Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

Legislation updating regulations of Oklahoma's public pools and spas for the first time since the 1970s has been approved by the governor. Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, was contacted by two constituents who own an apartment building in Ardmore after they faced numerous barriers of red tape while renovating the building's public pool last summer. She proposed House Bill 4035 to eliminate those outdated regulations. "Tourism is the third largest entity in Oklahoma, and House Bill 4035 will allow for more streamlined updates to Oklahoma's public pools and resorts all over the state," said Townley, who chairs the House Tourism Committee. "All of Oklahoma deserves to have beautiful resorts and parks that attract their visitors to stay and enjoy with their families. I'm glad this measure has been signed quickly to help the process become less burdensome." "We spent the months between February and August 2024 attempting to get the Oklahoma State Department of Health to issue a permit to build the replacement pool," the constituent, Frank Feiock, said. "In desperation, we contacted Representative Tammy Townley of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Tammy made a few calls to the appropriate officials and got the pool permit process moving again. Not only that, Tammy introduced new legislation to update the pool permit process." Under HB4035, the State Dept. of Health will oversee the regulations of public pools and spas, but exemptions exist for pools in private residences or managed by a Homeowner's Association. The State Commissioner of Health can establish safety rules, fees and penalties for non-compliance. Construction permits and operation licenses cost $50.00 for municipalities with a population of 5,000 or less. Public pool owners must use designated forms for permits, adhere to safety codes, possess an annual license, and allow inspections. HB4035 was authored in the Senate by Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow. "This legislation updates outdated and burdensome language which allows the Oklahoma Department of Health to properly regulate public pools without unnecessary red tape," Haste said. HB4035 was signed into law April 22 and takes effect Nov. 1.

Legislation removing the requirement for businesses to check IDs before serving alcohol has been signed into law by the governor. Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, authored House Bill 3571 to allow businesses to use their discretion on whether or not to check IDs while ensuring businesses are still held responsible if they serve alcohol to minors. “I authored House Bill 3571 after a friend of mine, who recently turned 90, was denied a beer because he didn't have his ID,” Manger said. “Odell's Law would remove the cumbersome requirement to check somebody’s ID before selling them alcohol, allowing people over the legal drinking age to purchase alcohol even if they've forgotten their ID or don’t wish to show it. HB3571 does not prohibit a company policy that requires ID verification. This is common sense legislation.” HB3571 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. “I appreciate the governor for signing this common sense legislation that allows businesses to use their discretion regarding ID checks while maintaining responsibility for preventing underage alcohol sales," Weaver said. "This bill not only streamlines operations but also ensures that Oklahomans who are clearly of legal drinking age are not unnecessarily inconvenienced. It was a pleasure to work with Representative Manger on this practical policy that reflects our state’s pro-business values for citizens and establishments alike." Odell's Law will take effect on November 1. 

The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved a concurrent resolution Thursday recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Senate Concurrent Resolution 23, which was carried in the House by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, recognizes the economic and cultural impact of the nearly 3% of Oklahomans have Asian or Pacific Islander heritage. "As the child of Korean immigrants, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month resonates deeply as an opportunity to honor our shared heritage and the challenges Asian people continue to face," Pae said. "In recognizing AAPI Heritage Month, we honor the histories, resilience, and contributions of Asian Americans that have enriched our state and nation." "As the first Asian American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature, I am proud to be a co-author of this resolution celebrating AAPI-owned businesses, history, and culture all throughout the month of May," said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. "As a little girl growing up in Oklahoma, I needed to see someone like me doing what I am doing, so it is important to me that we acknowledge and elevate the impact the Asian American community has on Oklahoma and across the United States. I am grateful to my legislative colleagues who join us in honoring our heritage and culture." "I’m honored to work with my AAPI Caucus colleagues on this resolution recognizing the importance of AAPI individuals,” said Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City. “It emphasizes the need to have diverse voices at the table and promotes better understanding of cultures and their impact on Oklahoma. I encourage those who can, to take advantage of events that take place this month to further appreciation, understanding, and celebration of AAPI people.” AAPI Heritage Month is celebrated in May to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in May 1843. SCR23 was authored in the Senate by Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City.  “The immigrants who have created Asian/Pacific American communities here in Oklahoma City and throughout the state, some of whom arrived generations ago, others more recently, have made Oklahoma a more culturally interesting and economically vibrant place for all our citizens,” Floyd said. “We’re grateful for their presence, engagement and contributions to Oklahoma.” Having been adopted by both the House and Senate, SCR23 will be filed with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.