Representative Derrick Hildebrant

R

District 23

Hi, I'm Derrick Hildebrant and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 23rd District.

representative

News & Announcements

Apr 29, 2026
Recent Posts

Oklahomans Could Purchase Route 66 Centennial License Plate Under New Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 3147 , authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, and Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, has become law, authorizing the creation of the Route 66 Centennial License Plate in consultation with the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission. The measure became law without the Governor’s signature after passing unanimously in both the House and Senate. The new plate commemorates the 100th anniversary of U.S. Highway 66, established Nov. 11, 1926. In 2026, Route 66, often called the Mother Road, is being celebrated nationwide throughout the year. "Oklahoma has the longest drivable stretch of Route 66, and it is filled with the diners, motels, museums and small businesses that tell the story of our state and our country," Hildebrant said. "I am thrilled that the license plate is now in statute and thank my colleagues for understanding the importance of the Mother Road in our state. Catoosa is home to one of the most recognizable stops along the route, the Blue Whale, and celebrating 100 years is meaningful for all of us." Senate author, Seifried, says the new license plate is an exciting chance for Oklahomans to have a piece of Route 66. "Route 66 is one of Oklahoma’s greatest economic and cultural assets, bringing visitors from around the world and supporting jobs in cities and towns along the route," said Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore. "This new license plate gives Oklahomans the chance to celebrate the centennial by taking a piece of the Mother Road with them wherever they go. I’m proud to represent so many communities that are part of Route 66’s enduring legacy." The law authorizes Service Oklahoma to work with the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission on the design for the plate. The agreement allows for up to $20 from each plate issued to be directed to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, said proceeds from plate sales will support promotion and preservation efforts along the historic highway. "This will help us continue telling Oklahoma’s story to people from around the world as we begin the road’s next 100 years," Martin said. "Route 66 in Oklahoma goes through more than 40 communities and covers over 400 miles. It’s known as the Main Street of America, and it is still Main Street in many of these towns." Before the plate can be produced, at least 100 Oklahomans must sign up and pre-order it. Organizers say that effort is already underway. Route 66 Day was held at the Capitol on April 21, where historic sites and communities along Route 66 gathered to mark the highway’s 100th anniversary. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association was there collecting signatures and email addresses of those who would be interested in pre-ordering the plate. Service Oklahoma is currently working on a final design of the plate and a link where Oklahomans can sign up and pre-order it online.

Mar 25, 2026
Recent Posts

Hildebrant Secures Passage of Common Cents Act

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives unanimously passed the Common Cents Act, which would allow and later require certain public cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest nickel. Authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, House Bill 3075 , would apply only to public payments made in cash, or the portion of a payment made in cash and would not affect private sector transactions. Payments made by check, debit card, credit card or other electronic methods would not be subject to rounding. "This is a simple, practical solution that reflects how people are already using cash today," Hildebrant said. "This idea came directly from a constituent of mine, Rogers County Treasurer Jason Carini, who recognized the need for clear statutory authority allowing state agencies and political subdivisions to round cash transactions following the discontinuation of the penny. I appreciate my colleagues for their unanimous support in moving this forward." Under the measure, political subdivisions could choose to implement cash rounding from the bill’s effective date through July 1, 2027. Beginning July 1, 2027, rounding would become mandatory for applicable cash transactions unless directed otherwise by Congress. The bill also outlines accounting provisions for ad valorem tax payments and allows political subdivisions to determine how any overages or shortages are managed within their funds. HB3075 now moves to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration.

Mar 23, 2026
Recent Posts

House Passes Gold Star Survivor Act Honoring Fallen Oklahoma Airman

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 2961 , now named the TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa. The measure honors the life and sacrifice of Tech. Sgt. Marshal Dakota Roberts of Claremore, who was killed in action on March 11, 2020. Roberts, a friend of Hildebrant, served in the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, part of the 138th Fighter Wing, where Hildebrant also served. Roberts and his wife, Kristie, were both members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, and Hildebrant shared a friendship with them both through years of service together. "I am grateful my colleagues recognized the weight of this bill, named for a fellow Airman and brother-in-arms who gave his life in service," Hildebrant said. "His family lives with that loss every single day, and this time of year is especially heavy for them. I wear his memorial bracelet in honor of his name and service dates and as a reminder of his sacrifice, and that of so many others, every day." HB2961 provides spouses and children of fallen service members with free tuition, fees and room and board at Oklahoma public universities and career technology centers. Eligible recipients would have to maintain Oklahoma residency, and the fallen service member must have been an Oklahoma resident at the time of death. The Gold Star designation is given to those who lost their lives in the line of duty or in a combat zone since Sept. 11, 2001. Hildebrant, who is the chairman of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, said the legislation was driven by both personal conviction and a gap in state law. "When I reviewed the statute and realized Gold Star families were not explicitly named among survivors eligible for education benefits, I knew something needed to be done," Hildebrant said. "Oklahoma should stand with Gold Star families and ensure every opportunity is available for them to pursue the best education our state has to offer after their loved one gave everything in service of our state and nation." Roberts is survived by his wife and daughter, who was 8 years old at the time of his death. Hildebrant says that the TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act is about standing beside families like theirs and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. "I made a promise to Marshal’s family that his name would never be forgotten," Hildebrant said. "Today, we were able to make good on that promise. TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts’ name will live on through the benefits it provides to every Oklahoma Gold Star family." Hildebrant said his role was to also support the family in the aftermath of Roberts’ death. "At the time of Marshal’s death, I was assigned by the Wing Commander to serve as the family’s representative, and I walked with them every step of the way, even to the point of preaching Marshal’s funeral," Hildebrant said. "One of the hardest moments of my life was speaking with his 8-year-old daughter. I told her that her dad was a hero, but he is not coming home. That moment has never left me." A Gold Star family  refers to those who have lost a loved one in military service. The term comes from service flags used during World War I, when a blue star representing a service member was replaced with gold to signify a life lost in defense of the nation. "I was proud the bill was heard on the anniversary of Marshal’s death, because it serves as a solemn reminder of the weight of this sacrifice and the responsibility we carry to honor it," Hildebrant said. "If we, as the legislature, can lift even a small part of that burden by ensuring their children can pursue an education and a future, then we are doing what is right." The bill now moves to the Senate, where Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville, also a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard’s 138th Fighter Wing, is the Senate author. "This effort continues our service to Marshal and his family," Hildebrant said. "As brothers in arms, we have the duty to carry this bill forward and see it through to the Governor."