Representative Derrick Hildebrant

R

District 23

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

representative

News & Announcements

Oct 15, 2026
Recent Posts

Hildebrant, Banning Applaud VA's Record-Setting Claims Processing

Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, chair of the Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, and Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, an Air Force veteran, applauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ announcement that it processed a record-high 3,111,399 disability compensation claims in Fiscal Year 2026. "Veterans should not have to face unnecessary delays or barriers when seeking the benefits and care they have earned through their service, sacrifices, and dedication to our nation. We are grateful for all they and their families have given in defense of our freedoms," the lawmakers said. "This reduction in the claims backlog means more veterans and their families are receiving the timely support they deserve. Recognizing and honoring their sacrifices with meaningful, dependable service is significant progress for veterans across Oklahoma and the nation. "We deeply appreciate the men and women at the VA who are diligently working to serve those who have served our country. We will continue supporting efforts that make it easier for Oklahoma veterans and their families to access the benefits, health care, and services they have earned through their sacrifice and commitment to our nation." The VA reported that its FY2026 claims total exceeded the previous record of 3,001,734 claims set in FY2025. The department also reported that its benefits backlog has been reduced by more than 70%, while claims-processing accuracy has reached 94%, the highest level in two years.

Sep 11, 2026
Recent Posts

Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus Leaders Mark 25 Years Since 9/11

Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, chair of the Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, and Rep. John George, R-Newalla, vice chair, released statements today marking 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Hildebrant, a retired Air Force veteran who served 25 years in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, watched the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks unfold while deployed near Iraq. "On September 11, 2001, I was deployed to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey in support of Operation Northern Watch. Like all Americans, we watched in shock as the terrorist attacks unfolded, uncertain of what would come next. I was only three years into my military service, but 9/11 became a defining moment in my career. Every operation I supported or deployed to during the next 23 years stemmed, directly or indirectly, from the events of that day. "25 years later, America is still living with the consequences of that day. We lost 2,977 innocent lives on 9/11, and in the wars that followed, more than 7,000 American service members were killed in action. I’m not bitter. I’m grateful to have served in this era and mindful of those who never came home. "My heart is with the families of the 2,977 victims, including the seven Oklahomans, the countless first responders and the thousands of American service members who gave their lives in the years that followed. I encourage everyone to take a moment today to remember them and pray for their families. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten." George, who served in the Oklahoma National Guard for five years and the Oklahoma City Police Department for over 30 years, recalled sitting in his OKCPD office watching the events unfold. "The events of September 11th, 2001, have always stuck in my memory, as I know they do for every other American. I will always remember the civilian lives lost that day, as well as my First Responder colleagues who ran into danger and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man. "Every year, this day serves as a reminder that the terroristic desire to destroy our great country still exists today. But our commitment to the freedoms of America and our willingness to aid our neighbors is even stronger than any threat. May we continue to remember the unity that bound our nation together in the days following this attack, and may we continue to pray for peace upon all affected by this tragedy." Seven Oklahomans were killed in the Sep. 11 terrorist attacks. The Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus represents veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and public safety professionals while advocating for those who serve and protect Oklahoma communities.

May 15, 2026
Recent Posts

New Law Creates Alternative Fire Safety Option for Food Trucks

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aimed at providing more flexibility for Oklahoma mobile food vendors by allowing alternatives to automatic fire suppression has been signed into law. House Bill 3369 , authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, and Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, allows certain mobile food vendors to use alternative fire suppression methods in place of automatic fire suppression systems if specific safety requirements are met. "This legislation works within the adopted fire code to provide an equivalent alternative method of fire suppression for food trucks," Hildebrant said. "House Bill 3369 provides flexibility for mobile food vendors by allowing alternatives to automatic fire suppression systems, as long as they have proper fire extinguishers and complete annual safety training. This helps small business owners continue operating while still prioritizing public safety." Gillespie agrees that this new law will remove regulations that make it difficult for mobile vendors to succeed. "Last year, Representative Hildebrant and I cut red tape for mobile food vendors through the landmark Food Truck Freedom Act," Gillespie said. "This measure builds on that progress by removing costly and unnecessary regulations in state law that make it difficult to operate these mobile businesses. This bill removes the sole mandate for overhead fire suppression systems by allowing practical alternative safety standards and makes liquefied petroleum gas inspections more convenient for food truck owners."  Current fire code standards state that mobile food vendors which produce smoke or grease-laden vapors are required to install automatic fire suppression systems. Under HB3369, mobile food preparation vehicles without automatic fire extinguishing systems will not be required to install them if they instead carry at least two portable Class K-rated fire extinguishers and require all employees complete annual fire safety training. "For many food truck operators across Oklahoma, the cost of installing automatic fire suppression systems created serious financial challenges," Hildebrant said. "This law provides a practical alternative that keeps safety standards in place while helping these small businesses continue serving their communities." The measure also simplifies the process for mobile vendors to obtain their permits from the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board and the State Fire Marshal. HB3369 takes effect Nov. 1.