Representative Mike Dobrinski

Hi, I'm Mike Dobrinski and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 59th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements


Dec 21, 2023
Recent Posts

Speaker McCall Assigns Caldwell, Dobrinski New Committee Leadership Positions

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, today assigned Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, and Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, to new committee leadership positions. Caldwell will serve as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, and Dobrinski will serve as Chair of the House Utilities Committee. "Rep. Caldwell and Rep. Dobrinski are important leaders both in our caucus, and in the House of Representatives," McCall said. "The depth of experience, and attention to detail, that they bring to these new positions will serve our members, and the citizens of our state well." Caldwell previously served as Chair of the Utilities Committee and is excited about his new role. "I am honored to be chosen by Speaker McCall to serve in this important role," Caldwell said. "During my time in the House, I have made it a priority to ensure that the Legislature is a good steward of taxpayer dollars. I am thankful that I will get to continue working to increase transparency and accountability in the appropriations process through this new role." Dobrinski served as Vice Chair of the Utilities Committee, a role he believes will help him as he ascends to Chair. "I am thankful that Speaker McCall has trusted me to lead the Utilities Committee," Dobrinski said. "As our state grows, and new businesses choose to expand into Oklahoma, it is vital that we stay ahead of utility needs that arise both now and in the future. Serving as vice chair has given me a unique perspective into the issues that will come before the committee, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with my fellow members in the upcoming session." The leadership changes are effective immediately, and the second regular session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature convenes on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. -END- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Daniel Seitz, House Republican Caucus Communications Director Phone: (405) 962-7649 Email: daniel.seitz@okhouse.gov  



Jun 12, 2023
Recent Posts

Red Cedar Water Conservation Bill Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today praised the enactment of legislation that establishes a pilot program to explore solutions to the red cedar infestation throughout the state, beginning with a concentration on the North Canadian Watershed.  House Bill 2239 creates the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act, named after former Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach who died last year. It was signed into law by the governor Friday. "Eastern red cedars and other invasive trees are harming our environment and our economy," Dobrinski said. "This program will help us determine solutions to protect our water supply, our grazing lands and wildlife habitats, and will help us reduce the risk of wildfires." Dobrinski credited and thanked other lawmakers for their help on the legislation including Reps. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, and Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko; Sens. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, and Casey Murdock, R-Felt; as well as former state Sen. Don Williams; and Trey Lam, executive director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. Lam said of the legislation, "Oklahoma has taken a big step in the long process of addressing invasive cedars with the passage of the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission appreciates the leadership of Representative Dobrinski and Senator Jech for taking real-world, on-the-ground, action to protect the lives and natural resources of Oklahomans." Lam said the rapid growth of cedar brush intensifies drought, reduces water levels and fuels intense wildfires every year. While there is no one single short term solution, the three-prong approach of research, eradication by utilizing prescribed burning and mechanically creating brush-free zones around communities and rural infrastructure – starting in the North Canadian River Basin – will provide the Conversation Commission a framework for attacking cedars and invasive brush across the state.   Included in the budget for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission this year is an appropriation of almost $3.3 million to start the cost-sharing pilot program. Dobrinski said he's confident the investment will produce a return on investment. The commission will work in cooperation with landowners, state agencies and other political subdivisions and cost-share expenses incurred in the program.  HB2239 passed with an emergency clause, making it effective immediately. 



May 3, 2023
Recent Posts

Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Bill Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today expressed thanks to Gov. Kevin Stitt for his signing into law a measure that would help victims of domestic violence as they establish new residences.   House Bill 2242 would require public utilities and municipally owned utility providers to waive the initial credit and deposit requirements for documented victims of domestic violence.   Dobrinski said the measure was a constituent request modeled after a plan proposal by the City of Edmond.   "We must do everything we can to ensure the protection of domestic violence victims," Dobrinski said. "Easing the burden of these up-front fees when victims are trying to get somewhere safe away from their abusers will help. I'm gratified to provide this assistance to those who are vulnerable."   Documentation for victims can include an existing protective order, a statement from law enforcement personnel, a statement of a designated representative of a certified domestic violence shelter or certified domestic violence program pursuant to state statute.   Dobrinski thanked Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, who authored the legislation in the Senate.   “Given the prevalence of domestic violence in our state and the fact that more women are killed by men than in any other state, we must do all we can to get these victims away from their abusers as quickly as possible and into a safe space,” Pugh said. “This bill will ensure victims don’t stay in a dangerous situation simply because they have bad or no credit or lack the money for a housing deposit. No one’s life is worth that, and I’m glad this protection is now law in Oklahoma.”   An emergency clause in the bill makes it immediately effective.