Shaw Files Legislative Package Focused on Accountability, Local Oversight
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, has filed five bills for the 2026 legislative session focused on strengthening local decision-making, protecting taxpayers and ensuring accountability in major infrastructure and community development. “These bills reflect clear promises I made to my constituents, and I am committed to delivering real progress on them this session,” Shaw said. “Oklahomans are tired of being sidelined while decisions are made that affect their land, their utilities and their tax dollars. This package puts control back where it belongs – with local communities and taxpayers, rather than politicians, unelected bureaucrats and special interest lobbyists who have their own agenda and essentially complete control over our state.” House Bill 3723 would require county commissioner approval and, in certain cases, a vote of the people before large-scale green energy projects can be sited. "The measure reinforces local control and ensures residents have a say before projects move forward in their communities," Shaw said. House Bill 3724 would address high-demand facilities by prohibiting taxpayer-funded subsidies and preventing costs from being passed on to other ratepayers. The bill would require these facilities to fully fund their own electric infrastructure upgrades, comply with strict water-use limitations, submit decommissioning plans and adhere to local ordinances. It also gives counties and municipalities the authority to prohibit such facilities and allows citizens to pursue initiative and referendum petitions to place the issue before voters. House Bill 3725 would strengthen workforce integrity by requiring employers to use E-Verify for new hires. The bill would direct the Oklahoma Department of Labor to create a centralized online portal for compliance instructions and reporting, while establishing penalties for violations and protections for employers acting in good faith. House Bill 3726 focuses on financial transparency and accountability at the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. It would end the practice of cross-pledging toll revenues between projects. The measure would ensure each turnpike project stands on its own financially while honoring existing bond obligations. House Bill 3727 would prohibit political subdivisions from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay associations that employ lobbyists. The bill also would establish a six-year cooling-off period before former legislators could register as lobbyists or renew existing registrations. Shaw said this would reinforce public trust and reduce the influence of taxpayer-funded lobbying. Shaw encourages constituents to reach out to their legislators in support of these bills. All bills are eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.