Committees

Legislation restoring the eighth-grade literacy requirement to receive a driving permit has passed its first committee. House Bill 4153 , authored by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, would require minors applying for an Oklahoma driver license to demonstrate an eighth-grade reading level by passing the statewide reading assessment prior being issued a permit. Under the bill, students with an Individualized Education Program (IEPs) related to reading may provide alternative documentation of proficiency. Hasenbeck, a former middle school English teacher, said she saw firsthand how the possibility of receiving driver licenses at 16 motivated her students to take their literacy seriously. "House Bill 4153 is about making sure our young people are equipped with the basic skills they need to succeed both in school and out on the road," Hasenbeck said. "By tying reading proficiency to driver eligibility, we’re encouraging students to strengthen essential literacy skills that will help them throughout life while also promoting safer roads for all Oklahomans." The requirement, which had been in place for several decades, was eliminated in 2022. HB4153 passed the House Public Safety Committee and must pass the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee before it can be heard on the floor.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, chair of the House Business Committee, released the following statement on the committee's work so far this session as the first committee deadline approaches: “As we wrap up consideration of House bills in the Business Committee, I’m proud of the thoughtful and deliberate work our members have put in,” Banning said. “The role of this committee is to carefully review legislation that impacts Oklahoma businesses, taxpayers and job creators. We’ve had strong discussions focused on protecting Oklahoma’s economic climate and ensuring legislation is carefully considered and responsibly crafted. Our goal has been to advance sound policy while maintaining transparency and a fair process, and I appreciate the members who worked to move forward legislation that strengthens our state’s economic foundation.”  The House Business Committee has passed 20 House bills so far this session.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Newly elected Rep. Dillon Travis, R-Maramec, took his oath of office Wednesday in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He was elected in a special election Feb. 10 to represent House District 35, which includes portions of Pawnee County and parts of Creek, Noble, Osage and Payne counties. "I am honored to be sworn in as the newest state representative," said Travis. "I promise to represent House District 35 well and continue working hard for rural Oklahoma. I am thankful for everyone who has helped me get here, especially my wife, mom, brother and all friends from across the district. I am blessed to be here and excited to get to work." Travis is a sixth-generation Oklahoman from Pawnee County with a background in agriculture and small business. He owns and operates an agriculture company serving producers across four states and manages his family's cattle and hay operation. Through his work in production agriculture and agribusiness, Travis has experience with land management, business operations, supply chains, input costs and regulatory policy affecting rural communities. He and his wife have one daughter and live in Maramec. Following Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony, the Oklahoma House is now comprised of 81 Republicans and 18 Democrats. -END- Rep. Dillon Travis serves District 35 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes Pawnee County and parts of Creek, Noble, Osage and Payne counties.