Representative Eddy Dempsey

R

District 1

Hi, I'm Eddy Dempsey and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 1st District


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Apr 20, 2026
Recent Posts

Lawmakers Express Condolences in Deputy's Death

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, Tim Turner, R-Kinta, and Rick West, R-Heavener, today offered their condolences for the family of LeFlore County Sheriff's Deputy Thomas "Walker" LeMay, who was killed Sunday while conducting a wellness check near Wister. Also injured was Wister Police Chief William "Andy" Thompson. "This is a tragedy for our entire area," the representatives said in a joint statement. "We know especially that these families are hurting as is the law enforcement community that served alongside this deputy who was killed and the police chief who was wounded. It's sad that our law enforcement have to risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe, but we're grateful for their bravery and faithfulness to perform their duties. This sacrifice will not be forgotten. We must pray for quick recovery for Chief Thompson and for the family of Deputy LeMay, and we must offer support in every way we can." Dempsey asked for a moment of silence on the House floor on Monday to say prayers and express throughs for those affected by this tragic shooting. West said it's his understanding the governor will order state flags to be flown at half-staff in Deputy LeMay's honor.  Dempsey and West serve House Districts 1 and 3, respectively, which include Wister and parts of LeFlore County. Turner serves House District 15, which also includes a portion of LeFlore County. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the LeFlore County Sheriff's Office, Wister Police Department, the United Forest Service responded to the welfare check at a residence along U.S. Highway 270, near Wister. They were fired upon when arriving on the scene. An individual identified as the shooter has been arrested. Others assisting in the investigation included the Pocola Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Heavener Police Department, District 16 District Attorney's Office, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department.

Mar 27, 2026
Recent Posts

House Passes Bill Designating Memorial Roads, Honoring Longtime House Sergeant at Arms

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved House Bill 4265 , including a floor amendment to designate a memorial highway honoring longtime House employee Harvey Weathers Jr., who passed away earlier this year. The amendment, brought by Reps. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, and Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, adds the Harvey Weathers Jr. Memorial Highway designation. The bill, as amended, passed the House unanimously. "Harvey represented the very best of public service," Dempsey said. "From his time in uniform to his years at the Capitol, he served with integrity and treated everyone with respect. This designation ensures his legacy will be remembered for years to come." Weathers served six years in the Oklahoma National Guard and spent 30 years as a firefighter in Oklahoma City. He later served 18 years as a sergeant at arms at the Oklahoma State Capitol, where he became a familiar and respected presence among lawmakers, staff and visitors. Dempsey said Weathers’ impact extended far beyond his official duties. "He had a way of connecting with everyone he met," Johns said. "He brought energy and humor wherever he went, and his kindness left a lasting impression on so many people at the Capitol." House Bill 4265 memorializes multiple highways, bridges and interchanges across the state while also updating location descriptions for certain existing designations. Among the new recognitions included in the measure are memorials honoring veterans, local leaders and community members in counties across Oklahoma. Lawmakers said the additions reflect a continued effort to recognize individuals who have made lasting contributions to their communities and the state. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Mar 27, 2026
Recent Posts

Oklahoma House Passes Bill Expanding Funeral Choices for Oklahoma Families

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation this week giving Oklahoma families more control of funeral options for their loved ones. House Bill 3660 , authored by Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, would create a balance between personal freedom and public responsibility. It would give Oklahoma families an additional end-of-life option while ensuring the process is governed by strong commonsense safeguards. The legislation would mandate nothing but would allow those who want additional options for their loved ones to do so with confidence that those options are safe and responsibly managed. "This bill is about giving Oklahoma families the freedom to make their own choices about how to bury their loved ones, and making sure that when they do, it’s done the right way," Dempsey said. "The government shouldn't be able to dictate or restrict how a family wants to lay their loved ones to rest." Dempsey also addressed lies circulating about the bill, emphasizing that the bill does not weaken existing protections or create new risks to the public. "A lot of what’s being said about this legislation is inaccurate," Dempsey said. "This bill includes safeguards and limitations, with strict state oversight. This is not a government mandate - no one is required to use it. It simply gives families a choice that currently doesn’t exist in Oklahoma." This legislation works within existing law that already prohibits this organic material from being used in agriculture, food production or commercial distribution of any kind. Those restrictions in the Consumer Protection Division of the Oklahoma Fertilizer Act are governed by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry under Title 2, Sections 8-77. This provides an additional layer of legal protection ensuring the material cannot enter Oklahoma’s food ecosystem. It also aligns with existing regulations established by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the Oklahoma Funeral Board, which, under state law, are responsible for licensing and regulating the process. "There is no pathway legally or practically for this material to enter Oklahoma’s food supply or agricultural system," Dempsey said. "The protections are layered, they are explicit and they will be enforced. Families can have complete confidence in that. Anything said to the contrary is a lie meant to stir up Oklahomans for political gain." Dempsey says the bill is a straightforward approach to protect personal choice, uphold public health and make sure it is done the right way. "It ensures the process operates under clear, enforceable standards and accountability," Dempsey said. "The body is placed in a controlled environment, monitored throughout and tested at completion to ensure it is free of harmful pathogens before being returned to the family. Loved ones are allowed to keep the soil to spread the same way they might spread the ashes of someone who has been cremated." HB3660 is now eligible to be heard in the Senate.