Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY - In response to ongoing discussions about mandating E-Verify for employees in Oklahoma, Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, chair of the House Business Committee, issued the following statement:  “Although I appreciate the intent to protect Oklahoma jobs and wages, I have serious concerns about placing additional burdens on Oklahoma’s small businesses,” Banning said. “Requiring E-Verify for every W-2 employee would subject most Oklahomans to yet another federal database and would create additional regulatory challenges for Oklahoma businesses. If a business chooses to utilize E-Verify, I respect their decision but I cannot support making its use mandatory for every employer and employee in our state.”  E-Verify is a federal program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration. The system allows employers to confirm the employment eligibility of employees by comparing information from an employee’s Form I-9. Federal law already mandates Form I-9, which confirms employee eligibility to work in the United States.  Under federal law, most private employers are not required to use E-Verify unless they hold federal contracts or operate in states where its use is mandated. In Oklahoma, private employers are not required to use E-Verify though some choose to do so voluntarily. Banning emphasized that while he supports efforts to address illegal immigration, he believes any solution should balance enforcement with protecting small businesses and Oklahomans’ liberty.  “I fully support upholding the law and ensuring individuals come to the United States legally,” Banning said. “However, we must be careful not to create unnecessary obstacles for the Oklahoma businesses that drive our economy.”

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, has been nominated and accepted the position of Co-Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures Transportation Standing Committee for the next two-year term. Miller previously served as Vice-Chair of the committee where she was recognized for her leadership, dedication and active engagement in transportation policy at the state and national levels. She currently serves as Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, where she leads efforts to shape policy, guide infrastructure investment and advance workforce development across Oklahoma’s transportation and aerospace sectors. "I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of NCSL’s Transportation Standing Committee," Miller said. "Transportation connects our communities and drives our economy. Over the years, working on everything from surface transportation to the aviation and aerospace sector, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful policy and consistent, reliable transportation funding can make a real difference for families, workers, and businesses. I look forward to working with legislators across the country to bring back solutions that strengthen safety and improve efficiency to keep Oklahoma moving forward. The NCSL Transportation Standing Committee brings together state legislators from across the nation to address issues related to transportation policy, infrastructure development and safety. Members collaborate to share ideas, research and strategies that improve the effectiveness of transportation systems at both the state and federal levels. Miller looks forward to continuing her work on transportation issues and representing Oklahoma in this national forum.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, and Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, received Legislator of the Year awards recently from the Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA). The two were recognized during an Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The dinner was part of the ORA's annual expo. "It's wonderful to be recognized for legislation I've authored and supported that is pro-business, pro-economy and lower taxes for individuals and businesses," Bashore said. "During my time as a legislator I've focused on legislation that will allow everyday Oklahomans to keep more of their hard-earned income or that would help businesses come out from under onerous regulations so they can operate more freely, which always improves the overall economy." Fetgatter said, "I've worked hard as a legislator to make sure food service and other entertainment and hospitality industries thrive in Oklahoma. These business owners contribute not just to our job market and our economy, but they enhance our overall quality of life. I'm proud to have been awarded for my efforts." Bashore currently serves as Majority Deputy Floor Leader in the House. Before being elected to state office in 2020, he was general manager of a casino and resort where he led hundreds of employees and oversaw numerous high-profile sporting events and concerts, resulting in tens of millions of dollars positively impacting the state economy. He's also is credited with reviving a struggling Oklahoma Boxing Commission as its executive director. Fetgatter currently serves as Tribal and External Affairs Leader in the House. He was elected as a representative in 2016. Prior to that, he owned a construction company, worked in sales and marketing for a web-based technology company as well as in the grocery business. In the Legislature, he's worked to promote business-friendly policies and create economic development opportunities.  The Oklahoma Restaurant Association also manages the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. They note that Oklahoma’s hospitality sector – including foodservice, lodging and tourism – is the third-largest industry in the state. The jobs created lead to continued growth in disposable personal income. The association reports that within Oklahoma, every dollar spent in these establishments generates an additional $1.60-1.79 of sales for the state economy.