Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

Legislation adding a financial literacy course to high school graduation requirements has been signed into law. House Bill 2158 was authored by Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, who said empowering students to take control of their finances starts with education. "Requiring students to master financial literacy before graduating isn't just about balancing budgets," Lowe said. "It's about laying a good foundation as they begin the next chapter of their lives by equipping them with the tools they need to navigate financial decisions thoughtfully." The measure requires students to complete 1/2 unit of personal financial literacy coursework in the 10th, 11th or 12th grade. The coursework may be integrated into an existing class or taught on its own. HB2158 outlines certain topics to be taught, including retirement planning, investing, online banking features and credit scores. "I proudly signed HB 2158 into law because students need these crucial financial literacy skills to thrive in their lives and careers," said Governor Kevin Stitt. "I’m proud of Representative Lowe for introducing this important piece of legislation, and I’m excited for the doors this opens for Oklahoma students." "Housing is a basic human right, and homeownership is a dream for many," said Bryan Hutchinson, CEO of the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®. "Putting financial literacy tools into our students' hands is key to making the next generation of homeowners a reality. This bill better prepares Oklahoma’s students to navigate the pathway to homeownership and creates the foundation for financial responsibility. The Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®? was pleased to support HB 2158, and our 14,000 members sincerely thank Representative Dick Lowe and Senator Brenda Stanley for prioritizing this legislation." HB2158 was authored in the Senate by Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City. "In addition to ensuring Oklahoma students receive a quality education, we must provide them with tools for success as they transition into adulthood," Stanley said. "It was an honor to work with Representative Lowe on this legislation that ensures young adults in our state are introduced to budgeting, investing, retirement planning, credit scores, home ownership, and other subjects related to personal finances. I appreciate the governor for signing this measure that ensures the next generation is empowered to make wise financial decisions following the completion of this graduation requirement." HB2158 will take effect July 1, 2025.

Following numerous tornadoes across the state this spring, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed two bills Tuesday to assist communities affected by recent tornadoes. House Bill 2912 and House Bill 2913 were coauthored by and presented on the House floor by Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, whose district includes the town of Barnsdall. The town suffered severe damage as a result of an EF4 tornado on May 6, which led to the deaths of two people and numerous injuries. "The outpouring of support from across the state and country has been tremendous, and I want to thank everyone who has already reached out," Strom said. "This funding represents a major step toward filling a crucial gap in hazard mitigation and restoring the communities across Oklahoma that have been or will be affected by natural disasters, and I'm glad to see strong support for these measures as they move through the process." HB2912 creates the State Assistance Dedicated for Disaster-impacted Local Economies Revolving Fund. The fund would provide advanced financial liquidity to governmental subdivisions directly impacted by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-declared emergency or disaster event. Governmental subdivisions could put the funds toward infrastructure repair, temporary housing and shelter, to fund gaps in required matching funds necessary to participate in FEMA programs, and to mitigate revenue losses. HB2913 appropriates $15 million to the State Emergency Fund and $30 million to the fund created by HB2912. Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, whose district is still grappling with the after-effects of a tornado in April 2023, expressed strong support for both bills. "Last year, I saw firsthand the incredible spirit of the Oklahoma standard as people traveled from across the state to provide support," Kerbs said. "Having resources like this funding available is crucial for meeting the minimum funding requirement for specific federal programs and assisting our affected neighbors in their rebuilding efforts." Both bills passed the House 80-0 on Tuesday and now move to the Senate for consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Kevin Stitt on Wednesday signed into law legislation that will fund the building of an arch at the Oklahoma Capitol to serve as an honorary symbol of the services performed by the Oklahoma National Guard. House Bill 4012 is authored by Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore. "This arch was part of the original design for the state Capitol, and I believe it will add to the beauty of our complex," McBride said. "In addition, it will pay tribute to the legacy of Oklahoma National Guard members and their service and protection of the citizens of our great state." McBride, who is term-limited this year after serving 12 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, said he's pleased that one of his last pieces of legislation will leave an enduring monument for Oklahomans to enjoy.  Architect Solomon Layton included drawings of the arch in early plans for the Capitol, which was completed in 1917. McBride said the arch originally was designed to stretch across Lincoln Boulevard much like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was one of the structures, like the dome, however, that was laid aside because of lack of funding at the time.  The 30-foot tall and 60-foot long scale model arch would be constructed south of the visitor's parking lot on the south of the Capitol. It would have a small amphitheater that could seat about 100 people, and the grassy area that now exists would be named Veterans Park.  HB 4012 creates a revolving fund into which state appropriations, donations, gifts and bequests by private individuals or other entities could deposit funds for the purpose of maintaining the arch. McBride said the project has been in the works since about 2014, before restoration of the Capitol began. He said he wanted to get the $250 million restoration project off the books on time and under budget before he ran this bill asking for funding for the arch. The estimated cost of the arch is $4.3 million, which would come from the Legacy Capital Financing Fund to the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority.  The Senate author of HB 4012 is Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City.