Speaker Kyle Hilbert

Hi, I’m Kyle Hilbert and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 29th District.


representative

Leadership

Speaker Pro Tempore

59th Legislature

Speaker Pro Tempore

58th Legislature

Speaker of the House

60th Legislature

News & Announcements


Feb 13, 2025
Recent Posts

"Bell to Bell, No Cell" Legislation First Bill Off House Floor

The House passed its first bill of the 60th legislative session today prohibiting the use of cell phones by students during the school day. The bill would require Oklahoma school boards to adopt policies prohibiting cell phone use on campus before the start of the next school year. Personal electronic devices, including smartwatches, are also included under the measure. Chairman of the House Appropriations Education Subcommittee Chad Caldwell authored  House Bill 1276  to eliminate distractions in the classroom and improve student academic outcomes. "The research is clear – cell phone use among young students is not only bad for their mental health, but also hurts academic outcomes," said Caldwell, R-Enid. "To pass legislation this meaningful this early in session with overwhelming bipartisan support is a testament to how important this issue is. Our kids and teachers deserve a phone-free environment at school and we are well on our way to making that a reality." The legislation requires that any policy prohibiting cell phone use must also include a provision for emergency use, including items used for medical issues. The bill also leaves it up to the local district how it chooses to implement the cell phone ban. "This bill protects local control while also allowing kids to be kids and teachers to teach when at school," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "I am proud that our caucus identified this as a priority before session and moved quickly to make this happen." Under HB1276, school boards could choose to allow student cell phone use but the policy must be approved annually. The bill passed the House floor with a vote of 82-9 and will now move to the Senate for further consideration. 



Feb 12, 2025
Recent Posts

House Budget Committee Passes Rulemaking Reform

The Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budget Committee today approved legislation that would reform the state’s administrative rulemaking process—the system through which state agencies draft regulations to implement laws passed by the Legislature. House Bill 2728 , authored by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, would establish the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025, modeled after similar federal legislation. "This is a crucial first step toward increasing transparency and oversight over an unelected bureaucracy that has incredible influence on how laws are implemented," said Kendrix, R-Altus. "These rules carry the force of law and largely take effect by default, which does not always serve the Oklahoma taxpayers well. This bill will ensure those elected by Oklahomans have greater oversight of the regulations impacting our state." If HB2728 is enacted, all proposed rules would be submitted with an economic impact statement, while proposed rules with a projected fiscal impact of at least $1 million over the first five years would require separate proactive legislative approval. The bill would also establish the Legislative Economic Analysis Unit (LEAU) within the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) to provide independent reviews of agencies' economic impact statements to ensure accuracy and completeness. This is modeled after many states that have put in place this third-party evaluation system for administrative rules, which has saved millions in cutting excess red tape and ensuring legislative intent is followed. "This simplifies the rulemaking process and ensures agency rules are given a third party thorough review before going into effect," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. HB2728 passed the House A&B Committee unanimously and will next be heard on the House floor. 



Feb 10, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes "Bell to Bell, No Cell" Legislation Through First Oversight Committee

The House Education Oversight Committee today passed legislation that prohibits the use of cell phones by students during the school day. The legislation is the first bill to be heard and considered in the House's new two-tiered committee structure and is expected to be heard on the floor later this week. Chairman of the House Appropriations Education Subcommittee Chad Caldwell authored  House Bill 1276  to eliminate distractions in the classroom and improve student academic outcomes. The bill would require Oklahoma school boards to adopt policies prohibiting cell phone use on campus before the start of the next school year. Personal electronic devices, including smartwatches, are also included under the measure. "We have all seen the data and research showing the alarming effects of cell phone use among young students, and we have to take a stand against something we know is harming our kids' academic outcomes and mental health," said Caldwell, R-Enid. "I am thankful for the support of my caucus to make this a top priority this session, as evidenced by the speed at which we are hearing this legislation. Our kids and teachers deserve a phone-free environment at school." The legislation requires that any policy prohibiting cell phone use must also include a provision for emergency use, including items used for medical issues. The bill also leave it up to the local district how it chooses to implement the cell phone ban. "What makes sense for my high school that graduated 33 students in Depew Oklahoma is not what likely will make sense for Oklahoma City Public Schools," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "This bill protects local control while also allowing kids to be kids and teachers to teach when at school. The House, Senate and Governor are all aligned that this is a priority and we are moving forward quickly to give districts time to communicate with parents and students ahead of this change next school year." Under HB1276, school boards could choose to allow student cell phone use but the policy must be approved annually. The bill unanimously passed the House Education Oversight Committee 9-0 and will next be considered on the full House floor.