Hildebrant said. "Oklahoma should stand with Gold Star families and ensure every opportunity is available for them to pursue the best education our state has to offer after their loved one gave everything in service of our state and nation." Roberts is survived by his wife and daughter, who was 8 years old at the time of his death. Hildebrant says that the TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act is about standing beside families like theirs and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. "I made a promise to Marshal’s family that his name would never be forgotten," Hildebrant said. "Today, we were able to make good on that promise. TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts’ name will live on through the benefits it provides to every Oklahoma Gold Star family." Hildebrant said his role was to also support the family in the aftermath of Roberts’ death. "At the time of Marshal’s death, I was assigned by the Wing Commander to serve as the family’s representative, and I walked with them every step of the way, even to the point of preaching Marshal’s funeral," Hildebrant said. "One of the hardest moments of my life was speaking with his 8-year-old daughter. I told her that her dad was a hero, but he is not coming home. That moment has never left me." A Gold Star family  refers to those who have lost a loved one in military service. The term comes from service flags used during World War I, when a blue star representing a service member was replaced with gold to signify a life lost in defense of the nation. "I was proud the bill was heard on the anniversary of Marshal’s death, because it serves as a solemn reminder of the weight of this sacrifice and the responsibility we carry to honor it," Hildebrant said. "If we, as the legislature, can lift even a small part of that burden by ensuring their children can pursue an education and a future, then we are doing what is right." The bill now moves to the Senate, where Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville, also a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard’s 138th Fighter Wing, is the Senate author. "This effort continues our service to Marshal and his family," Hildebrant said. "As brothers in arms, we have the duty to carry this bill forward and see it through to the Governor."

Feb 17, 2026
Recent Posts

Veterans Caucus Congratulates Rep. Chris Kannady Appointed to National Advisory Role with Air National Guard Judge Advocate Council

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, has been appointed to serve in a National Additional Duty Position (NADP) as Special Advisor for Policy and Programs to the Air National Guard Judge Advocate Council, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Kannady, a Colonel in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, was selected by national leadership to advise on policy and program initiatives affecting judge advocates across the country. The three-year appointment places him in a key advisory role supporting senior Air National Guard legal leadership nationwide. The appointment comes as Brig. Gen. Chris Eason, also a former member of the Oklahoma National Guard, has been confirmed for appointment to the grade of Major General and assignment as The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force and Space Force. “Major General Eason’s confirmation as The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force and Space Force is a tremendous achievement for him, for Oklahoma, and for every Airman who values principled legal leadership,” Kannady said. “He is exceptionally qualified, and I congratulate him on this well-earned promotion. I look forward to supporting his vision and serving alongside him in this new national capacity.” Eason also praised Kannady’s appointment and the experience he brings to the role. "Colonel Kannady is a proven leader with a deep background of service as a Judge Advocate, both in the Marines and the Air Force,” Eason said. “He brings integrity and an unwavering commitment to the mission, and the JAG Corps and the Air National Guard are fortunate to have his leadership at the national level.” Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, chairman of the Oklahoma House Veterans Caucus and a retired member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard who served under both Eason and Kannady, said the appointments reflect the caliber of leadership Oklahoma produces. “I had the privilege of serving alongside both Chris Eason and Chris Kannady in the Oklahoma Air National Guard,” Hildebrant said. “They are leaders who put the mission first and take their oath seriously. This is about professionalism, constitutional leadership and ensuring our service members are led by officers who answer to the rule of law — not shifting political winds. Oklahoma should be proud.” Kannady emphasized that the Guard’s mission must remain grounded in constitutional principles and free from political interference. “The Oklahoma National Guard exists to serve the people and defend the Constitution, not to serve political agendas,” Kannady said. “Our Airmen deserve leadership rooted in the rule of law and respect for the chain of command. I will continue to defend that standard without hesitation.” Kannady has served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard for more than a decade after ten years in the Marine Corps and two years in the West Virginia National Guard. In addition to his military service, he serves in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he has been a consistent advocate for constitutional governance, public safety and support for service members, veterans and their families.