Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, today issued the following statement after receiving word that the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBN) K9 Interdiction Unit was named “Team of the Year” by the National Criminal Enforcement Association (NCEA). Additionally, agents Dallas Lang, Justin Taylor and Darin Morgan were recognized as Royal Knights, the first award developed by the Desert Snow Training Program, developed to help motivate and acknowledge relentless criminal interdiction police work. The awards were announced at the NCEA's national interdiction conference in South Carolina on Wednesday. “I want to personally congratulate the OBN Interdiction Team and these agents on these well-deserved awards," said Turner, who serves as vice chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Committee, and who has a long career in law enforcement. "This recognition shows that the criminal element is active on Oklahoma roads, and it underscores the importance of interdiction work. As a former drug task force supervisor and sheriff, I know firsthand how vital interdiction is for keeping our communities safe. Whether part of a local impact team or a dedicated interdiction unit, these professionals protect our citizens and our state. Oklahoma is blessed with some of the best interdictors in the world, both current and retired. Their expertise is now respected nationwide and will be used to help other states build effective programs. Thank you to these team members and these agents for their dedication and service.” Turner noted that just in the past 12 months, OBN's K9 Interdiction Unit has seized 6,839 pounds of marijuana, two pounds of heroin, 89 pounds of cocaine, 365 pounds of meth, and 140 pounds of fentanyl. They've made dozens of arrests, including two people on the International Terrorism Federal Watch List, and recovered two endangered children kidnapped from the state of Kansas.  Turner also pointed out that Royal Knight status is only awarded to road officers who have met a number of requirements and have also been accepted by the Royal Knight Committee. Individuals selected must show a sustained and professional effort to protect the motoring public by identifying and apprehending some of America's worst criminals. Additionally, it was announced at the conference that OBN and Oklahoma Highway Patrol would be co-hosting the 2026 NCEA Conference in Oklahoma City.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, released the following statement after a wreck in his district occurred Monday night involving a Minco school bus carrying several players and coaches from the Minco High School softball team. "My heart is heavy for the students, coaches and families affected by this tragic accident," Lowe said. "This is a time when we must all come together in prayer and allow the families space and privacy as they walk through the days ahead. The administration at Minco Public Schools is one of the best in the state and the courage of these young people and their coaches inspires us all." Lowe had the opportunity to visit with Minco Superintendent Kevin Sims this morning to receive an update on the accident and those involved. While several remain in critical condition in the hospital, as the superintendent put it, “broken bones heal faster than broken hearts,” and the community is fortunate this was not a fatality situation. "When terrible situations like these hit a community, it reminds us how important those around us are," Lowe said. "Oklahomans always come together in our time of need. The entire state is standing with Minco, and we will continue to surround these families with love and support in the days ahead. I encourage everyone to step in and help in any way they can." Lowe is working closely with the Minco community to provide assistance and support where it is needed most. The administration at Minco Public Schools is also preparing for students to return and for the school to begin processing this situation together. Updates on the accident, school schedules and ways the community can help will be posted on the Minco Public School's Facebook page.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, was honored Saturday as the Legislative/Government Official of the Year  for 2025 by the Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma (LCA). He received the award during the organization’s annual gala at the Grand Casino in Shawnee. The LCA hosts its gala each year to recognize early education professionals and individuals who make a positive impact on the field. “When the Department of Human Services introduced abrupt rule changes that threatened to close daycare centers across Oklahoma, the Licensed Child Care Association stepped forward to make sure lawmakers understood what was at stake,” Maynard said. “After hearing their concerns, I was able to work with DHS to modify those rules and protect an essential service for families in every community. I’m humbled by this recognition, but the real win is that we preserved vital child care options for parents and children across our state.” Maynard currently serves on the House Common Education Committee and chairs the House Government Modernization & Technology Committee. He is also a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development Oversight Committee, the Administrative Rules Committee, and the Appropriations & Budget Finance Subcommittee. LCA Executive Board member Tina Feltman said Maynard was selected for the award primarily because of his work on administrative rules. She said Maynard was always agreeable to sitting down and discussing matters with board members. His taking time to listen and to check into issues for them, proved invaluable to the organization. Feltman noted that every LCA member across the state votes on the award recipient. She said members especially appreciated Maynard’s openness to questioning rules when necessary and his commitment to ensuring that early childhood educators have a voice in the process.