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

May 15, 2026
Recent Posts

Permanent Forestry Equipment Tax Exemption Becomes Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill making a sales tax exemption for commercial forestry equipment permanent has been signed into law. House Bill 3661 , authored by Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, and Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, removes the January 2027 sunset date on the sales tax exemption for commercial forestry service equipment used by logging, timber and tree farming businesses. Dempsey said the measure will continue supporting one of southeast Oklahoma’s longstanding industries and help forestry businesses reinvest in their operations. "Forestry is an important part of the economy in my district, southeast Oklahoma and across many rural communities in our state," Dempsey said. "Making this exemption permanent gives businesses certainty and helps keep operating costs manageable so they can continue investing in equipment and the future of the industry." By removing the sunset date, qualifying equipment will continue to include forwarders, fellers, bunchers, skidders, hydraulic excavators, delimbers, soil compactors and skid steer loaders used in commercial forestry operations. HB3661 takes effect Nov. 1.

May 7, 2026
Recent Posts

House Sends Burial Freedom Bill to Governor's Desk

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure that would give Oklahoma families an additional end-of-life option while ensuring the process is governed by strong commonsense safeguards is now headed to the governor's desk for final approval. House Bill 3660 , authored by Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, 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 compassion, dignity and respecting the wishes of Oklahoma families during some of the hardest moments of their lives," Dempsey said in a statement. "Families deserve the freedom to choose how they honor and lay their loved ones to rest without unnecessary government interference. At the same time, this legislation puts clear standards in place so these services are handled safely, professionally and with the respect every family deserves." Several House members debated in favor of the bill and addressed what Rep. Jonathan Wilk, R-Goldsby, described as misinformation. "Last time it was presented to this body, we heard a lot of lies, to be honest with you," Wilk said. "Lies that it had to do with humanure. That's absolutely not true. It's nowhere in that bill. Lies that it had to do with using human remains as fertilizer. That's a point-blank lie. None of that is true. There's two things that the government should stay out of: it's coming into this world and leaving this world." In his closing debate, Dempsey reiterated that the bill provides freedom to Oklahomans looking for additional end-of-life options. "All this started with is a bald-faced lie," Dempsey argued. "This is just another option for us for our families if you want it. Nobody is forcing you to do this. I've heard that funeral homes don't want to buy the equipment. Nobody's forcing the funeral homes buy the equipment. But this is the option for us, for our citizens, for equal rights. Give it back to us." HB3660 passed 58-35 and now heads to the governor's desk for final approval.

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.