Representative Steve Bashore

R

District 7

Hi, I'm Steve Bashore and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 7th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Deputy Floor Leader

59th Legislature

Majority Deputy Floor Leader

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 27, 2026
Recent Posts

House Unanimously Approves Legislation to Cut ID Theft

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, this week unanimously passed legislation in the House that targets the growing national crisis of identity theft. Bashore said House Bill 3244 expands the definition and pattern of these crimes to better encapsulate fraud techniques used by criminals. It would close a loophole where criminals exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and minors. Third, it would greatly enhance Oklahoma identity theft laws by expanding the scope of which items or modes are utilized by criminals. "Identity thieves are ruthless in their pursuit of stealing our personal information and using it to rob us of our assets," Bashore said. "This is a huge issue occurring globally, nationally, and unfortunately right here in Oklahoma. We must make sure the law is stronger than the criminal intent. This bill is thorough, listing almost every kind of identity theft we can think of and matching penalties to fit these crimes." Bashore said he received support for the bill from the Oklahoma Bankers Association, law enforcement agencies statewide and the AARP Oklahoma, among others HB3244 includes criminals operating in two or more municipalities, or when offenses are committed within and without the state or combined with online or phone fraud. The bill also adds the crime of organized retail theft, when groups work together to rob retailers. The measure also clarifies and broadens punishment for the crime of using coercion, deception, enticement, intimidation, bartering, recruiting or other means to exploit someone into committing these crimes. This includes someone who has a mental illness, is vulnerable, homeless, intellectually or developmentally disabled, elderly, a user of drugs or alcohol or is a minor. Again, this adds in the pattern aspect of these crimes, making the punishment more severe for those who commit these types of crimes more than once. The cost of identity theft is large, Bashore said. "It can cost victims thousands of dollars financially if it doesn't completely wipe out their assets. It can damage credit and create legal complications, and it can create enormous emotional distress. One's identity, after all, is unique and personal, the very core of who they are. It's time we hold better accountable and appropriately punish those who commit this type of crime." HB3244 passed the House on a vote of 92-0. It's been referred for engrossment to the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. Hall is chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Bashore is Deputy Majority Floor Leader for the House. 

Mar 26, 2026
Recent Posts

School Abuse Reporting Update Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, this week secured House passage of a bill that would strengthen mandatory child abuse reporting requirements in schools. This measure would require that any allegation of abuse or neglect by a private or public school employee be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours.   House Bill 2959  would require that law enforcement be notified prior to any formal investigation by the school or school board or the questioning of the subject of the accusation. Bashore said this is to ensure that trained individuals are aware of the misconduct and able to properly investigate the situation.   “We want to assure students that when they report an instance of abuse, allegations will be thoroughly investigated," Bashore said. "Our response to these reports needs to be immediate and thorough. It is our job to prioritize and protect our students from child predators. We take this responsibility seriously.”  HB2959 specifies that law enforcement must be notified and have the opportunity to interview the involved parties first, unless law enforcement determines an immediate school response is necessary to protect student safety. It also would not relieve any person of the duty to report to law enforcement because of the resignation, termination, transfer or other separation from employment of the subject of the allegation. Bashore said the measure would not limit the ultimate action or decision-making power of school authorities. It only would require that law enforcement be involved in their current process, so that allegations can be properly investigated. This measure passed the House unanimously March 24. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where it is authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond. 

Sep 4, 2025
Recent Posts

Reps. Bashore and Fetgatter Named ORA Legislators of the Year

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, and Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, received Legislator of the Year awards recently from the Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA). The two were recognized during an Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The dinner was part of the ORA's annual expo. "It's wonderful to be recognized for legislation I've authored and supported that is pro-business, pro-economy and lower taxes for individuals and businesses," Bashore said. "During my time as a legislator I've focused on legislation that will allow everyday Oklahomans to keep more of their hard-earned income or that would help businesses come out from under onerous regulations so they can operate more freely, which always improves the overall economy." Fetgatter said, "I've worked hard as a legislator to make sure food service and other entertainment and hospitality industries thrive in Oklahoma. These business owners contribute not just to our job market and our economy, but they enhance our overall quality of life. I'm proud to have been awarded for my efforts." Bashore currently serves as Majority Deputy Floor Leader in the House. Before being elected to state office in 2020, he was general manager of a casino and resort where he led hundreds of employees and oversaw numerous high-profile sporting events and concerts, resulting in tens of millions of dollars positively impacting the state economy. He's also is credited with reviving a struggling Oklahoma Boxing Commission as its executive director. Fetgatter currently serves as Tribal and External Affairs Leader in the House. He was elected as a representative in 2016. Prior to that, he owned a construction company, worked in sales and marketing for a web-based technology company as well as in the grocery business. In the Legislature, he's worked to promote business-friendly policies and create economic development opportunities.  The Oklahoma Restaurant Association also manages the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. They note that Oklahoma’s hospitality sector – including foodservice, lodging and tourism – is the third-largest industry in the state. The jobs created lead to continued growth in disposable personal income. The association reports that within Oklahoma, every dollar spent in these establishments generates an additional $1.60-1.79 of sales for the state economy.