Representative Toni Hasenbeck

R

District 65

Hi, I'm Toni Hasenbeck and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 65th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Deputy Leader

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 30, 2026
Recent Posts

Bill Restoring Literacy Requirement for Driver Licenses Passes House

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at strengthening literacy among young drivers by restoring an eighth-grade reading requirement for minors seeking a driver license. House Bill 4153 , authored by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, would require applicants under the age of 18 to demonstrate an eighth-grade reading level before receiving a driver license or permit. The requirement would generally be met by passing the statewide reading assessment, with alternative documentation available for certain students, including those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The bill reinstates a requirement that had been in place in Oklahoma for decades before being removed in 2022. Hasenbeck, a former teacher, said the policy provides an incentive for students to improve reading proficiency while reinforcing the importance of education. "Learning to drive is an important milestone for young people, and it can also be a powerful motivator," Hasenbeck said. "By restoring this literacy requirement, we’re encouraging students to take reading seriously and ensuring they have the basic skills they need to navigate both the classroom and the real world safely." HB4153 also includes provisions for alternative testing methods and documentation of reading proficiency, as well as additional requirements related to school enrollment or lawful exemptions for minors seeking a license. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Mar 30, 2026
Recent Posts

House Passes Bill Protecting Voluntary Prayer in Public Schools

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved legislation by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, aimed at protecting voluntary religious expression in public schools. House Bill 3240 requires school districts and charter schools to adopt policies allowing students and school employees the opportunity to participate in a voluntary period of prayer or reading of religious texts during the school day. Participation would be entirely voluntary and would require written consent from a parent or guardian for students. Hasenbeck filed the bill to provide clarity for school districts who may fear litigation following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court case Kennedy v. Bremerton School District . She said the legislation is intended to provide school districts with a clear and constitutional framework for accommodating voluntary prayer or religious text reading. "Students and school employees should never feel like they have to hide their faith or worry about whether voluntary religious expression is allowed," Hasenbeck said. "House Bill 3240 provides clear guidance so schools can respect the religious freedom of students and educators while also respecting the rights of those who choose not to participate." The bill specifies that the period may not replace instructional time or involve prayer or readings broadcast over school public address systems. It also allows the designated period to take place before the start of the regular school day or in classrooms where all participants have submitted a consent form. The House approved the measure 61-30. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where it's authored by Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson.

Feb 19, 2026
Recent Posts

Protection of Voluntary Prayer in Public Schools Passed by Subcommittee

Legislation aimed at safeguarding voluntary religious expression in Oklahoma public schools moved forward Wednesday as House Bill 3240 cleared the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Education. Authored by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, HB3240 would require school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy providing students and school employees the opportunity to participate in a voluntary period of prayer or reading of religious texts during noninstructional time. Hasenbeck said she filed the bill to provide clarity for school districts who may fear litigation following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court case Kennedy v. Bremerton School District . "House Bill 3240 ensures that students and school employees who wish to voluntarily express their faith have the opportunity to do so," said Hasenbeck, a former educator. "This legislation is structured carefully to create a clear, constitutional framework for our schools while protecting the rights of those who choose not to participate." Under the bill, written consent from a parent or guardian is required before participation, and consent may be revoked at any time. The legislation also prohibits prayer or readings over public address systems and ensures the designated period does not replace instructional time. HB3240 also directs the Oklahoma Attorney General to provide compliance guidance, a model consent form and legal defense for districts adopting policies in accordance with state law. If enacted, the measure would apply beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. HB3240 is now eligible for consideration by the full House Appropriations & Budget Committee.