Representative Daniel Pae

R

District 62

Hi, I’m Daniel Pae and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 62nd District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

May 19, 2025
Recent Posts

Pae Urges Signing of Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act

A measure helping Oklahoma's firefighters access life-saving cancer screenings is moving to the governor's desk, and its House author is urging him to sign it. House Bill 2011 , known as the "Fighting Chance for Firefighters Act," would create a tax credit of up to $250 per year for unreimbursed medical costs incurred by firefighters for cancer detection procedures. The credit could begin in tax year 2026 and could be carried forward for up to five years. The author of the bill, Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, said the tax credit would help firefighters catch cancer early, a needed step as they face higher diagnosis rates due to long-term smoke and chemical exposure. "In March, Oklahomans saw our firefighters at their finest as they protected homes, lives and entire communities while battling relentless wildfires," Pae said. "House Bill 2011 is an opportunity to recognize that their service doesn’t end when the flames are extinguished; instead, the risks they carry linger for years in the form of long-term health impacts." Cancer is the primary cause of death among active-duty firefighters. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has designated firefighting as a cancer-causing occupation because of repeated exposure to hazardous substances such as smoke, firefighting foams, diesel exhaust, flame retardants and toxic building materials. These carcinogens, along with others like formaldehyde, asbestos and cigarette smoke, significantly increase the risk of cancer in firefighters. "Our firefighters have our backs in moments of crisis," Pae said. "It’s time we have theirs." For tax year 2028 and subsequent tax years, the total amount of credits used to offset tax would be adjusted annually to limit the annual amount of credits to $1.5 million. The percentage adjustment formula would be $1.5 million divided by the credits claimed in the second preceding year. The measure cleared its final hurdle on Thursday when Senate amendments to the bill were approved by the House 80-2. It now moves to the governor's desk. 

May 16, 2025
Recent Posts

House Sends Dylan's Law to Gov

A bill designed to better support individuals living with epilepsy is now on its way to the governor's desk after receiving final approval from the House. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, developed the bill in collaboration with Hannah Whitten, the sister of Dylan, whom the bill is named for. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 25 due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is a fatal complication of epilepsy, referring to the sudden death of a person with epilepsy where no other cause is found. House Bill 2013 , known as Dylan's Law, seeks to improve education and awareness around Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) among medical professionals and the public. If signed into law, HB2013 would require the State Commissioner of Health to provide epilepsy education for medical professionals, including training to help them identify patients at risk for SUDEP. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner would also train staff to recognize SUDEP in cases where it may be a cause of death. "Dylan’s Law is about saving lives and honoring those we’ve lost to SUDEP," said Pae. "This legislation gives families, medical professionals and first responders better tools to protect people living with epilepsy. I’m proud of the bipartisan support it received in the Legislature, and I encourage the governor to sign it into law so we can begin making a real difference across Oklahoma." Dylan's sister, Hannah Whitten, praised the bill's passage. "I am so incredibly humbled to see the most comprehensive epilepsy reform bill in the United States named after my brother be approved by the Oklahoma Legislature and head to the Governor’s desk to sign into law," Whitten said. "I pray another family doesn’t have to suffer like we have. I'm very thankful to Representative Pae and Senator Stanley for their tireless work." The bill also tasks the Division of Health Care Information with creating a program to raise awareness of SUDEP risks among people with epilepsy. In addition, autopsies of individuals known to have epilepsy would include an investigation into whether SUDEP was the cause of death, with findings reported on the death certificate and submitted to the North American SUDEP Registry. Beginning June 1, 2026, individuals with epilepsy could voluntarily add a symbol to their state-issued driver’s license or ID card, allowing law enforcement and emergency responders to quickly identify them. The symbol could also be added to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, and individuals would be allowed to remove it at any time. The House gave the bill its final approval 60-22 on Thursday. It now moves to the governor for consideration. If signed into law, it would take effect Nov. 1, 2025. 

May 1, 2025
Recent Posts

Legislators file resolution to recognize Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

House members Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, filed HCR 1012 to recognize May as Asian American Pacific Islander Month. AAPI Month is to recognize the contributions of the AAPI community and culture in Oklahoma and the United States. “I am proud to co-author this resolution celebrating AAPI-owned businesses, history, and culture in the month of May,” Leader Munson said. “As the first Asian American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature, it means a lot to my younger self who needed to see someone like me in the position I’m in now. It is incredibly important to elevate the impact the Asian American community continues to have on Oklahoma and the United States and I thank my colleagues for joining us in celebrating and honoring our heritage and culture.” Rep. Pae co-authored the resolution. "I’m incredibly proud to see our state formally recognize the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,” Pae said. “This resolution honors the generations of AAPI individuals who have helped shape Oklahoma’s identity, and I’m thankful to my colleagues who have joined us in celebrating AAPI Heritage Month." House Democratic Floor Leader Rep. Fugate also co-authored the resolution. “I am proud to coauthor today’s resolution recognizing the contributions of Oklahoma’s vibrant Asian American Pacific Islander population,” Fugate said. “As one of three AAPI voices in the legislature, I see first-hand the importance of having diverse voices and perspectives involved in the laws we create. I encourage those who can, to take advantage of events that take place this month to further appreciation, understanding, and celebration of AAPI people.”