Committees

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) recently released a long-awaited forensic audit of its OKBred account. The audit, which Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, received and reviewed after an Open Records Request, found inadequate internal controls, noncompliance with statutory purpose and deficient documentation and record-keeping. It also revealed a lack of formal policies and procedures, lack of transparency to relevant stakeholders and inadequate reconciliation and independent review of finances. A comprehensive reconciliation of the Oklahoma Breeding and Development Fund Special Account (OKBred) began in May 2025. The objective of the audit was to determine the accurate balance of the OKBred fund as of June 30, 2025, and to evaluate the internal controls and processes associated with the management of the account. The account consists of restricted funds established by statute for the specific purpose of supporting and promoting Oklahoma breeders and the state’s breeding industry.  "As fiduciaries of these public funds, the OHRC has a legal, moral and ethical obligation to ensure proper governance, transparency and compliance," Harris said. "The independent audit demonstrates that the Commission has failed to meet these obligations."  The audit noted that OKBred's operational structure lacked sufficient financial controls, system support and interdepartmental oversight. These weaknesses directly contributed to reporting inconsistencies and increased the opportunity for error and potential fraud.  "This audit uncovers a serious lack of financial controls of the OKBred account, which calls into question past and ongoing funds that have been and are being distributed by the OHRC to horse breeders across our state," Harris said. "I urge the State Auditor and the Attorney General to immediately get involved to determine if these public funds have been misspent, whether any crimes were committed and what new procedures must be put in place immediately to ensure accountability and transparency with these funds." 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus unveiled their policy priorities for the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature. The following policy agenda prioritizes affordability for Oklahoma families and ensuring their paychecks can keep up with everyday life.  “Oklahoma House Democrats know whether it be groceries, rent, health care, insurance, or child care, the cost of being alive keeps going up,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “Oklahomans are continuously choosing between which needs to meet each month in order to make it to the next pay period. It is up to state leaders and lawmakers to do what we can to ensure Oklahomans can support themselves and their families. That starts with giving every working Oklahoman a livable wage and focusing on policies that lower costs.” Recently, the Tulsa Area United Way released a report showing nearly 50% of working Oklahoma families are working more than one job and cannot cover basic necessities. While there is an upcoming state question to raise the minimum wage, there are actions legislators can take now. Leader Munson is the primary House author of HB 2230, which requires the state minimum wage to be the greater of $15 per hour or the federal minimum wage. House Democrats believe one way to prioritize affordability is to ensure Oklahomans are charged fairly for utility/energy costs by holding corporations accountable. HB 3392 by Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, directs the Corporation Commission to examine how large industrial projects such as data centers and energy-intensive manufacturing impact our electric grid, and ensure that everyday Oklahomans aren’t stuck paying for electricity they did not ask for and of which they are not the primary beneficiaries. Insurance and premium rates are also on the rise. HB 4286 by Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, prohibits an insurance company from using a person’s credit score to determine the rates they pay for insurance. The measure is designed to protect hardworking Oklahomans who are being priced out of basic financial stability by an insurance system that punishes people for their credit history rather than their actual risk.  Another measure House Democrats have proposed to address skyrocketing insurance rates is HB 3384 by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater. The measure would require annual homeowner’s policy renewal premium increases to be capped at a maximum of 10%. Oklahomans’ home insurance rates were reportedly projected to increase by 8% in 2025. This measure would ensure Oklahomans are not blindsided by rising costs. To combat rising health insurance costs in Oklahoma, HB 3675 by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, requires a qualified human to be the final qualifier for health insurance claims at risk of denial when processed by AI to ensure proper accountability and oversight when charging Oklahomans. House Democrats know that groceries are too expensive. In 2024, House Democrats led a bipartisan effort to successfully eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. This year, Leader Munson has introduced HB 3959 to eliminate unfair personalized algorithmic and surveillance pricing. This policy works to stop companies from unfairly charging Oklahomans different prices for the same items. House Democrats also unveiled legislation to help fund our public schools in Oklahoma and ensure public dollars go toward public schools. Right now, millions of Oklahomans’ tax dollars are going toward the Parental Choice Tax Credit that reportedly benefits only the wealthiest Oklahomans.  HB 3684 by Rep. Provenzano would eliminate the Parental Choice Tax Credit and redirect those dollars toward our public schools. House Democrats believe investing in public education gives Oklahoma a chance to rise in the national ranks while giving our students the best opportunities for success. This session, Oklahoma House Democrats remain committed to helping working Oklahomans' paychecks keep up with everyday life through real policy solutions that prioritize affordability for Oklahomans.  You can view the entire policy rollout on the  Oklahoma House Democrats Facebook Page.  -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY — Freshman lawmaker Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, has filed legislation to create the 988 Trust Fund to help ensure Oklahoma’s mental health crisis hotline remains available to those in need as federal funding is set to expire later this year. “Oklahomans need to know that when they make that call, someone will answer,” Norwood said. “With more than 30 years of experience in mental health presentations, I understand how powerful one conversation can be. It can change the direction of someone’s life for the better. This bill is about making sure help is always there when someone needs it most.” House Bill 4092 would create the 988 Trust Fund and establish the sources of money that may be deposited into the fund, including legislative appropriations, federal funds, grants, gifts and other sources. Money in the fund could only be used for 988 Mental Health Lifeline and related behavioral health crisis services. Any actual funding levels would be decided later through the state budget process or separate legislation. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has confirmed that a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that partially funds 988 in Oklahoma is scheduled to end Sept. 30. Norwood said the pending loss of federal support makes it critical for the state to plan ahead. “We cannot let 988 come to an end,” Norwood said. “No one should ever make a permanent decision based on temporary problems. This bill helps make sure there is a fund in place, so someone is always there to answer the call for Oklahomans who are struggling.” The 988 hotline replaced the Suicide Prevention Lifeline to better serve Oklahomans experiencing mental health crises. Calls or texts to 988 connect individuals with trained mental health professionals who can provide immediate support, link callers to local resources and deploy mobile crisis teams when needed. According to recent data from Solari Crisis & Human Services , which partners with ODMHSAS to operate the 988 Mental Health Lifeline in Oklahoma, the most common reasons people contact 988 include coordination of care, self-harm or suicide concerns, anxiety and depression. While call volume spiked last fall due in part to SNAP-related stressors, 7,166 calls have been made to the hotline in the past 30 days alone. HB4092 is eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.