Representative Marilyn Stark

R

District 100

Hi, I’m Marilyn Stark and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 100th District.


representative

News & Announcements

May 30, 2025
Recent Posts

Service Animal Protection Bill Becomes Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1178 became law after Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, successfully led an override of the governor’s veto. The bill strengthens Oklahoma’s laws regarding service animals, ensuring greater protection for individuals with disabilities. The new law clarifies that only animals trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities qualify as service animals. It also sets penalties for people who misrepresent an animal or pet as a service animal to gain unlawful benefits. Under the law, businesses and public places that ban animals must post clear signs saying service animals are allowed. If a public place asks about a service animal, they must follow federal guidelines. People who try to pass off a non-service animal as a service animal will face misdemeanor charges. “I am proud to see this bill signed into law, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have clear and lawful access to the services they need,” Stark said. “This is a significant step toward protecting the rights of those who rely on service animals for daily support.” Senator David Bullard, R-Durant, carried the bill over in the Senate and worked alongside Rep. Stark to ensure its passage. “This law supports Oklahomans who truly need service animals and prevents local businesses from being overrun with people misrepresenting their pets,” Bullard said. “By making it a misdemeanor to falsely claim a pet is a service animal, we’re creating a deterrent that protects those with legitimate needs from discrimination, harassment and unfair treatment. I’m proud Oklahoma is finally joining 33 other states in protecting the rights of those who depend on these life-saving companions." HB1178 will take effect Nov. 1, 2025. Anyone caught misrepresenting an animal as a service animal could face a misdemeanor charge.

May 8, 2025
Recent Posts

House Recognizes National Nurses Week

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives this week recognized House Resolution 1028, which honors May 6 through May 12 as National Nurses Week. Authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, and coauthored by Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, the resolution highlights the important role nurses play in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients across the state and nation. Roe, a longtime nurse and chair of the House Public Health Committee, said she was proud to celebrate Oklahoma nurses on the House floor. “As a veteran nurse and nurse practitioner with more than 40 years of experience, I’m thrilled to celebrate our nurses this week and to honor them on the House floor,” Roe said. “They deserve that recognition and so much more. "I have seen firsthand the vital role nurses play in the health and well-being of our communities. Nurses are not only caregivers and healers, they are the foundation of our healthcare system, supporting everyone from patients in hospitals to students and staff in our schools. "With nearly 5.2 million registered nurses across the nation and more than 77,000 here in our state, their presence is felt in every corner of our lives. They bring new life into the world, mend broken bones and wounded spirits and stand beside us in our most vulnerable moments. Their work is often quiet, but their impact is immeasurable.  "To every nurse, thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices you make, for the care you give and for the strength you show. We simply couldn’t do this without you. You are true heroes.” Stark, a former nurse and vice chair of the House Public Health Committee, shared her appreciation for the care nurses show in every setting. “Before I served in the Legislature, I worked in health care, directly supporting patients and families,” Stark said. “As a former nurse, I know the long hours, the tough calls and the quiet moments that define this profession. "Nurses are at the center of patient care. They’re often the first to notice when something’s wrong and the last to leave a patient’s side. Their compassion, clinical skill and steady presence bring hope and healing in life’s most difficult moments. "This resolution is one way we can say thank you—to recognize their devotion and remind them that their work truly matters.”  House Resolution 1028 encourages Oklahomans to join in recognizing National Nurses Week and the life-saving contributions of nurses in every community.

Mar 27, 2025
Recent Posts

Stark Advances Three Bills on the House Floor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, has successfully advanced three key bills on the House floor during the 60th Legislature, addressing real estate protections, service animal regulations and Medicaid reimbursement for cognitive care. "Each of these bills is designed to address real concerns that impact Oklahomans in their daily lives," Stark said. "From protecting homeowners and title companies from unfair agreements to ensuring that service animal regulations are upheld with integrity and improving access to healthcare services, these measures are about strengthening our communities."  House Bill 1177 strengthens property rights by prohibiting unfair service agreements from being used as actual or constructive notice against real estate owners or title companies. The bill passed unanimously, 92-0.  House Bill 1178 makes it a misdemeanor for individuals to falsely present an animal as a service animal to gain privileges intended for individuals with disabilities. The measure passed with a vote of 52-28. House Bill 2268 ensures Medicaid reimbursement for cognitive assessment and care planning services, improving access to necessary healthcare support. The bill was approved with a 78-4 vote.  "I am committed to protecting Oklahomans across the board, whether in their homes, in public spaces or in critical healthcare situations," Stark said. "I appreciate my colleagues' support in advancing these important initiatives and hope to see these bills supported in the Senate as well." Each bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.