Representative Ty Burns

R

District 35

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


representative

News & Announcements

Apr 9, 2024
Recent Posts

Legislature Recognizes National Guard in Joint Session

Members of the Oklahoma Legislature gathered Tuesday morning in a joint session for Oklahoma National Guard Appreciation Day. Major General Thomas H. Mancino, the Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard, addressed the audience and declared April 9, 2024, Oklahoma National Guard Appreciation Day. This day recognizes the National Guard's courage and dedication to their duty to serve their state and nation. "From the battlefields of World War I, II, or Korea, to the mountains of Afghanistan and the Streets of Iraq, to domestic terrorism, tornados, floods, and now even three eclipses, your Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard have been there defending life, liberty, and freedoms from oppression around the world and ensuring the safety of the citizens of this, the greatest state in the greatest nation," Mancino said. "Our whole state has been right there supporting us every step of the way. And we are so grateful for that support."  Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, served in the National Guard for 20 years and retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2018. Also in attendance was General Colby Wyatt, who also served with Burns in the 179th Battalion, and Lieutenant Colonel Brent Weece, who was Burns' commanding officer during his time as a Captain in Afghanistan from 2011-2012. Weece was previously a Delta 179 Commander in Laghman and has recently returned as the Battalion Commander for deployments in African countries such as Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia.                   "It was great to see those I've served with, and stand alongside them again," Burns said. "The thunderbird patch we wear represents our service and commitment to protecting our state and nation. It's an honor to stand among those who have answered the call to duty at home and overseas." In 2023, nearly 2,000 members of the Oklahoma National Guard answered the call to overseas duty, including the largest deployment in over a decade.

Feb 29, 2024
Recent Posts

House Veterans Caucus Elects New Leadership

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Veterans Caucus elected Army veteran Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, as the new House chair for the next legislative session. Members also elected Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, as the House vice chair. "It's a privilege to support the men and women in our state Legislature who have bravely served in our nation's defense and to represent the needs of our fellow veterans in Oklahoma," Burns said. "I want to thank Representative Steagall for his leadership for the past five years. As the newly elected Chair of the Oklahoma House Veterans Caucus, I am committed to promoting policies recognizing our veterans' and their families' sacrifices. Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met." "I am honored that my colleagues have placed their trust and confidence in me by electing me as the Vice Chair of the Oklahoma House Veterans Caucus," said Duel, who is an Army Ranger. "It is not only our duty but also a privilege to support our veterans, and I hold this responsibility in the highest regard. Through this caucus, we can better serve the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our state and nation." Current Chair Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, who served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and the Oklahoma Air National Guard, has been chair of the caucus since 2019 and offered his congratulations to Reps. Burns and Duel. "It has been an honor to serve my fellow legislative veterans in this capacity for the last five years," Steagall said. "Together, we've led the charge to effect several statutory changes that benefit our state's veterans and their families. The work of this caucus is far from over, and I'm certain that with the leadership of Representatives Burns and Duel, this caucus will continue to fight for our veterans to ensure that those who wore the uniform and fought for our freedoms and way of life receive the benefits and care they have earned and deserve." The Veterans Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral caucus consisting of over 20 veterans in the state legislature.

Dec 8, 2023
Recent Posts

Burns Applauds OSSAA Board for Granting One Free Athletic Transfer to High School Students

Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, today applauded the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) board of directors for approving an exception granting one free transfer to any high school student with established athletic eligibility at their current school. Burns, a former public school teacher and coach, previously attempted to introduce legislation to modify the eligibility criteria for high school transfer students to play sports. However, the exception to Rule 8 occurred through rules rather than legislative action. "I commend OSSAA for adopting this rule change following my efforts to advance multiple bills and conduct an interim study," Burns said. "I appreciate Kevin Sain and all the parents who actively participated in the interim study and every step of the process. Now, students who love playing sports get a better shot at doing what they love without all the usual waiting and paperwork." The change is an exception to Rule 8, which states a student must wait one year from the first date of attendance at a new school before gaining athletic eligibility unless a hardship waiver is granted. Free transfers allow students to switch schools once without sitting out or moving to a new district, and they do not require hardship waivers. Kevin Sain, with Sain Law Firm, P.C., also commented on OSSAA's recent exception.  "I am grateful for Representative Burns' advocacy; he has continuously listened and acted on behalf of Oklahoma's students," Sain said. "Despite the challenges kids face today, I see hope for Oklahoma's students in the future."  According to OSSAA, schools are prohibited from recruiting   student athletes, and those who are recruited will face disqualification from all levels of competition. This measure will take effect July 1, 2024, and the 2024 transfer window will last from July 1-15.