Representative Preston Stinson

R

District 96

Hi, I’m Preston Stinson and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 96th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

May 21, 2025
Recent Posts

Stinson, Howard comment on Governor’s Veto of Bill to Protect Rural Health Care

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, and Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, today commented on the governor’s veto of House Bill 2048 . The bill would prohibit drug manufacturers and distributors from arbitrarily limiting the number of pharmacies with which 340B hospitals and health care providers can contract, a practice that makes it nearly impossible for all qualified patients to be covered under this federal program. 340B providers are rural, nonprofit and critical-access hospitals and health centers that serve a high number of uninsured and low-income patients. Stinson and Howard issued the following joint statement: “Today, rural Oklahoma lost to Big Pharma. Out-of-state and foreign drug companies and the dark money interests working for them successfully derailed the most important legislation introduced this year to help the health care providers who serve our most vulnerable communities. By lobbying for a veto of House Bill 2048, these deep-pocketed interest groups effectively undermined protections for essential medical services, including cancer treatments and obstetrical care, across our state. “These groups spread blatant lies and misinformation to attack us and our fellow conservatives in the Legislature. They claimed we support illegal immigration and gender transition surgeries for minors, when nothing could be further from the truth. This same supermajority GOP Legislature banned such procedures in 2023. “The Oklahoma Legislature overwhelmingly passed House Bill 2048 to give rural Oklahomans a fighting chance against the $7 trillion drug industry that prioritizes profits over people. We ask our colleagues in the House and Senate to join us in urging leadership in both chambers to override this veto so Oklahomans across the state, from Boise City to Edmond to Burns Flat and everywhere in between, do not lose access to life-saving health care. We introduced this bill to stand with Oklahoma patients, local pharmacists, and frontline providers while Big Pharma rakes in record profits and fights President Trump’s mission to lower prescription drug costs for all Americans. “While we agree with the Governor that broader reforms are needed to fix the federal 340B program, Oklahomans can’t afford to wait while the Washington bureaucracy drags its feet. This Legislature will not be intimidated by Big Pharma’s shady tactics and smear campaigns. It’s time to override this veto to protect our local providers and reject the profit-driven motives of out-of-state pharmaceutical companies.”

May 20, 2025
Recent Posts

Governor Allows Emerson Kate Cole Act to Become Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aimed at improving emergency response to severe allergic reactions in schools has now become law in Oklahoma and will take effect later this summer. House Bill 2047 , authored by Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond and also known as the Emerson Kate Cole Act, requires public schools to call 911 immediately when epinephrine is administered to a student and mandates annual training for school staff on recognizing anaphylaxis, understanding food allergies and properly using epinephrine. “Parents deserve to know that if their child experiences a severe allergic reaction at school, the adults around them will know what to do and act quickly,” Stinson said. “This law is a step forward in protecting Oklahoma students and honoring Emerson’s memory.” The bill passed both chambers of the Legislature with broad bipartisan support, including a 92-0 vote in the House and a 45-0 in the Senate. It becomes law after the governor took no action within the constitutionally required timeframe, allowing it to take effect without his signature. “I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for standing behind this bill and for recognizing how important it is to act quickly in emergencies,” Stinson said. “Every school should be equipped and ready to respond to an allergic emergency.” The legislation was prompted by the death of Emerson Kate Cole, a ten-year-old student from Amarillo, TX, who experienced food allergy-related anaphylaxis on Jan. 17, 2023, but did not receive epinephrine. She passed away two days later. Her death sparked a push for stronger protocols to ensure timely emergency responses in schools. HB2047 allows trained school staff to administer epinephrine to any student believed to be having a severe allergic reaction, even without a prior diagnosis. It also requires schools to maintain clear emergency procedures and provide yearly training to personnel. “At the end of the day, this is about making sure there is no delay when a child’s life is on the line,” Stinson said. “Every school should be equipped and ready to respond to an allergic emergency.”

Mar 26, 2025
Recent Posts

Senate to Consider Bill Enhancing School Allergy Protocols

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aimed at improving emergency response to severe allergic reactions in schools is moving forward in the Oklahoma Legislature. House Bill 2047 , authored by Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, would require schools to call 911 as soon as possible when epinephrine is administered to a student. The measure also mandates annual training for teachers and staff on food allergies, recognizing anaphylaxis, and properly administering epinephrine. The legislation, also known as the Emerson Kate Cole Act, is named in honor of a young girl who suffered a fatal allergic reaction at school in January 2023. Emerson Cole experienced anaphylaxis on January 17 of that year, but epinephrine was not administered. She passed away two days later. Her story has since become a call to action for stronger policies ensuring that life-saving measures are taken promptly in schools. “This bill is about making sure that when a child has a severe allergic reaction, there is no hesitation in responding,” Stinson said. “Food allergies affect millions of children nationwide, by ensuring schools have clear protocols and that staff are properly trained, we can help prevent tragedies and keep students safe." Under HB 2047, school employees could administer epinephrine for a suspected anaphylactic reaction, preventing delays in critical care for life-threatening allergies. The legislation ensures school personnel receive the training and tools needed to respond effectively in emergencies, potentially saving lives. HB2047 would standardize emergency procedures for anaphylaxis to help ensure a consistent response to allergic reactions, which can impact children nationwide. A similar bill was introduced last year as House Bill 3034 but did not make it to the Senate floor for a vote. Stinson is determined to push the measure forward this year, emphasizing the importance of protecting students who may suffer from severe allergic reactions while at school. “This bill is about giving parents peace of mind,” Stinson added. “No parent should have to worry whether their child will receive life-saving care in an emergency. With proper training and swift action, we can make Oklahoma schools safer for every student.” HB2047 passed the House floor with a unanimous vote of 92-0 and now advances to the Senate for further consideration.