Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – State lawmakers who represent the Enid area this morning issued the following statement after a powerful tornado struck Enid and Vance Air Force Base. Reports show at least 10 injured and homes destroyed in a neighborhood on the south side of Enid. Reps. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, and John Pfeiffer, R-Orlanda, all represent a portion of Enid or the surrounding area.  "We are praying for those affected and thankful there are no casualties, according to early reports," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. "We know, however, that the loss of a home or damage to a business can be life-altering. We also know that Oklahomans will rise to help their neighbors and there will be support in the days, weeks and months ahead as recovery takes place. We're thankful to all of our courageous first responders and to city, county and state personnel who worked tirelessly overnight to account for everyone. We're grateful, as well, to our amazing meteorologists who issued early warnings and alerts and who stay on the air through these storms to keep Oklahomans safe and informed. Their actions likely saved countless lives."  The lawmakers said there are reports of damage to Vance Air Force Base, including to perimeter structures and downed electrical lines, which is causing a loss of water supply. OG&E crews worked after the storm to restore service. The Grey Ridge Estate, directly east of the base and across U.S. Highway 81 was largely destroyed. Local emergency medical personnel searched and recovered all residents, and injuries were not serious, according to reports. The hope is for residents to be allowed back into the area today to begin to recover personal property. The representatives also report that linemen were out as soon as possible after the tornado to begin to restore service and minimize additional loss. It is reported the governor will tour the damaged area this afternoon along with city and county officials.

Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, praised recent action by President Donald Trump to accelerate federal approval pathways for psychedelic-assisted therapies targeting mental health and addiction. Pae has authored several measures in recent years to study the use of certain psychedelic drugs for such treatments. The executive order directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to fast-track review of psychedelic therapies and expand research access for patients suffering from serious conditions such as depression and substance use disorders. It expands access to experimental treatments, including through pathways like the federal Right to Try Act . "President Trump's executive order marks a major step forward in addressing our nation’s mental health and addiction crises," Pae said. "Emerging research shows these treatments could offer real hope for individuals who have exhausted traditional options. I commend President Trump for responsibly accelerating research so we can better understand these tools and, if proven safe, make them available to those who desperately need help. I look forward to continuing this work in Oklahoma and supporting further study at both the state and federal level." Last year, Pae introduced House Bill 4293 to expand research opportunities and further evaluate the safety and efficacy of psychedelic treatments for Oklahomans struggling with mental illness and addiction. In 2024, he passed House Bill 2107 , which established a pilot program to study the use of psilocybin-assisted therapy for certain mental health conditions. The measure was approved in the House but was not heard in the Senate. Growing evidence suggest that psychedelic compounds may have significant therapeutic potential for treatment-resistant depression and substance use disorders when used in controlled, clinical settings. A 2025 study found that a single dose of lysergide, combined with psychotherapy, could ease anxiety for up to a year.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The True Grit Trail in eastern Oklahoma will become a reality now that House Bill 1411 has been signed into law by the governor. Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton is the author of the legislation. "I think everyone in Oklahoma and probably in the nation is familiar with the story of 'True Grit,' either from the novel written by Charles Portis or through the movie adaptations," Grego said. "Because the story takes place partly in Oklahoma, we thought it would be great to memorialize this trail and perhaps attract some additional tourism to this area. Oklahoma already has popular golf and fishing trails as well as a new Civil Rights Trail. This will add to the reasons for people to come and visit our great state." HB 1411 creates the True Grit Trail in eastern Oklahoma. The measure requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to post signs along Oklahoma state highways directing visitors to sites along the trail. Towns and places of interest along the trail include: Sallisaw, Spiro, Bokoshe, McCurtain, Kinta, Quinton, Krebs, McAlester, Hartshorne, Wilburton, Red Oak, Bengal, Talihina, Robbers Cave State Park, and the Talimena National Scenic Byway. ODOT and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department will be required to collaborate to maintain information regarding the True Grit Trail on an online platform. "True Grit" follows the story of 14-year-old Mattie Ross who hires U.S. Marshall Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn and a Texas Ranger to avenge the murder of her father. The trio trace the murderous gang into what was known as "Indian Territory" in 1878. The movie role of Rooster Cogburn was first played by John Wayne in 1969 and in a 2010 remake by Jeff Bridges. Kim Darby played the original Mattie Ross. Hailee Steinfeld played the character in the 2010 film. Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, is the Senate author of the bill.