Representative Ronny Johns

R

District 25

Hi, I’m Ronny Johns and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 25th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Feb 9, 2026
Recent Posts

Johns urges Senate to vote on Rain’s Law

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, is renewing a call for action on Rain’s Law, House Bill 1484 , legislation that would require age-appropriate fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness education in Oklahoma schools. Rain's Law passed House committees and the House floor unanimously and was also approved in Senate committee during the First Session of the 60th Legislature, but it was never heard on the Senate floor. Johns said the bill has already earned broad bipartisan support, and he is asking the Senate to finally bring the measure forward for a vote in the next round of legislative business. "This bill has been thoroughly vetted, and we cannot let another session go by without acting," Johns said. "More importantly, it is not just another law to put on the books; it is needed. Rain’s Law is about protecting kids with information that can save their lives." If enacted, HB1484 would require instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness at designated grade levels and intervals. The bill outlines educational components, authorizes qualified organizations and individuals to provide instruction and directs the Oklahoma State Department of Education to adopt curriculum standards and provide resources to schools. The measure also calls for the Governor to designate Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week in schools, coordinated with National Red Ribbon Week. Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, says action is needed as fentanyl exposures continue to claim lives and devastate communities across Oklahoma and the nation. "This is a national fight, but one that hits extremely close to home," Weaver said. "President Trump has made fentanyl awareness and abatement a national priority, pushing strong enforcement and tougher penalties for traffickers to stop the flow of poison into our country. Rain’s Law builds on those efforts, and gives Oklahoma a commonsense tool: education that can save lives before addiction or tragedy takes hold." HB1484 is named in honor of Rain Reece, an Oklahoma child whose life was lost due to fentanyl poisoning. Johns said Rain’s mother, Karla Carlock, has transformed unimaginable grief into advocacy, working to ensure that other families are spared the kind of heartbreak she has endured. "Karla is doing what no mother should ever have to do, carrying the memory of her daughter into the Capitol and asking us to do something with it," Johns said. "She has taken the worst pain a parent can experience and turned it into a mission to protect other children. We owe it to her, and we owe it to Oklahoma families, to see this bill across the finish line." Carlock visited Washington, D.C., last summer and was present when President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan bill into law strengthening fentanyl-related laws in the United States. "I never imagined I would lose my daughter to fentanyl poisoning," Carlock said. "You always think tragedies like this happen to other families, not yours. Losing Rain shattered our world, and that is why Rain’s Law, HB1484, matters so much: education and awareness are critical, because if kids don’t know the risks, they can’t protect themselves. There is nothing more important than a child’s life, and if this bill can save even one child, all of the pain and effort will be worth it." Johns also pointed to another House measure tied to the same crisis, House Bill 4421, authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, titled Leo’s Law, which addresses fentanyl exposure and drug screening within child welfare cases. That bill, he said, highlights the growing movement of families stepping forward to push state leaders toward solutions. "Rain’s Law works on prevention in schools. Leo’s Law responds to the reality we are seeing in child welfare cases," Johns said. "Different stories, same crisis, and the same determination from Oklahoma families who refuse to accept fentanyl as normal.” Johns acknowledged the disappointment felt by many supporters after Rain’s Law stalled without receiving a full Senate vote, despite its unanimous support throughout the process. "This is not about politics. This is about saving kids," Johns said. "It is about parents who think their children are safe, until one moment changes everything. Rain’s Law gives schools the ability to put lifesaving knowledge in front of students, and it sends a message that Oklahoma will not back down in the fight against fentanyl."

Nov 4, 2025
Recent Posts

Johns, Pugh Examine Incentive Pay Models for Oklahoma Teachers

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, and Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, hosted a joint interim study Monday to explore potential incentive pay models for Oklahoma teachers. The study focused on how voluntary, performance-based compensation systems could improve teacher recruitment, retention and student outcomes. The study featured a presentation from Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin, who provided a detailed analysis of State Department of Education (SDE) data and comparisons to states that have implemented similar programs. Hamlin highlighted evidence showing that high-quality teachers have the single greatest impact on student success, accounting for as much as 80% of academic progress in a school year. "Secretary Hamlin did an outstanding job presenting the data and showing how programs like these have worked in other states," Johns said. "We’re seeing that Oklahoma could implement an incentive pay model through the State Department of Education without adding new burdens on schools or superintendents. This kind of structure would allow teachers to work together toward shared goals rather than competing against each other, while creating its own revenue stream alongside the current Teacher Empowerment Program." The study reviewed models from states such as Texas and Arkansas, where thousands of teachers have received performance-based bonuses ranging from $3,000 to $32,000 annually. These programs reward teachers for measurable student growth and classroom effectiveness, often using growth-based metrics to determine eligibility. Oklahoma’s current system, adopted in 2022 through the Oklahoma Teacher Empowerment Program (OTEP), rewards teachers who take on leadership roles and mentor peers. For the 2024-2025 school year, 89 districts participated, with more than 1,100 teachers benefiting from an average bonus of $7,750. Pugh said interest in expanding performance-based pay has grown among educators statewide. "I heard from teachers in 67 different school districts who wanted to know why their schools weren’t participating in the Empowerment Program," Pugh said. "There’s a real appetite for rewarding excellence in the classroom. I’m not afraid to pay our best and brightest teachers more than what the salary schedule calls for. What we need to work on is creating the structure that helps districts identify those teachers and gives them the flexibility to reward them for their impact." Hamlin suggested the state consider adding an incentive pay program tied to performance or value-based metrics. Under a proposed Growth-Based Teacher Compensation System for Oklahoma, teachers would be eligible for bonuses based on measurable student progress. The model would track student achievement over time, taking into account prior academic performance, demographic factors and other indicators to calculate expected growth. Teachers whose students exceed those expectations would qualify for bonus pay. As an example, Hamlin outlined a $25 million pilot program for grades 4 through 8. Teachers whose students demonstrated the highest levels of growth could earn between $5,000 and $25,000 in additional compensation. Teachers in the 67th–79th percentile could receive $5,000, with approximately 1,875 teachers recognized statewide. Teachers in the 80th–94th percentile could receive $15,000, with about 781 teachers recognized. Teachers in the 95th percentile and above could receive $25,000, with roughly 156 teachers recognized. The total estimated cost of the pilot program would be $25 million. The legislators said they plan to continue working with education leaders and stakeholders to in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature to evaluate how an opt-in incentive pay model could complement existing programs while recognizing and rewarding Oklahoma’s most effective teachers.

Oct 24, 2025

Fugate, Johns, Mann, Stanley study reintegration of violent students in classrooms

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, conducted a bipartisan, bicameral interim study in front of the Education Oversight Committee on how to reintegrate students who have been removed from the classroom for violence without putting teachers and other students in harm's way. “Every child in Oklahoma deserves access to a meaningful education, including those whose trauma has led to violent behavior,” said Fugate. “This study is about finding real solutions for violent students who’ve been removed from the classroom and are returning. We must protect teachers and students while ensuring no child is left behind.” The study looked into solutions on how to best accommodate all students and teachers. “The bipartisan, bicameral study provided important insights into how we can protect both students and teachers in the classroom while also supporting those rejoining their peers,” said Johns. “These findings will help guide future policy discussions to ensure our schools remain safe and welcoming places for learning. Protecting educators while giving every student the tools to thrive must remain at the heart of our efforts.” The Oklahoma Constitution mandates that every child receive an education, making it the responsibility of the Oklahoma legislature to collaborate with experts and develop solutions that ensure every child is educated while in a safe classroom environment. “Today’s study brought together educators, experts, and lawmakers to confront one of the toughest challenges in public education,” said Fugate. “We’re committed to supporting these students, safeguarding our schools, and upholding the promise of education for all.” The study heard from presenters that varied from alternative education teachers and two mental health providers. They suggested an embedded model of school-based mental health to provide support for kids. This would include a structured, school-based therapy and other comprehensive, wraparound services. It would require collaboration with the legislature, education professionals, and mental health providers. “We simply can’t give up on any child in our state,” said Mann. “It’s important that we look at proven methods to give these kids the help and tools they need to succeed.” While Oklahoma does provide alternative education opportunities, study experts noted it does not meet the needs of violent students. Additional services are needed to promote the reintegration of students and provide equal access to public education. “As a 43-year veteran educator, I understand the serious challenges schools are facing, particularly when it comes to violence directed toward school personnel,” said Stanley. “I am committed to being part of the solution and doing my part to help identify and implement effective ways to address this growing concern.” -END-