Representative Brad Boles

R

District 51

Hi, I'm Brad Boles and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 51st District.


representative

Leadership

Oversight Committee Chair

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 5, 2026
Recent Posts

Rep. Boles' Ratepayer Protection Act Heads to House Floor

OKLAHOMA CITY — Legislation aimed at protecting Oklahoma families and small businesses from higher utility bills tied to new data center infrastructure is now eligible for consideration on the House floor. House Bill 2992 , the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, authored by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, passed unanimously in both the House Utilities Policy Committee and the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee. The measure now advances to the next step in the legislative process. "I’m very encouraged to see this legislation move forward with such strong support," Boles said. "As Oklahoma continues to grow and attract new industry, we have to make sure the cost of that growth does not fall on hardworking families and small businesses. This bill is about fairness and making sure Oklahomans are not forced to subsidize the infrastructure needs of large data centers." Rep. Boles' Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act would set guidelines for how electric suppliers and regulators address the rising energy demands of large data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence facilities. The bill defines "large load customers" as new facilities adding 75 megawatts or more of demand and clarifies that residential, commercial and traditional industrial customers are not included in that classification. The legislation aligns with the recent Ratepayer Protection Pledge Proclamation issued by President Donald Trump. Under the pledge, several leading technology companies agreed that as energy demand grows alongside new data center construction, American households should not bear the cost of building the necessary infrastructure. Instead, the pledge calls for the companies developing and operating data centers to build, bring or purchase the energy required to power their facilities and to cover the full cost of associated infrastructure. "The White House is taking steps to make sure Americans are not left footing the bill for massive data center expansion, and Oklahoma is proud to take steps alongside them to protect our ratepayers," Boles said. Several lawmakers from both parties have signed on as co-authors of the measure, including Senate author Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston; Rep. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita; Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene; Rep. Clay Staires, R-Skiatook; Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa; Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City; Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa; Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow; Rep. Max Wolfley, R-Oklahoma City; and Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore. The bill is now eligible to be heard on the House floor.

Feb 26, 2026
Recent Posts

Lowe Highlights Common Ed Committee Progress

Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, today applauded the work the House Common Education Committee completed prior to the Feb. 19 deadline to pass bills out of policy committee. Lowe, a former ag teacher who chairs the Common Education Committee, said the members advanced measures focused on strengthening Oklahoma’s education system and supporting students, teachers and families across the state. "Education is one of the most important responsibilities we have as lawmakers," Lowe said. "The House Common Education Committee work to ensure every proposal is measured against a single standard: whether it improves outcomes for Oklahoma students." Measures passed by the House Common Education Committee prior to the Feb. 19 deadline include: House Bill 4358: Screen Time Limit for Young Students HB4358 , authored by Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, would limit the amount of screen time public school elementary students can receive during school . Under the bill, students in prekindergarten through fifth grades could only receive up to one hour of screen time each day. "Research is clear that limiting screen time is better for children," Moore said. "Their brain function, problem solving, creativity and focus is improved. Children thrive on face-to-face interaction with peers and instruction from live teachers. This legislation will set some healthy boundaries for children when they are in our public schools." House Bill 4359: Statewide Assessments in May This bill , also proposed by Moore, would require Oklahoma’s statewide student assessments to be administered annually during the month of May. These assessments, which are used to measure student proficiency and readiness aligned with academic standards, would take place in May beginning in the 2026-27 school year. "If state tests are held too early, students miss important preparation and instruction time," Moore said. "It's hoped this change will lead to improved academic outcomes." House Bill 3467: Maternity and Adoption Leave for Education Employees Under HB3467 , maternity leave benefits for full-time education employees would be expanded to allow leave following the adoption of a child under four years old. The measure is carried by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow. "I am grateful to see House Bill 3467 pass the House Common Education Committee," Boles said. "This bill is about recognizing that every child deserves a strong, supported start, no matter how they join a family. Adoption is a life-changing moment for both the child and the parents, and our educators should not have to choose between their career and being present for those first, critical days. This ensures they have the time to bond, to build that foundation and to truly be there when it matters most." House Bill 3711: School District Expenditure Transparency HB3711 , authored by Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, would require school districts to post on their websites the percentage of total expenditures dedicated to instructional costs. It also requires this information to be included with any bond proposals or bond guarantee applications to increase transparency about how taxpayer funds are used. "Oklahoma schools devote a smaller portion of their budgets to instruction, including teacher salaries, than schools in most other states," Caldwell said. "More than 25 percent of districts spend less than half of their funding on instructional expenses. While total education funding has increased, the share our schools spend on classroom instruction has dropped, highlighting the importance of transparency and public access to clear information about how education dollars are allocated, especially when schools are asking taxpayers to voluntarily raise their taxes." House Bill 3032: Free/Reduced-Price Meals Application Requirement This bill , carried by Lowe, would require that a parent or guardian complete the application for free or reduced-price school meals as a condition of student enrollment, with an opt-out option available. "Access to school meals is essential, but too often, families miss out on programs that help children learn and thrive," Lowe said. "This bill encourages families to engage in these programs early so their schools and communities can better support student well-being." Lowe also praised members for their diligence and commitment to students. "I'm proud of the thoughtful work our members have put in to carefully evaluate each bill before us," he said. "Their preparation, engagement and respect for the process reflect the seriousness with which we must approach education policy." Each of the 16 total bills passed by the House Common Education Committee now advance to the House Education Oversight Committee. The deadline to pass bills through oversight committees is March 5.

Feb 17, 2026
Recent Posts

Boles Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation aimed at shielding Oklahoma families and small businesses from higher utility bills is advancing at the Capitol. A measure that would require data centers to cover the infrastructure costs tied to their operations passed the House Utilities Policy Committee today with a unanimous 7-0 vote, clearing another step in the legislative process. Authored by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, House Bill 2992 , the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, would set guidelines for how electric suppliers and regulators address the rising energy demands of large data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence facilities. The bill defines "large load customers" as new facilities adding 75 megawatts or more of demand and clarifies that residential, commercial and traditional industrial customers are not included in that classification. "I appreciate the strong support behind this bill, especially from members of the Utilities Committee who understand how important this issue is for Oklahoma families," Boles said. "With more than a dozen potential data centers considering our state, we must make sure everyday Oklahomans are not left paying higher electric bills because of increased demand. This is about protecting ratepayers and ensuring large energy users pay for the infrastructure needed to support their operations instead of shifting those costs onto families and small businesses." The legislation would require the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and other governing bodies to ensure rates remain fair and that costs are assigned according to cost causation principles, meaning those who create the demand are responsible for the associated expenses. Electric suppliers would need to establish separate terms and conditions for large load customers, including credit protections and a minimum 10-year service commitment to reduce the risk of stranded costs if a facility leaves or significantly reduces usage. The measure would apply to all electric suppliers operating in the state . "I will continue working with my colleagues as well as stakeholders to move this bill forward thru the legislative process," Boles said. "We have a duty to put proper ratepayer protections in place. Oklahoma families should not be expected to finance major system upgrades required for high-demand users. Those costs should rest with the companies driving the need." Boles will next present the measure in the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee, which he chairs.