Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

The Oklahoma House of Representatives today passed legislation that would submit a measure for a statewide ballot to give Oklahomans the lowest fixed cap on property tax increases in the entire country for homestead properties. The measure, Senate Joint Resolution 39, proposes amendments to the Oklahoma Constitution that would lower the caps on annual increases in the fair cash value of property and create a tiered system to better protect seniors from rising property taxes. The proposal will be submitted to voters at a statewide election on August 25, 2026. Under the proposal, the current caps on annual increases in fair cash value would be reduced beginning in tax year 2027. The cap for homestead property and agricultural land would decrease from 3 percent to 1.75 percent, while the cap for all other real property would decrease from 5 percent to 4 percent. “This ballot question would give Oklahomans the lowest fixed rate cap on personal property in the nation," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, who is the House author. "Oklahomans deserve real protection against the rapid rise in the value of their homes for tax purposes. At a time when families are already struggling to keep up with the cost of inflation, property taxes shouldn’t rise at the same pace as everything else.” The resolution also updates Oklahoma’s existing “senior freeze” by establishing a tiered cap structure for homestead property owned by seniors age 65 and older, based on household income relative to the median income in their county. Hilbert said the proposal is designed to provide broad property tax stability while directing the strongest protections to seniors with lower incomes. "Seniors often live on a fixed income, so tax relief for them ensures they are not priced out of their homes," said Hilbert. "This senior freeze is tiered so it does not disincentivize work, but also gives older Oklahomans much-needed tax relief."

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