Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, has filed two bills that would protect lawful businesses from excessive liability and give Oklahoma farmers more flexibility to sell products directly to consumers. House Bill 2960 would expand existing liability protections for firearm manufacturers, distributors and sellers to include firearm component parts. The bill specifies that businesses that lawfully manufacture or sell firearms or firearm component parts could not be held liable for injuries or damages resulting from misuse or aftermarket modifications made by others. “Oklahoma law already recognizes that manufacturers should not be punished for the criminal actions of someone else,” Hardin said. “This bill would close a loophole by ensuring those same protections apply to firearm components.”  House Bill 3056 would update the Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act by removing restrictions on the incidental sale of raw, unpasteurized milk. The bill would remove the gallon limit on sales and clarifies that farmers may sell raw milk directly to consumers at farms, farmers markets, feed stores and restaurants, as well as through delivery from the farm. The measure would also allow advertising of raw milk sales and permits farmers to make cheese using milk produced on their own farms. “This legislation supports Oklahoma agriculture and respects consumers’ freedom to choose,” Hardin said. “Farmers should be able to sell their products and consumers should be able to decide what they buy without unnecessary government interference.” HB2960 and HB3056 are eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, has filed legislation that would extend the period of time for people to file health care liability claims based on a good faith belief that a federal procedural bar was in place when a cause of action arose. Supporters of House Bill 3119 say it could remove federal liability shields for claims such as COVID vaccine injuries, among others. They also say this would restore patients' constitutional rights to remedy and protect their right to bodily autonomy. "This bill allows us to go back and file civil liability claims against anyone that put people at harm whether through negligence, medical malpractice, lack of informed consent or medical battery," Humphrey said. "This isn't just about COVID, but that is a big reason for me filing this bill." A rally to support the measure is planned from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 24 at the State Capitol in the Second Floor Rotunda. HB3119 specifies that a good faith belief exists when a claimant or attorney could reasonably conclude, based on existing federal declarations, amendments, advisory opinions or judicial interpretations, that the federal liability immunity provisions applied to the alleged conduct. Federal procedural bar includes federal liability immunity provisions provided in the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act in U.S. statute. If enacted, the new law would extend the good faith belief that a federal procedural bar was in place when a cause of action for health care liability claims arose to one year after the good faith belief no longer existed. The bill would apply to all such actions accruing on or after Feb. 1, 2020. The legislation also would ensure Oklahoma courts retain jurisdiction over claims that, but for temporary legal impediment or reasonable misperception of federal preemption, would have been timely filed.

Lawton-area legislators are mourning the loss of Lawton Police Chief James T. Smith, who passed away on Jan. 22, 2026, at the age of 66.  Reps. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, along with Sens. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, and Spencer Kern, R-Duncan, remembered the longtime law enforcement officer in a joint statement.  "Chief Smith embodied what it means to be a public servant. Throughout his decades with the Lawton Police Department, he led with integrity and compassion, and he maintained an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Lawton families. Our community is stronger and safer because of Chief Smith’s vision and leadership. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the officers of the Lawton Police Department and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him."  Smith dedicated more than 35 years to law enforcement and was named Chief of Police for the Lawton Police Department in 2012. His work with the department was recognized statewide, including being named Large Agency Chief of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police in 2025 and receiving the William “Bill” Tilghman Public Service Award from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2024.       In addition to his law enforcement career, Smith served 30 years in the military, retiring as a Colonel after service in the Kentucky Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves.  The lawmakers ask the community to join them in honoring Smith’s legacy of service and to keep his family and colleagues in their thoughts during this difficult time.