Representative Cynthia Roe

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District 42

Hi, I'm Cynthia Roe and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 42nd District.


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News & Announcements

Mar 10, 2026
Recent Posts

House Passes Roe Bills on Hospital Victim Reporting, Student Physical Education

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two measures authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, to expand reporting access for victims of abuse and increase physical education time for students in schools passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now move to the Senate for further consideration. "I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of these bills and supporting their passage," Roe said. "Encouraging more physical activity in our schools can help students stay healthier and focused and in some cases may even reduce the need for certain medications. At the same time, expanding opportunities for victims to report abuse in hospitals is critical if we are serious about helping victims of human trafficking and working to end it." House Bill 3287 would require hospitals and health care facilities across Oklahoma to post signage related to domestic violence and human trafficking in both inconspicuous areas and private spaces used for patient-provider interactions. The signs would inform victims they can notify facility staff if they are experiencing abuse, coercion or trafficking. The measure was previously passed in the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee and later passed the full House unanimously. Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, is the Senate author. The bill also would require facilities to establish clear protocols for responding when a victim comes forward. These procedures would include contacting law enforcement at a victim’s request and ensuring the victim can be safely discharged or released without alerting or interference from an alleged perpetrator. A second measure by Roe, House Bill 3288 , would expand physical education requirements for students in full-day prekindergarten through 12th grade. The bill passed the House with a vote of 81-11 and now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Bryan Logan, R-Paden, is the Senate author. HB3288 would expand current physical education requirements to include students in full-day prekindergarten and increase activity time for elementary students from a weekly average of 60 minutes to at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes per school day. Recess would not count toward the required minutes. For students in grades six through 12, the bill would replace the current law that strongly encourages physical education with a requirement that school districts provide at least 225 minutes of physical activity per week, or about 45 minutes per school day. Both measures now move to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration.

Feb 26, 2026
Recent Posts

Bill Strengthening Protections for Abuse, Trafficking Victims Advances Oversight Unanimously

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking passed unanimously in the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. Roe, a veteran nurse practitioner and chair of the House Public Health Committee, said the measure is designed to ensure victims can safely seek help while receiving medical care. "Too often, victims are hiding in plain sight, even in places where they should feel safest," Roe said. "I received a note from a survivor of human trafficking about her struggle to find safety, and it is clear we can do more. I have seen how critical those quiet moments are between a patient and a provider. This bill gives victims a voice and a clear path to help when they are ready." House Bill 3287 would require all hospitals and health care facilities in Oklahoma to post signage related to domestic violence and human trafficking in both inconspicuous areas and private spaces intended for patient-provider use. The signage would inform victims that they can notify facility staff if they are experiencing abuse, coercion or trafficking. The measure also requires facilities to establish clear protocols for responding when a victim comes forward. These procedures would include reporting to law enforcement upon a victim’s request and ensuring the victim can be discharged or released safely without alerting or interference from an alleged perpetrator. "Some hospitals are already asking patients if they are victims of domestic violence or human trafficking," Roe said. "I have even seen situations where patients were told to place a red dot on a cup and leave it in a bathroom bin with their name. While those efforts are well-intentioned, this bill ensures every hospital has clear, consistent protocols in place to respond immediately and safely when a victim comes forward." Under the measure, the Oklahoma State Department of Health would be responsible for developing and distributing the required signage, which facilities could request at the cost of printing and postage. Roe said while some hospitals already screen patients for domestic violence or human trafficking, practices vary widely across the state. HB3287 would establish a consistent, statewide standard and ensure facilities are prepared to respond when a victim comes forward, often in the only moments they are safely separated from their abuser. "A hospital visit may be the only chance someone has to ask for help without fear," Roe said. "We have a responsibility to be ready for that moment and to respond in a way that protects their safety and restores their hope." HB3287 is now eligible to be heard on the House Floor.

Jan 14, 2026
Recent Posts

Roe Files Bill to Increase Daily Physical Activity for Oklahoma Students

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has filed legislation to expand physical education requirements for students in full-day pre-K through 12th grade across Oklahoma. House Bill 3288 would increase required physical activity to 30 or 45 minutes per school day, depending on grade level, reflecting research linking regular exercise to stronger academic performance, improved mental health and better long-term health outcomes. "Students benefit when physical activity is built into their school day," Roe said. "This bill is about helping them learn better, feel better, and grow into healthier adults. Strong bodies support strong minds. Regular movement not only supports their health, but it also helps them focus, retain information, and perform better academically." The bill would expand current physical education requirements to include full-day pre-K and raise weekly activity time for elementary students from a weekly average of 60 minutes to a minimum of 150 minutes, or about 30 minutes per school day. Recess would not count toward the required minutes. For students in grades six through 12, the legislation would change current law by replacing language that "strongly encourages" districts to offer physical education with a requirement that districts provide at least 225 minutes per week, or about 45 minutes per school day. "Physical activity not only improves mood and quality of life, but it also helps in ways many people may not realize," Roe said. "By simply increasing the amount of time children are active each day, we can begin to address many of the issues affecting kids across our state. Research has shown that daily physical activity can lower cortisol levels and reduce inflammation, both of which are critical for healthy youth development. Roe also noted that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) could particularly benefit from increased opportunities for physical exertion. "I truly believe we would see benefits across the board when it comes to chronic disorders in students," Roe said. "When cortisol levels stay high, and inflammation becomes chronic, it can take a real toll on children’s developing bodies and brains. In the case of students with ADHD and ADD, they need to get that energy out of their bodies so that they can settle down and focus when they are in the classroom. It's an all-around win for our kids." HB3288 would encourage schools to schedule recess or light-to-moderate physical activity before tests and end-of-term assessments, recognizing research showing that movement can improve focus and academic performance. "We know that when adolescents spend more time exercising, it does more than improve their physical health," Roe said. "It can also positively impact brain development and function, helping with memory retention and leading to better performance on tests." The bill will also ensure that physical education cannot be withheld as punishment for students in pre-K through fifth grade, except in cases where safety is at risk, and requires accommodations so all students can participate in some form of activity. The curriculum would need to be developmentally appropriate, sequential and designed to help students build lifelong motor and self-management skills. At least 80% of class time would be spent in moderate to vigorous activity whenever possible, according to the measure, and programs would need to meet the needs of all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs. Oklahoma faces childhood and teen obesity rates of 17% , and 77% of high school students nationally could not pass a basic military fitness test, statistics Roe said highlight the need to prioritize physical readiness and overall health. "We have a real opportunity to change these numbers," Roe said. "By schools providing expanded opportunities for physical activity each day, we set them up for success both in school and in life." HB3288 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes on Feb. 2.