Representative David Smith

R

District 18

Hi, I'm David Smith and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 18th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Mar 26, 2026
Recent Posts

Property Tax Freeze Question on Destroyed Homes Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, on Thursday won unanimous passage in the House of a measure that would send to a vote of the people a question asking to freeze ad valorem taxes for people whose homes have been destroyed by natural disaster. House Joint Resolution 1046 would ask Oklahoma voters to consider freezing property taxes for one year if a home is destroyed by fire, tornado, earthquake or other meteorological events. To qualify for the exemption, the event must render a person's primary residence uninhabitable for at least six consecutive months and would be applicable based on when the damage occurred. If the damage occurs on or before June?1, the full exemption applies during that tax year; if it happens after June?1, the exemption applies in the following tax year. "If a person's home is destroyed, they should not have to continue to pay property taxes until they can live in it again," Smith said. "This common-sense measure would just grant property owners some relief in the event of natural disaster." Smith lost his family home in a fire several years ago. While this measure would not benefit him, he said the experience helped him understand the challenges faced by those who are displaced for long periods from their dwellings. The measure passed the House on a vote of 92-0. It now moves the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Bryan Logan, R-Paden. If approved by the State Senate, HJR1046 will move to the Secretary of State who would be directed to refer a state question to the people for their approval or rejection on a future state ballot. The proposal would amend Section 6 of Article X of the Oklahoma Constitution.  

Mar 25, 2026
Recent Posts

Smith Passes Bill to Expand Dental Care for Rural Residents

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, on Tuesday secured House passage of a bill that would increase the services dental assistants and hygienists are allowed to perform for patients. House Bill 3934 also would expand the list of recognized accrediting agencies.  "We're attempting to fill some gaps throughout all of Oklahoma where people lack access to dentists and hygienists," Smith said. "If this bill is signed into law, it would mean people could get necessary dental care where they are instead of traveling long distances or suffering without treatment." Smith explained the bill was put together with the help of the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry, the Oklahoma Dental Hygiene Association and the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Among other changes, the measure would remove language that would permit a dental assistant to assist the dentist only under the direct supervision or direct visual supervision and control of the dentist. A dental assistant instead would be allowed to work under general supervision of a dentist to assist a dental hygienist with a procedures that the hygienist is allowed to perform under general supervision. The measure also seeks to update the definition of treatment facility to include a church with a non-profit clinic. In addition, the measure would allow a patient of record to be established by teledentistry for emergency or hygiene treatment if the patient is physically located at the office or facility and the dentist is not readily available. The bill passed the House on a vote of 94-1 and now advances to the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington.

Jul 30, 2025
Recent Posts

Reps Remember George Nigh

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, Jim Grego, R-Wilburton and David Smith, R-Arpelar, issued the following statement today following the death of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. Nigh was born in McAlester and graduated from McAlester High School. He later graduated from what is now Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. He later taught social studies at McAlester High School. "George Nigh is absolutely legendary and beloved in our area of the state," said Grego and Smith who share representation of McAlester. "No one cared a bit about his political party. All they knew was he was a fierce advocate for Oklahomans and Oklahoma. He had our best interests at heart and spent a lifetime showing us how to accomplish much through hard work, determination and love of others." Nigh’s decades of service to the state included time in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, multiple terms as lieutenant governor and governor. Nigh served as president of the University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, and was a constituent of Miller's. "Oklahoma has lost a legend. George Nigh was the very epitome of what it means to be a public servant. He was a relentless champion for our state and had a unique talent for bringing together people from all walks of life. He innately understood that what makes Oklahoma special is the people who call this state home. During his time in public office and as president of the University of Central Oklahoma, he fiercely told Oklahoma's story. He built UCO into the powerhouse institution it is today, and the university and surrounding Edmond community blossomed during his time at the helm. His mentorship will be greatly missed, and we will keep his family in our prayers."