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 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.

Mar 27, 2026
Recent Posts

House Unanimously Approves Legislation to Cut ID Theft

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, this week unanimously passed legislation in the House that targets the growing national crisis of identity theft. Bashore said House Bill 3244 expands the definition and pattern of these crimes to better encapsulate fraud techniques used by criminals. It would close a loophole where criminals exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and minors. Third, it would greatly enhance Oklahoma identity theft laws by expanding the scope of which items or modes are utilized by criminals. "Identity thieves are ruthless in their pursuit of stealing our personal information and using it to rob us of our assets," Bashore said. "This is a huge issue occurring globally, nationally, and unfortunately right here in Oklahoma. We must make sure the law is stronger than the criminal intent. This bill is thorough, listing almost every kind of identity theft we can think of and matching penalties to fit these crimes." Bashore said he received support for the bill from the Oklahoma Bankers Association, law enforcement agencies statewide and the AARP Oklahoma, among others 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 also 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. The cost of identity theft is large, Bashore said. "It can cost victims thousands of dollars financially if it doesn't completely wipe out their assets. It can damage credit and create legal complications, and it can create enormous emotional distress. One's identity, after all, is unique and personal, the very core of who they are. It's time we hold better accountable and appropriately punish those who commit this type of crime." HB3244 passed the House on a vote of 92-0. It's been referred for engrossment to the State Senate where it is authored by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. Hall is chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Bashore is Deputy Majority Floor Leader for the House. 

Mar 26, 2026
Recent Posts

School Abuse Reporting Update Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, this week secured House passage of a bill that would strengthen mandatory child abuse reporting requirements in schools. This measure would require that any allegation of abuse or neglect by a private or public school employee be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours.   House Bill 2959  would require that law enforcement be notified prior to any formal investigation by the school or school board or the questioning of the subject of the accusation. Bashore said this is to ensure that trained individuals are aware of the misconduct and able to properly investigate the situation.   “We want to assure students that when they report an instance of abuse, allegations will be thoroughly investigated," Bashore said. "Our response to these reports needs to be immediate and thorough. It is our job to prioritize and protect our students from child predators. We take this responsibility seriously.”  HB2959 specifies that law enforcement must be notified and have the opportunity to interview the involved parties first, unless law enforcement determines an immediate school response is necessary to protect student safety. It 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. Bashore said the measure would not limit the ultimate action or decision-making power of school authorities. It only would require that law enforcement be involved in their current process, so that allegations can be properly investigated. This measure passed the House unanimously March 24. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where it is authored by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond.