Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aimed at establishing clear guidelines for carbon capture and storage in Oklahoma has received final legislative approval and will take effect later this year. Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, co-authored Senate Bill 269 with Sen. Dave Rader to ensure the state maintains regulatory control over carbon sequestration efforts. The measure gives the Oklahoma Corporation Commission exclusive authority over Class VI CO2 injection wells and related storage units. “These companies are willing to invest millions in Oklahoma without asking for tax credits or special incentives from the state,” Luttrell said. “In return, this bill gives them regulatory certainty under Oklahoma’s authority, while also protecting landowners and ensuring long-term accountability.” SB269 was the result of collaboration between the Corporation Commission, the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and carbon capture companies. It sets requirements for CO2 storage site applications, including ownership of at least 63 percent of the land in the proposed unit, a submitted map of the affected area and notice to surface owners, mineral rights holders and owners of impacted wells. “Senate Bill 269 sets Oklahoma up to lead the nation in the fast-growing carbon capture and sequestration industry, an emerging field that is poised to spur private investment and economic growth in the state,” said Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa. “This law ensures that oversight of this emerging industry stays with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, not Washington bureaucrats, so rules and regulations addressing this developing sector reflect what’s best for all Oklahomans.” Public notice must be given through two publications, with one issued no fewer than 30 days before the Corporation Commission hearing. No injection may occur without commission authorization, and the agency is directed to issue a certificate of completion within 50 years of injection ending, assuming regulatory compliance and maintained mechanical integrity. The bill also creates the Class VI Carbon Sequestration Storage Facility Revolving Fund. Once a facility deposits $5 million or more into the fund, its fees will pause until expenditures bring the balance below $4 million. The Corporation Commission must provide electronic reports to legislative leaders evaluating the fund’s effectiveness. SB269 goes into effect Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1678 is now law after passing both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature and advancing without the governor’s signature. The bill, authored by Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, updates procedures for how tie votes are handled in Oklahoma elections.  HB1678, originally intended to mandate a runoff in the event of a tie vote, was amended in the Senate before final passage. The new law still relies on a random drawing to determine the winner in tied races but provides more structure and transparency in how those drawings are conducted. “Even though it's not exactly what we wanted in the end, it will be better for drawing up the rules,” Townley said. “This is still a step in the right direction to make sure these decisions are made clearly, publicly and by a process people can understand.” While it maintains the current practice of settling tied elections by lot, it now requires clearer notification protocols, uniform materials, and a standardized method for conducting the drawing in front of witnesses.  “People should feel confident that even in rare cases like a tie, our system is consistent and fair,” Townley said.  Townley proposed the legislation after a 2024 primary race in Carter County was decided by a drawing. The bill is set to take effect November 1, 2025.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Lay, R-Jenks, celebrated the passage of House Bill 2147 , a legislative step aimed at strengthening local governments’ ability to enforce building and safety codes across Oklahoma’s cities and towns. “House Bill 2147 equips our cities with the authority they need to tackle problem properties head-on,” Lay said. “Neglected buildings threaten public health and drag down nearby property values. This bill creates a clear, consistent system for placing and enforcing liens, giving municipalities real power to uphold building and safety standards.”  The bill grants municipalities the ability to respond decisively to code violations, helping reduce fire hazards, unsafe structures and public health risks. It ensures repeat offenders cannot simply ignore code enforcement officers without consequence.  HB2147 also establishes a transparent legal process, requiring notice, hearings and strict timelines. This consistency improves fairness for property owners and helps cities avoid costly litigation.  “When properties are left to decay, the whole neighborhood feels it — home values drop and investment stalls,” Lay said. “This legislation helps cities clear out long-standing eyesores so communities can move forward and attract new growth.”  The measure includes safeguards to protect property owners’ due process rights, ensuring enforcement remains fair and measured.  “With HB2147 now law, our cities have the structure they need to take responsible action while respecting property rights,” Lay concluded. “As it takes effect, we must ensure it's implemented carefully and fairly — so it truly serves as a valuable tool to help communities protect what matters most.”  HB2147 will take effect Nov. 1 and applies to all municipalities, with an exception for owner-occupied properties.