Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

The Oklahoma Legislature welcomed a delegation from Taiwan to the State Capitol this week. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, introduced Director-General Yvonne Hsiao and Consul Michelle Lu from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) on the House floor. The House also adopted House Resolution 1050, which highlights the 46 year sister-state partnership between Oklahoma and Taiwan. "Oklahoma shares a strong and enduring friendship with Taiwan," Pae said. "As we continue to grow our state’s economy, international partnerships like the one we share with Taiwan are more important than ever. This visit reinforces the importance of that relationship and opens the door for even greater collaboration in the years ahead." Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, hosted Hsiao and Lu in the Senate. "It was an honor to welcome our long-standing partners from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office to the Capitol and recognize the strength of our relationship and the opportunities it continues to create for Oklahoma," Pederson said. "Our partnership with Taiwan continues to connect Oklahoma businesses to new markets and supports a mutually beneficial economic relationship." Last year, Pederson and Pae authored Senate Bill 209, which establishes the Taiwan Regional Trade Office under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help connect Oklahoma-based businesses with new international opportunities.

The ten finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year were recognized Friday during a ceremony at the State Capitol,  hosted by House Common Education Chairman Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber. During the ceremony, each finalist was presented with a check provided by the Masonic Charity Foundation.  Earlier that day, Lowe joined other members of the 2026 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year selection committee for interviews with the ten finalists. He praised the finalists for their dedication to students and communities across the state.  "It’s an honor to recognize these outstanding educators who are making a real difference in the lives of Oklahoma students every single day," Lowe said. "The impact of these educators reaches far beyond test scores and directly shapes the character of and opportunities for the next generation. They continually serve with excellence, compassion and an unwavering commitment to their students. I’m grateful for their service to our state, and I’m proud to celebrate the example they set for educators across Oklahoma." Senate Education Committee and Education Subcommittee Chair Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, also offered his congratulations. "I am incredibly proud to celebrate these ten remarkable educators who represent the very best of their profession," Pugh said. "These finalists have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their students, their communities and the future of our state. Oklahoma educators are second to none, and it is their dedication in the classroom every day that builds the foundation for our children’s success. Since taking office, my primary motivation has been improving education at every level. We have fought for historic teacher pay raises and common-sense reforms because we know that nothing can replace a high-quality, dedicated teacher in front of the classroom. To our 2026 finalists, I thank you for your passion and for being shining examples of excellence in Oklahoma schools. You have earned this distinction and I applaud your continued efforts."  The 2026 Teacher of the Year will be named in June. The ten finalists are: Vanessa Jones, Bethel High School, Bethel Serena Neely, Will Rogers Elementary, Shawnee Tracie Grunewald, Oklahoma Virtual High School, Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy Tobi Gordon, Brink Junior High School, Moore Mary Tyree, Alva High School, Alva Ellie Pryor, Cedar Heights, Highland Park, and Horace Mann Elementary, Woodward LeeAnn Pressler, Central Middle School, Bartlesville Kasey Bennett, Northwest Heights Elementary, Durant Keely Flynn, Lindbergh Elementary, Tulsa Public Schools Elizabeth Reed, Owasso Eighth Grade Center, Owasso

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved Senate Bill 1290 , creating the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund. The measure is authored in the House by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, and passed with a vote of 82-5. SB1290 would establish a revolving fund within the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to provide stable, ongoing funding for the state’s 211 system. Under the measure, the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund includes a $3 million appropriation. "The 211 hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, connecting people in every corner of our state with the help they need," Norwood said. "This ensures we keep that support strong and reliable so Oklahomans can find stability in times of need. When someone calls, Oklahoma should be there to answer." The fund would serve as a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and would support efforts to maintain and strengthen access to critical services for Oklahomans across all 77 counties. "I am grateful to my colleagues in the House who recognized the importance of this measure and stood behind it," Norwood said. "They understand that access to these services can be the difference between hardship and hope for many families." The measure's House committee substitute includes clear provisions prohibiting the use of funds for abortion-related services. The amendment directs the system to prioritize referrals to crisis pregnancy centers, adoption agencies and other life-affirming resources. "It is important that we continue to recognize the sanctity of life in our policies," Norwood said. "This legislation makes clear that these resources will support mothers, families and children while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used in a way that reflects those values." The measure now heads back to the Senate for a final vote. If signed into law, SB1290 will take effect July 1.