Speaker Kyle Hilbert

Hi, I’m Kyle Hilbert and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 29th District.


representative

Leadership

Speaker Pro Tempore

59th Legislature

Speaker Pro Tempore

58th Legislature

Speaker of the House

60th Legislature

News & Announcements


Mar 13, 2025
Recent Posts

Judicial Nominating Commission Reform Measures Pass House

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House passed two measures this week that would reform the way judges are vetted and selected in Oklahoma. The state's Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), established in 1967 by an amendment to the state Constitution, is charged with nominating the three most qualified candidates for appointment by the governor to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Court of Civil Appeals, as well as district and associate district judgeships when vacancies occur outside the normal election process for those positions. Currently, six of the 15 members of the commission are attorneys and nine are non-lawyers. "A majority of Oklahomans are ready to modernize how state judicial applicants are vetted and appointed," said Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, who is the author of the bills. "The judiciary provides a vital check and balance function as laws are created, and it is important the system remains above reproach and is managed by those who know the law best. These two measures would update the nominating process in a way that would benefit the public while preserving the integrity of this system." House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, added, "These changes have been a long work in progress as we've listened to and considered the concerns of all Oklahomans. Our ultimate goal is for those who are most familiar with the law to promote judicial candidates that have demonstrated a strong record of competence, a commitment to administer justice based on existing law, and who have exhibited the highest moral character. These bills would allow us to make some much-needed changes to this long-established process." House Joint Resolution 1024 would send to a vote of the people a state question asking whether to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to make changes to the structure and terms of the members serving on the JNC. If approved, the question would establish that at least one member of the JNC be from each of the state's five congressional districts at the time of their appointment. If the state were to get another congressional seat, a change to the composition of the commission would be automatic. The six JNC members appointed by the governor and the six members of the Bar Association would serve six-year terms. The change would remove restrictions allowing the three at-large members to either be an attorney or have a familial relationship with an attorney. It would remove the prohibition on political appointments, allowing all appointments to be from one political party, if desired. It also would allow those appointed by House and Senate leaders to succeed themselves beyond their initial two-year terms. A yes vote would limit commissioners from serving more than 12 years. House Bill 2103 seeks to modernize the statutory portion of the JNC. It would prohibit any JNC member from participating in the decision-making process if the member is related to a nominee to the third degree either through ancestry or by marriage. The measure establishes penalties for violation and disclosure requirements, including the amount of any contributions made to the judicial campaign of any applicant. Both measures now move to the Senate where they are authored by Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville. 



Mar 13, 2025
Recent Posts

House Members Comment on Release from Pinnacle Plan

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives today commented on the release of the state's Department of Human Services from the Pinnacle Plan. Established in 2012, the Pinnacle Plan was a part of a legal settlement aimed at reforming Oklahoma's foster care system. This marks the conclusion of more than a decade of intensive foster care reform efforts to better serve Oklahoma’s children and families.  "The conclusion of the Pinnacle Plan marks a historic milestone for child welfare in Oklahoma. Over the past decade, the Department of Human Services has worked to strengthen our foster care system, reduce the number of children in state custody and ensure more Oklahoma families receive the support they need. I commend Director Cartmell and his team for their dedication to this mission and look forward to supporting future efforts that strengthen Oklahoma families," said Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow.  "While the formal oversight has ended, The Oklahoma House of Representatives will continue to work alongside the Department of Human Services to build on these successes, ensuring that every child in our state has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving environment," said Majority Leader Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa.  "This achievement is a testament to the dedication of agency staff, foster families and community partners who have prioritized the well-being of our state’s most vulnerable children. Their efforts have laid the foundation for a brighter future for Oklahoma’s youth," said Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City.  "While this turning point is worth celebrating, our work does not stop here. We remain committed to ensuring every child in Oklahoma has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, supportive and nurturing home," said Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton.



Mar 13, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes Bill Removing Post-Retirement Teaching Restriction

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House passed legislation authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert that removes restrictions on teachers from teaching in public schools after retirement. House Bill 2288 eliminates an existing 36-month waiting period for teachers who retire before they can return to teaching in Oklahoma public schools. The bill will allow career teachers to continue teaching past their retirement age while also drawing on their earned retirement benefits. Currently, teachers are allowed to go into a job in the private sector or in a private school, but must wait 36 months before returning to a public school classroom. "Our state has a teacher shortage and we must do all we can to keep quality teachers in our public school classrooms as long as they are willing to continue teaching," said Hilbert, R-Bristow. "We need to allow these teachers – many of whom are still in their prime working years - to draw down the retirement benefits they have earned while remaining in the classroom if they choose to do so." The bill passed the House with a vote of 74-7 and will move to the Senate for further consideration.