Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, passed  HB 1064  out of the Banking, Financial Services, and Pensions committee. The measure bans large institutional investors from buying homes within the state. “People live in homes, not corporations,” said Dollens. “This bill ensures hedge funds and their subsidies are unable to own a single-family residential property. Oklahomans deserve to be protected over corporations.” The bill now heads to the Government Oversight committee. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY - A proposal to study three-year bachelor’s degree programs by Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, advanced Tuesday with a unanimous vote from the House Postsecondary Education Committee. House Bill 3315 would direct the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to conduct a feasibility study on bachelor’s degree programs that could be completed in three years, or 90 credit hours.  Eaves said the proposal is designed to give lawmakers solid information before considering any future changes to higher education policy.  "This bill gives us a way to take a careful, targeted look at three-year bachelor’s degree programs,” Eaves said. “It’s important that feasibility and accreditation are fully examined before moving forward."  The study would review a range of academic fields and consider whether adjustments to course requirements, elective hours or overall credit totals are feasible. It also would evaluate potential impacts on accreditation standards as well as how three-year degrees would be viewed by employers and graduate programs.  Under the bill, the State Regents would be required to submit a report outlining their findings to state leaders by July 1, 2027.  HB3315 now advances to the Education Oversight Committee for further consideration.

Oklahoma House Veterans Caucus Renamed Veterans and Public Safety Caucus; New Leadership Announced OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House Veterans Caucus has officially been renamed the Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, reflecting an expanded mission to support not only military veterans but also the broader public safety community across the state. Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, a retired Air Force veteran with 25 years of service in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, has been named chairman of the caucus.  “It is an honor to serve as chairman of the Veterans and Public Safety Caucus,” Hildebrant said. “Our veterans and public safety professionals embody service and sacrifice. This caucus will work to ensure they have the resources, support and recognition they deserve for the roles they play in keeping Oklahoma strong and safe.” Rep. John George, R-Newalla, who served in the Oklahoma National Guard for five years and the Oklahoma City Police Department for over 30 years, has been named vice chairman. “Veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders all answer the call to serve,” George said. “As vice chairman, I look forward to advancing policies that strengthen support systems for these men and women and their families across our state.” The name change highlights the caucus’ commitment to advocate for veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and public safety professionals who serve and protect Oklahoma communities.