Representative Ty Burns

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District 35

Hi, I'm Ty Burns and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 35th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Aug 15, 2025
Recent Posts

Burns Raises Concerns After Attending OSSAA Board Meeting

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, attended the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) board meeting Wednesday and said what he saw confirmed his belief the association’s structure prioritizes bureaucracy over the needs of students and families. Burns, a former public school teacher and coach, previously studied OSSAA policies through an interim study in 2022. The study examined the association’s finances and governance, student eligibility rules for transfers and included testimony from parents and attorneys who raised concerns about hardship waivers and transparency. At Wednesday’s meeting, Burns said the board voted unanimously to deny an appeal on the eligibility of Glencoe High School basketball players and to reject a hardship request from another student. He said these are just two examples of why the current system should be dismantled. “The OSSAA is structured in a way that is unfair to student athletes and families,” Burns said. “They make families jump through hoops and waste time and money just to keep overwhelming power and control in the hands of their board. When the board votes unanimously to protect the status quo, it proves they are protecting the establishment, not the kids.” Burns said the 12-member board, composed mostly of school superintendents, operates with little accountability while controlling decisions that affect students statewide. “It’s time to dismantle the OSSAA and build a new system that stands independently, not controlled by the hierarchy of superintendents,” Burns said. In 2022, Burns authored House Bill 3968 , which would have allowed students transferring during the summer to a school district outside their residence to remain eligible for sports, with exceptions for dependents of active military personnel. The OSSAA oversees athletics, fine arts and other extracurricular activities for more than 430 school districts statewide. Current policy requires certain student-athletes transferring outside their home district to wait one year before regaining eligibility. “We are 50th in the nation in education,” Burns said. “We should be empowering kids rather than sacrificing them. The only way forward is to abolish this broken system and replace it with one that puts students and families first.”

May 28, 2025
Recent Posts

Burns Honors Late Former Rep. Larry Ferguson

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, released the following statement honoring the life and service of former state Rep. Larry Ferguson, who represented House District 35 for 20 years and served as House minority floor leader. Ferguson was succeeded in the seat by former Reps. Dennis Casey and Rex Duncan before Burns was elected to serve the district. “Larry Ferguson spent two decades representing House District 35 and his leadership left a lasting mark on the Oklahoma House of Representatives,” Burns said. “He was a steady voice in uncertain times, a principled leader who stood firm in his values and a tireless advocate for the people he served.” Burns continued, “Larry led during a period of major change and he helped shape the path for future conservatives in a chamber that looked very different than it does today. He understood the importance of listening to people, building consensus when it mattered and never losing sight of who he worked for — the families back home.” Burns participated in a remembrance ceremony Tuesday at the Oklahoma State Capitol, where he presented the USA flag flown in Ferguson’s honor. “It’s a privilege to represent the same district Larry cared so deeply about,” Burns said. “He helped lay the foundation for the kind of strong, values-driven leadership rural Oklahoma still depends on. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ferguson family. His legacy reflects a life of purpose, dedicated service and a deep love of Oklahoma.”

May 8, 2025
Recent Posts

Olympian Coleman Scott Honored on House Floor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Coleman Scott, an Olympic bronze medalist and former NCAA champion wrestler, was honored on the House floor by Reps. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Steve Bashore, R-Miami, for his accomplishments on the mat and his ongoing commitment to growing the sport of wrestling in Oklahoma.  Scott, a standout at Oklahoma State University and 2012 Olympic medalist, was recognized for a career that includes being a four-time NCAA All-American, a 2008 NCAA champion and a bronze medalist in freestyle wrestling at the London Games. “Coleman Scott represents the best of Oklahoma – dedication, integrity and hard work,” the two representatives said in a joint statement. “He’s earned recognition on the world stage and continues to invest in young athletes here at home. The Farm, his new training facility in Stillwater, is just one example of how he’s helping prepare the next generation for success.” “His impact goes far beyond his athletic achievements. He shows how sports can shape not just champions but leaders in their communities. His commitment to mentoring and coaching youth speaks volumes about the legacy he’s building – one of excellence both on and off the mat.” Scott became a standout wrestler in High school, winning several titles and compiling a record of 156 wins and 12 losses before going to OSU. After his collegiate career, Scott transitioned to freestyle wrestling and earned a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, taking home bronze in the 60 kg weight class.  Today, Scott remains deeply involved in the sport through coaching, camps and his work at The Farm. He and his wife, Jessica, are raising their three children – Leighton, Stetson and Cash – while continuing to serve the wrestling community.