Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, today commented on the recent announcements that Devon Energy and Expand Energy will both relocate their corporate headquarters to Texas.  Hill, who serves as chair of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee, emphasized the importance of continuing to diversify Oklahoma’s economy.  "The focus of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee is on ensuring Oklahoma is prepared for the future," Hill said. "That means continuing to pursue innovative growth in our energy industry while also investing in the infrastructure, education and workforce development that allow other industries to grow and thrive."  Hill noted that Oklahoma’s economic development strategy must include expanding opportunities in varied industries and other high-growth sectors that provide stability and opportunity for Oklahoma families, such as aerospace, biosciences, advanced manufacturing and others.  "Our state's long-term economic strategy cannot rely on any single company or industry," Hill said. "A diversified economy is how we attract investment, retain talent and ensure state policy keeps pace with opportunity." 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued the following statement after the state of Oklahoma finalized settlements totaling $25.5 million with Tyson Foods and Cargill in the long-running Illinois River Watershed litigation.  "For more than 20 years, this case has hung over the heads of poultry growers in eastern Oklahoma. I’ve heard from families who were unsure whether they would be able to continue operating from one year to the next. That kind of uncertainty takes a real toll on our rural communities.  These settlements bring long-needed clarity. They provide a framework to address water quality concerns in the Illinois River Watershed while also giving producers and integrators the stability they need to keep doing business in our state.  I appreciate the work that has gone into reaching this point, including the efforts of the Attorney General’s office, Gov. Kevin Stitt, Speaker Kyle Hilbert, Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton and Sen. Tom Woods. There has been strong support from state leaders and Oklahoma’s agriculture community to find a resolution that protects family farmers while also addressing water quality concerns.  Our poultry farmers are good stewards of the land. They’ve invested time and resources into modern practices, and they deserve a path forward that recognizes both environmental responsibility and the economic reality of raising food for our country.  I am hopeful the court will approve these agreements so they can take effect and provide lasting certainty for our producers. I also encourage continued efforts to reach resolution with the remaining integrators. If that does not occur, I believe we should carefully consider alternative approaches that address water quality through a strong regulatory framework without jeopardizing the livelihoods of hundreds of family farmers in eastern Oklahoma.  The priority must remain clear. We can protect our natural resources and ensure eastern Oklahoma poultry producers are able to operate and expand with confidence, without the constant fear of losing contracts or facing financial ruin."  The settlements require payments for remediation and conservation efforts within the watershed and outline additional measures related to litter removal and monitoring. Other defendants remain involved in ongoing proceedings.  -END- Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, on Tuesday unanimously passed a bill in committee that would criminalize a straw purchase of property on behalf of a foreign national. House Bill 3495 would make it unlawful to knowingly and willfully purchase or attempt to obtain any property on behalf of a foreign national. Punishment would be a felony not to exceed two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000 or both. The measure defines "straw person or party" as a third party who is put up in name only to take part in a transaction. "This law will help stop organized crime and cartel activity that has allowed a free-flow of human, drug and sex trafficking in and through Oklahoma," Duel said. "We must secure ourselves from hostile foreign interests that do not have our best interests, or even our survival, at heart." Duel pointed to the number of drug busts conducted on illegal marijuana grows in the state - and the consequent number of people arrested that were in the country illegally – as evidence of the problem of straw purchase. He also notes that Interstates 35 and 40, which crisscross the state and the nation, have long served as major corridors for human and drug smuggling. Shutting down the straw purchase loophole, will help stop the amount of illegal activity along these highways and throughout the state. "In talking with law enforcement from across Oklahoma, it's evident this has become a growing problem," Duel said. "We must have the ability to prosecute and punish those who would seek to hide behind gaps in the law." The bill passed the Criminal Judiciary Committee on a vote of 5-0. It now is eligible for consideration in the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight.