Representative Josh Cantrell

R

District 49

Hi, I’m Josh Cantrell and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 49th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Caucus Secretary

60th Legislature

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Sep 28, 2026
Recent Posts

Cantrell Named Public Official of the Year by Floodplain Managers Association

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, has been named the 2026 Public Official of the Year by the Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association (OFMA). The award is based on Cantrell's efforts to pass House Bill 1675 , the state's first statewide youth camp safety law focusing on severe weather preparedness and emergency planning. The legislation requires all youth camps and outdoor programs to conduct a site-specific hazard assessment and develop an emergency action plan by the end of the year.  "While this legislation was born out of unimaginable tragedy, I'm glad that something positive might come from it that can benefit future campers," Cantrell said. "I'm thankful to be recognized for my efforts in championing this bill, but the praise belongs to a much wider audience. Still, I thank the folks at the Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association for giving me this award. I will treasure it, and it will stand as a reminder of the souls we lost that day."  Cantrell received the award at a banquet help Sept. 22 at the Osage Casino & Resort in the Skyline Center in Tulsa. HB 1675 was inspired after the deaths of 27 girls, now known as "Heaven's 27," who lost their lives during flooding at Camp Mystic in Hunt, TX in 2025. Cantrell's legislation updates procedures for how camps are to receive emergency alerts and report to parents and local emergency management officials as well as staff training requirements.  "We want summer camp to be a fun and safe experience for all involved," Cantrell said. "This legislation should help." OFMA consists of professionals who encourage and support flood-safe development and flood mitigation through promotion of sound floodplain management practices and the natural and cultural benefits of the floodplain. They also offer education and certification to floodplain management professionals.  "Saving lives and reducing property loss from floods are our ultimate goals," association materials read.  

May 18, 2026
Recent Posts

Camp Safety Bill Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill requiring all youth camps and outdoor programs to conduct a site-specific hazard assessment and develop an emergency action plan by the end of the year has become law. Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, is the author of House Bill 1675 . "Camp should be a fun time for our kids," Cantrell said. "But in Oklahoma, we have a lot of severe weather. Making sure our camps are as prepared as they can be will help keep young campers safe and give parents and everyone else involved much more peace of mind." Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, is the Senate author of the bill. “As someone who has consistently worked on policies encouraging kids to put down their digital devices and spend more time playing outdoors, I’m proud to have been the primary Senate author of House Bill 1675," Seifried said. "Summer camps are an important rite of passage, and I want every child who goes to camp to have nothing but positive experiences. Under this new law, camp operators and staff will be better prepared for unexpected storms so kids can spend the summer making new friends and lifelong memories.”  HB 1675 requires all camp facilities, youth camps and outdoor programs to conduct a site-specific hazard assessment and develop an emergency action plan before Jan. 1, 2027. The assessments and plans then must be reviewed every three years. The emergency action plan must include response protocols for each severe weather hazard applicable to the site, evacuation routes and other items as outlined in the measure. Hazards include potential for flooding, exposure to high winds or tornadic systems, hail, lightning, extreme heat or cold, wildfires or smoke from fires and other weather-related conditions.  Additionally, the camps and programs must maintain two independent methods of receiving severe weather alerts, including one method that does not rely on cellular service. They also must have an internal communication system, procedures for notifying guardians, and be able to provide access to shelters.  Potential threats of severe weather and emergency response procedures must be disclosed to all participants. Camp staff are required to receive annual emergency procedure and hazard recognition training and conduct periodic drills. A copy of the hazard assessment and the emergency action plan must be kept on file with the applicable regulating authority. Regulating authorities are authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement these provisions and can impose corrective action plans, civil penalties, and close camp facilities, youth camps and outdoor programs for material noncompliance. Lastly, the measure requires recreational campgrounds to have an emergency action plan and procedures in place for natural disasters and severe weather events. The plan must identify site specific hazards that might require evacuation, outline evacuation routes, and include methods for issuing emergency alerts. Emergency action plans must be kept on file with the local emergency management agency and updated annually.  "We're not trying to make this too hard for our camp owners or facility operators," Cantrell said. "We're just trying to make sure our youth are safe, our parents are aware of what plans are in place, and our emergency responders have up-to-date and accurate information should the need arise." The bill becomes effective Nov. 1.

May 13, 2026
Recent Posts

Lake and Industrial Access Revolving Fund Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, today praised the governor signing into law a bill to create the Lake and Industrial Access Revolving Fund. House Bill 3882 creates a continuing fund to be used by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the purpose of providing grants through either its Lake Access or Industrial Access programs. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will be appropriated $15 million for this fund for Fiscal Year 2027, which starts July 1.  "These funds help improve infrastructure to new or existing facilities," Cantrell said. "This in turn can bring new jobs and economic development that are crucial to our entire state." Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson, is the Senate author of the legislation. “These Lake Access and Industrial Access investments will improve connectivity for residents, vacationers, and workers across Oklahoma,” Alvord said. “I’m pleased to see this legislation signed into law to enhance access to recreational areas and industrial corridors throughout our district and state.” The Lake Access Program provides direct access to public user facilities located within the immediate vicinity of lakes and other recreation areas, which are beyond the normal limits of state or local responsibility. Traditionally the access would spur off of the state highway system and would provide immediate access to a lake or recreational facility. The Industrial Access Road Program helps connect specific industry or industrial areas directly to state highways or local roads. Applications for such projects can be made by local government authorities that have jurisdiction over the roadways. Local governments also often provide a portion of the work or funding for the projects. Cantrell said such cost-sharing is important as it allows counties and cities the ability to complete projects that are beyond their ability to fully fund. "There is often no way a county, for instance, can come up with half a million dollars to reconstruct a road," Cantrell said. "But by qualifying for an access grant, they can share the cost and bring needed development in their area."