Representative Danny Sterling

R

District 27

Hi, I'm Danny Sterling and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 27th District.


representative

News & Announcements

May 13, 2025
Recent Posts

Sterling Bills Signed Into Law Strengthen Youth Protections and Expand Educational Access

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two measures authored by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, aimed at improving educational access for justice-involved youth and strengthening child protection laws, have officially been signed into law. House Bill 1940 , signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt on May 9, modifies charter school sponsorship provisions to allow the Statewide Charter School Board to sponsor charter schools when the applicant is the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) or is contracted with OJA. The bill is designed to expand educational services to youth in the custody or supervision of county juvenile justice systems. The new law will take effect July 1. “This legislation helps ensure that youth under county or state supervision don’t fall through the cracks when it comes to education,” Sterling said. “By enabling the Statewide Charter School Board to work directly with OJA, we’re creating more opportunities for academic support and rehabilitation.” House Bill 1935 , which became law without the governor’s signature on May 8, updates the statute of limitations for the failure to report abuse or neglect. The bill stipulates that legal action must be initiated by the victim’s 45th birthday, allowing survivors more time to seek justice. The measure takes effect Nov. 1. “Delays in reporting abuse are common, especially when the victim is a child,” Sterling said. “Many survivors don’t fully understand what happened to them until years later, or they may be afraid to speak out due to trauma, fear of retaliation or lack of support." According to the American Society of for the Positive Care of Children , 89% of victims are maltreated by one or both parents. "We know that, in many cases, children are reluctant to speak out because they don’t want to 'bite the hand that feeds them', especially when the neglect or abuse is coming from a parent or caregiver", Sterling said. "This change recognizes those challenges and gives survivors a more realistic window of time to process their experiences and pursue justice. It’s about creating a legal system that reflects compassion and understanding of the long-term impacts of abuse.” Sterling, a longtime advocate for youth services and public education, said both bills reflect ongoing efforts to better serve vulnerable populations across Oklahoma.

Mar 13, 2025
Recent Posts

Maddix Bias Act Unanimously Passes Oklahoma House

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today passed House Bill 1933 , also known as the Maddix Bias Act, with a unanimous 89-0 vote. The bill, authored by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, seeks to prevent the misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, and protect Oklahomans from its dangerous effects. The legislation is named in honor of Maddix Bias, a standout high school baseball player and a 2023 graduate of Tecumseh High School. Bias's life was tragically cut short in a car crash caused by his boss, who was under the influence of nitrous oxide whippets. "Nitrous oxide is often mistakenly viewed as harmless, but its misuse can have devastating consequences," Sterling said. "This bill is about protecting young people and ensuring no other family has to experience the heartbreaking loss that Maddix's family has endured." Although nitrous oxide is strictly regulated for medical use in healthcare settings like dental offices, it remains widely available for recreational use in vape shops, convenience stores, and online. Chronic misuse of the substance can lead to severe damage to the brain, nerves and spinal cord—and even death. HB1933 would make it a misdemeanor to possess, buy, sell, or transfer nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication. Violators could face up to 90 days in jail, a $5,000 fine or both. The bill would also increase penalties for those who possess more than 16 grams of nitrous oxide or sell it to minors. Individuals over 21 who provide nitrous oxide to anyone under 18 could face steep fines, jail time and suspension of business licenses. "I am proud to see this bill advance with such overwhelming support," Sterling said. "We owe it to Maddix and his family to take action and prevent future tragedies." The Maddix Bias Act now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Feb 21, 2025
Recent Posts

Bill to Enhance OTA's Transparency and Accountability Advances

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1939, authored by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, passed the Transportation Committee today. The bill is a legislative initiative that aims to increase transparency, collaboration, and accountability in the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's (OTA) decision-making processes. The bill also seeks to ensure that turnpike projects undergo thorough studies and extensive public engagement before implementation. HB1939 introduces several modifications to the OTA’s responsibilities, including a requirement to conduct comprehensive studies before proposing new turnpike projects. These studies would evaluate potential routes, economic feasibility, environmental impact and community effects, ensuring a data-driven and transparent approach to infrastructure planning. “This legislation is about bringing more accountability and public participation into decisions that impact our communities,” Sterling said. “The people of Oklahoma deserve to have a voice in turnpike projects that affect their homes, businesses and local environment. House Bill 1939 ensures that these projects are not only necessary but also thoughtfully planned and aligned with the needs of the community.” Another aspect of the bill is that it would require the OTA to engage in meaningful collaboration with municipalities, counties and state and federal agencies that may be affected by proposed turnpike projects. The bill would mandate direct notifications via certified mail to property owners within a one-mile radius of any proposed turnpike route, giving them ample opportunity to provide feedback and participate in public meetings. Furthermore, HB1939 would establish clear guidelines for public meetings in each affected jurisdiction, ensuring that community concerns are heard and addressed. The bill would also enforce stricter conflict-of-interest policies to separate consulting firms conducting impact studies from those involved in turnpike design and construction. “This is about making sure Oklahomans are not left in the dark when it comes to major infrastructure developments,” added Sterling. “We are putting in place safeguards to protect the interests of the people and to create a fair, transparent process that prioritizes responsible transportation planning.” With a 9-3 passing vote, HB1939 now heads to the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee.