Representative Jim Olsen

R

District 2

Hi, I'm Jim Olsen and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 2nd District.


representative

News & Announcements

Jan 2, 2024
Recent Posts

Olsen Files Bill to Display Ten Commandments in Public School Classrooms

Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, has filed legislation to require the Ten Commandments be displayed in all public school classrooms. House Bill 2962, filed Friday, would require each classroom to clearly display a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments, measuring at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall, beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. The bill also outlines the specific text to be used for the display. "The Ten Commandments is one of the foundations of our nation," Olsen said. "Publicly and proudly displaying them in public school classrooms will serve as a reminder of the ethics of our state and country as students and teachers go about their day. It is my prayer that this display would inspire our young people during their formative years and encourage them to lead moral, principled lives." Olsen said the Ten Commandments was referenced by the Founding Fathers as a code of morality and was taught in public schools for hundreds of years. Early textbooks like the New England Primer, first published in 1687, and the McGuffey Readers, first published in 1836, were widely used and included teachings of the Ten Commandments. HB2962 is available to be heard after the legislative session commences on Monday, February 5. 

Oct 5, 2023
Recent Posts

STATEMENT: Olsen, Randleman Comment on Corporal Punishment Interim Study

Reps. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, and Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula, today released a statement in reaction to an interim study Thursday afternoon regarding the use of corporal punishment against students with disabilities in Oklahoma public schools. "We observed an interim study that contained much information to support the elimination of corporal punishment in Oklahoma schools, but we were disappointed to see that it was rather one-sided without an opportunity for anybody with opposing viewpoints to present." Olsen pointed to numerous passages in the Bible he said clearly endorsed corporal punishment as a part of proper child training, including Hebrews 12:11, which states, "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterword it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." "It's best to take God at His Word and do things His way," Olsen said. "When we do, things turn out much better."

Sep 27, 2023
Recent Posts

STATEMENT: Olsen Pushes for Open Carry at State Fair

Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, today release a statement following the shooting at the Oklahoma State Fair and advocating to allow Oklahomans to protect themselves by open carry. "The tragic shooting this past weekend at the Oklahoma State Fair underscored the need for law-abiding citizens to be able to exercise their Second Amendment rights at the State Fair. The whole incident illustrates that, under the liberal gun control mindset, lawless criminals will continue to carry weapons and prove a threat while law-abiding Americans are prohibited from utilizing their God-given right to protect themselves and their families. Two bills, House Bill 1021 and Senate Bill 920, were filed this past session that would have recognized Second Amendment rights at the State Fair. In a public place where lawless thugs can be a threat, trustworthy Oklahomans should have the right to be armed if they so choose. The 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen U.S. Supreme Court Ruling held that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home."