Representative Neil Hays

R

District 13

Hi, I'm Neil Hays and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 13th District.

representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Jun 26, 2025
Recent Posts

Hays Renews Push for Bill to Remove Harmful Food Dyes

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neils Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and environmental toxins. He also reaffirmed his commitment to House Bill 1264 , legislation he authored to address those same food dye concerns. “These artificial dyes don’t add value to food and have been tied to behavioral and health concerns in children,” Hays said. “I introduced House Bill 1264 because parents deserve to know their kids' food is safe. I’m proud to stand with President Trump and now our state in taking this issue seriously.” During the 2025 legislative session, Hays authored HB1264, which would prohibit the use of several synthetic food dyes, including Red Dye 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1, commonly found in products marketed to children and linked to potential neurobehavioral effects. “The MOHA initiative lays the groundwork for lasting change,” Hays said. “I look forward to continuing this work next session to ensure Oklahoma families have access to healthier, safer food options.” The governor's executive order, part of a national campaign backed by President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr., directs the Oklahoma State Department of Health to review the safety of artificial food coloring, including Red Dye 40. It also establishes the MOHA Initiative and MOHA Advisory Council. Although HB1264 did not receive a vote this session, it remains eligible for consideration next year in the Second Session of the Oklahoma 60th Legislature. Hays encourages anyone concerned about food dyes to contact their legislators and ask them to sign on as co-authors in support of the bill.

Apr 24, 2024
Recent Posts

Oklahoma Senate Approves House Bill 1805

The Oklahoma Senate passed House Bill 1805 on Tuesday, a measure that will affect the retirement benefits of licensed emergency medical personnel employed by the state. The measure, authored by Rep. Neil Hays, designates licensed emergency medical personnel hired on or after November 1, 2023, as hazardous duty members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). "Emergency medical personnel are designated hazardous duty members of the retirement system under this legislation," Hays said. "The goal is to support emergency workers, ensuring they receive enhanced retirement benefits and increased contributions, which more accurately aligns with the hazardous nature of their occupation." Qualifying emergency medical personnel includes emergency medical responders, technicians and paramedics working for a participating OPERS employer. Under HB1805, hazardous duty members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) receive increased retirement and pension benefits than non-hazardous duty employees. Specifically, employees contribute 8% of their compensation toward their retirement benefits, while employers contribute at a higher rate of 16.5%. After completing 20 years of service, members can receive full, unreduced retirement benefits. Retirement benefits are calculated using a multiplier of 2.5% per year for the first 20 years of service and a 2% per year multiplier for service exceeding 20 years. Sen. Murdock, R-Felt, carried the measure in the Senate, which passed 41 – 0. It now moves to the Governor's desk for consideration.

Apr 17, 2024
Recent Posts

Hays Passes Bill Allowing Responsible Beverage Sampling for Licensed Employees

Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, secured passage of a bill that would allow employees at establishments that sell wine, beer, and liquor to sample the products if they are over 21. Senate Bill 2001 defines "Straw Testing" as allowing licensed employees aged 21 or older to evaluate beverage quality responsibly through minimal alcohol consumption. It would also lower the registration fee for brand-label spirits from $375 to $75 for those producing less than 53 gallons a year. "Restaurants were told they had been misinterpreting the law," Hays said. "As it stands, Oklahoma law does not allow servers to take a straw test sample of the drinks they are about to serve customers. The goal here is to clarify that language and allow these businesses to provide the level of service their customers have come to expect."  Hays emphasized that SB2001 has defined regulations, such as on-premises sampling under licensee supervision, and emphasizes that alcohol tasting is voluntary, not obligatory, for employees. Several lawmakers and industry stakeholders worked together to develop SB2001, which modernizes alcohol regulations and supports industry growth, Hays said. SB2001 passed the House 69 – 20.