Committees

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution 1058 , recognizing Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week and honoring the law enforcement officers who protect communities across Oklahoma.  Authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, HR1058 acknowledges the courage, sacrifice and dedication of peace officers, while paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Harris said the resolution serves as an important reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day in order to keep Oklahoma families safe. "Our law enforcement officers willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, uphold the rule of law and serve others before themselves," Harris said. "This resolution is one way we can honor the brave men and women who wear the badge and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state and nation. Oklahoma stands firmly behind the heroes in law enforcement who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe." Rep. John George, R-Newalla, who coauthored the resolution, served with the Oklahoma Police Department for more than 30 years. "As someone who spent most of their life in law enforcement, this week is of course meaningful to me," George said. "I've seen firsthand the horrors that sometimes come with being the first on the scene of a violent crime. But I've also seen the moments when officers change someone's life for the better just by showing up to provide protection or to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. To all the men and women who put on a uniform and serve the public at great risk, I say thank you. You deserve our recognition and our appreciation. I especially want to take time to remember our fallen officers, those who didn't make it back from their last call. Your ultimate sacrifice is not forgotten. We will keep your families lifted in our prayers, and we will do everything in our power to make sure your service will never be said to have been in vain." The resolution names six law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty within the last year: Deputy Sheriff Thomas "Walker" Lemay of the LeFlore County Sheriff's Office, Trooper Vernon Brake of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Sergeant Thomas Duran of the El Reno Police Department, Deputy Gary Brooks of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Recruit Franklin Leinen of the Broken Arrow Police Department, and Reserve Officer Clint Lawrence of the Haileyville Police Department. Following the adoption of the resolution, the House took a moment of silence in remembrance of the six fallen officers and other fallen law enforcement across the nation. National Police Week was established to recognize the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually on May 15.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, today commented on the signing of House Bill 1739 , a measure relating to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System. HB1739 updates provisions within the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System to strengthen benefits for those who serve in law enforcement. "This bill reinstates an increased benefit to officers hired since 2012 fixing a divide among the members and ensuring successful recruitment and retention," Chapman said. "I appreciate the work Pro Tem Paxton put into helping get this across the finish line and I am grateful to the Oklahoma State Troopers Association for their support and input along the way. This makes sure there is real support in place for the people who risk everything to protect our communities." The measure also modifies contribution structures within the system and clarifies eligibility for certain retirement benefits, helping ensure long-term stability while maintaining support for active and retired members. Chapman said the bill was shaped with input from law enforcement, including the Oklahoma State Troopers Association. "On behalf of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association, I want to extend our sincere appreciation to Representative Chapman for his leadership in passing this important legislation," said Trooper C.J. Williams, president of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association. "His commitment to public safety and to the men and women of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol will have a lasting impact across our state. This measure strengthens our ability to serve and protect Oklahomans, and we are grateful for his continued support of law enforcement." House Bill 1739 takes effect July 1, 2026.

Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, today condemned the governor's veto of House Bill 3320, a move Osburn said ignores the need for smarter, more effective government. HB3320  would establish a sunset review process for all statutorily created entities, requiring them to demonstrate a clear public need to continue operating. After legislative review, entities must implement any required changes within one year or be dissolved. "The governor's veto of House Bill 3320 is a deeply misguided move that prioritizes outdated bureaucracy over meaningful, effective governance. "Under the current sunset process, the Legislature spends numerous hours every year considering dozens of sunset renewals bills without any actual teeth beyond allowing them to entirely expire. HB3320 was designed to bring Oklahoma’s oversight process into the modern era. Instead, the governor chose to protect a broken, bureaucratic ritual that produces more paperwork than progress. "Let me be clear: every agency, board and commission remains subject to open meetings, public records laws, audits and legislative scrutiny at any time. This bill would have allowed the Legislature to focus on underperforming agencies, requiring specific changes and better accountability rather than wasting time on agencies that are already operating efficiently. The governor’s veto rejects a streamlined approach in favor of maintaining an arbitrary system and continues uncertainty surrounding the very boards and commissions that regulate critical services across our state. "The Legislature, and the people of Oklahoma, must continue pushing for reforms that make government more accountable and focused on results. The governor could share in this effort but instead chose the status quo." Osburn quoted former President Ronald Reagan: "The people are the government. What we create we ought to be able to control." He also pointed to the governor's veto last year of a bill extending the operations of the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, a move that risked the livelihoods of more than 77,000 Oklahomans and could have risked the health of thousands of citizens.  Legislative action  was taken to allow the Board to continue operating.