Representative Steve Bashore

R

District 7

Hi, I'm Steve Bashore and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 7th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Deputy Floor Leader

59th Legislature

Majority Deputy Floor Leader

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

May 15, 2026
Recent Posts

Expedited School Abuse Reporting Becomes Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill requiring allegations of abuse or neglect by a school employee to be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours has been signed into law by the governor. Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of House Bill 2959 . The measure would require independent law enforcement to be notified prior of any formal investigation by the school or school board or the questioning of the subject of the accusation. "Our most important priority is to protect our youth," Bashore said. "This legislation will ensure that law enforcement is made immediately aware of any allegation of misconduct so they can properly investigate the situation. This will keep students and the larger community safe from any potential abusers." Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, is the Senate author of the legislation. “Children's safety is always my top priority,” Thompson said. “That’s why this new law strengthens reporting requirements and accountability whenever abuse or neglect is alleged at a school. Quickly notifying law enforcement when serious accusations are made against a school employee can help protect other students and prevent additional trauma.” HB2959 specifies the reporting must be done by any superintendent or school administrator of a private or public school district who has reason to believe, or receives an allegation or disclosure, that a school employee is involved in the abuse or neglect of a student. The law enforcement agency to whom they report must be independent of the school district. The only exception would be if law enforcement determines an immediate school response is necessary to protect student safety. If a school resource officer is utilized, the officer must submit a detailed written report to the investigating independent law enforcement agency. The law also would not relieve any person of the duty to report to law enforcement because of the resignation, termination, transfer or other separation from employment of the subject of the allegation. Every school employee must annually sign an attestation acknowledging his or her responsibility to report suspected child abuse or neglect pursuant to the new law. Failure to sign does not relieve school personnel from the obligations created in the act. Bashore said schools still will be able to conduct their own internal investigations and determine best policies, but this is a necessary step to ensure student safety. HB2959 passed with an emergency clause, meaning it is immediately in effect. 

May 15, 2026
Recent Posts

Gov. Signs Overdose Notification, Fentanyl Reporting

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that requires first responders to notify law enforcement when treating a drug overdose has been signed into law by the governor. Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of House Bill 2941 . The bill requires first responders to notify law enforcement as soon as practicable after attending to the medical needs of the person they are treating when a drug overdose is suspected. Legal immunity will be granted to those who make the notification in good faith. "The hope is that by bringing first responders, health care workers and law enforcement together we can save lives, better educate our population, design prevention strategies and target resources to communities that need them most," Bashore said. The measure also establishes that in cases of fatal overdoses involving fentanyl, that will be the presumed cause of death. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports fentanyl was involved in 86% of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, compared to approximately 10-20% annually prior to 2020.  "Fentanyl is a growing problem in our state and in the nation," Bashore said. "Having better data on the spread of fentanyl in our state will help us better track where help is needed most." The new law becomes effective Nov. 1.

May 12, 2026
Recent Posts

Enhanced Punishments for Retail, Identity Theft Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that strengthens punishments for organized retail crime and identity theft and closes loopholes to protect the vulnerable has been signed into law. Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of House Bill 3244 ,which expands the definition and pattern of these crimes to better encapsulate fraud techniques used by criminals. It closes a loophole where criminals exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and minors. Third, it greatly enhances Oklahoma identity theft laws by expanding the scope of which items or modes are utilized by criminals. "Retail, identity theft and overall fraud cases are a growing crisis here in Oklahoma and the nation," Bashore said. "These thieves are creative and ruthless when it comes to stealing personal information and using it to defraud citizens of their assets. They also often prey upon the vulnerable to get their participation in their crimes. This law will enhance punishment for these criminals and give law enforcement greater tools to stop their activity." Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. Hall is the Senate author of the legislation. “As a banker, it’s deeply concerning how often I see Oklahomans fall victim to identity theft or fraud because their personal financial information was not properly secured or because they trusted the wrong person,” Hall said. “This new law sends a strong message that these crimes will not be taken lightly, especially when criminals target the elderly or other vulnerable Oklahomans.” The Oklahoma Bankers Association, law enforcement agencies statewide, the AARP Oklahoma and others supported the legislation. It is reported that fraud cases have risen sharply in recent years. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission received 3.5 million fraud reports. By 2025, that number had jumped to 6.5 million, with an estimated $12.5 billion in losses. HB3244 includes criminals operating in two or more municipalities, or when offenses are committed within and without the state or combined with online or phone fraud. The bill also adds the crime of organized retail theft, when groups work together to rob retailers. The measure clarifies and broadens punishment for the crime of using coercion, deception, enticement, intimidation, bartering, recruiting or other means to exploit someone into committing these crimes. This includes someone who has a mental illness, is vulnerable, homeless, intellectually or developmentally disabled, elderly, a user of drugs or alcohol or is a minor. Again, this adds in the pattern aspect of these crimes, making the punishment more severe for those who commit these types of crimes more than once. HB 3244 also strengthens identity theft laws by expanding the list of personal information someone can illegally possess or use with fraudulent intent to include fingerprints, PIN numbers, DNA, usernames, passwords and more. The bill strengthens penalties for repeat offenders and improves coordination between law enforcement and financial institutions investigating suspected fraud. Punishment ranges from 10 to 20 years in prison, fines of between $20,000 and $100,000, or both. The new law becomes effective Nov. 1.