Representative Mike Dobrinski

R

District 59

Hi, I'm Mike Dobrinski and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 59th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

May 5, 2026
Recent Posts

Dobrinski Passes Bill Prohibiting Solar, Battery Tax Exemptions

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House on Monday passed a bill that would prohibit solar generation facilities and battery energy storage systems (BESS) from qualifying for the five-year manufacturer ad valorem tax exemption beginning in January 2028. Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, is the House author of Senate Bill 237 . "Huge international energy developers do not need to be subsidized by Oklahoma tax dollars," Dobrinski said. "Oklahoma has 30 more days of sunshine than the average U.S. state. Our land prices, even with recent significant hikes, are still some of the lowest in the nation. We've removed similar exemptions for wind energy and data centers. It's past time for Oklahoma to treat solar and battery storage the same." Dobrinski explained this tax exemption was eliminated for wind in 2015 with Senate Bill 498 . In 2021, the Legislature recognized data centers were costing the state $46 million annually through the exemption, he said. Their eligibility was removed with Senate Bill 609 . "As lawmakers, we have the authority to add or remove categories of qualifying manufacturers through statute when these exemptions are no longer needed to promote investment in various industries," he said.  Dobrinski said most in the state embrace an all-of the-above approach to energy, and the state enjoys some of the lowest costs for power because of it. "Oklahoma is a net exporter of energy because of our abundance. Each new energy project should be based on the market opportunity and the return on investment," he said. Dobrinski pointed to a recent project in his House district as a reason the bill is needed. In March, NextEra Energy applied to the Oklahoma Tax Commission for a manufacturing exemption of ad valorem taxes for the $655 million Skeleton Creek 250Mw solar/200Mw BESS project in Garfield County. "Located in the geographic center of our country with low costs and low regulation, Oklahoma already makes sense for investments like these. We do not need to be paying property taxes or infrastructure costs on top our already favorable business climate and our natural resources." The Five?Year Ad Valorem Exemption for Manufacturers applies to real and personal property used in the manufacturing of a product, as well as property used in research and development activities. Because electric power generation is considered manufacturing, as it converts raw materials (fuel, wind, water) into electricity, the wind and solar industry have been able to claim the exemption. Applications are filed with the county assessor where the facility is located. If approved, the state reimburses the county for the exempted property tax for up to five years. Since the program began, more than $2 billion in property taxes have been exempted through this mechanism. The bill was amended in the House, so it will return to the Senate for final passage before moving to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. 

Apr 24, 2026
Recent Posts

Enid Area Lawmakers Comment on Tornado Damage

OKLAHOMA CITY – State lawmakers who represent the Enid area this morning issued the following statement after a powerful tornado struck Enid and Vance Air Force Base. Reports show at least 10 injured and homes destroyed in a neighborhood on the south side of Enid. Reps. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, and John Pfeiffer, R-Orlanda, all represent a portion of Enid or the surrounding area.  "We are praying for those affected and thankful there are no casualties, according to early reports," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. "We know, however, that the loss of a home or damage to a business can be life-altering. We also know that Oklahomans will rise to help their neighbors and there will be support in the days, weeks and months ahead as recovery takes place. We're thankful to all of our courageous first responders and to city, county and state personnel who worked tirelessly overnight to account for everyone. We're grateful, as well, to our amazing meteorologists who issued early warnings and alerts and who stay on the air through these storms to keep Oklahomans safe and informed. Their actions likely saved countless lives."  The lawmakers said there are reports of damage to Vance Air Force Base, including to perimeter structures and downed electrical lines, which is causing a loss of water supply. OG&E crews worked after the storm to restore service. The Grey Ridge Estate, directly east of the base and across U.S. Highway 81 was largely destroyed. Local emergency medical personnel searched and recovered all residents, and injuries were not serious, according to reports. The hope is for residents to be allowed back into the area today to begin to recover personal property. The representatives also report that linemen were out as soon as possible after the tornado to begin to restore service and minimize additional loss. It is reported the governor will tour the damaged area this afternoon along with city and county officials.

Mar 25, 2026
Recent Posts

Expanded Vision Screening Measure Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today passed a measure in the House that would create a two-year pilot program to expand vision screening for early childcare students. The program created by House Bill 3016 would provide additional convergence screening for students in Kindergarten through third grade in the first 30 days of the school year. The measure also would create a binocular screening revolving fund. "As we focus and emphasize our need for improved literacy across our state," Dobrinski said, "we know that many factors affect a child's ability to learn, and vision is a critical one." Dobrinski said this bill is rooted in personal experience from his own family going back about 25 years. Dobrinski explained that one of his sons was identified by his first-grade teachers as struggling. The teacher encouraged further vision testing. "Having that additional test identified a diagnosis of convergence insufficiency," Dobrinski said. "Once he received treatment, the improvement in his learning was immediate and significant. Witnessing this firsthand, showed me how standard vision screening in our public schools does not always detect issues that can lead to learning challenges. It's my hope this legislation will help more children like my son." The pilot program created by the measure would be administered by the State Department of Education and the State Department of Health. Screenings would be performed by trained professionals. The measure passed the House and now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, a former public school teacher.