House Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, today shared the news of the passing of her uncle, former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Hamp Baker, who died following a battle with cancer at 91. Commissioner Baker served the state from 1974 to 1985, becoming a well-known figure both for his work and his memorable public safety campaign slogan: “Hamp Baker says Drive with Care.” The slogan—often seen on car hoods and signs across Oklahoma—became one of the most recognized marketing efforts of the 1970s. “He loved being a Corporation Commissioner and he loved Oklahoma,” said Townley. “But to me, he was just my uncle—my mom’s brother, the one who encouraged me to run for office and believed in me before I believed in myself. He even helped me put out signs. He was one of my favorite people on this planet.” Even in his 90s, Hamp was still pulling his own oil wells up until about a month ago. After his time on the Commission, Baker continued to advocate for Oklahoma energy, working with the National Association of Energy Users to promote the use of Oklahoma natural gas on a national level. Baker’s passion for public service and deep commitment to his home state left a lasting impact on Oklahoma—and on his family. "My uncle’s slogan was ‘Put your stamp on Hamp,’” Townley said. “He certainly put his on Oklahoma.”

Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, has been named one of The Journal Record’s Oklahoma Achievers Under 40 for 2025, which is given to Oklahomans under the age of 40 who have made an impact on the state.  "I'm incredibly honored to be recognized as one of Oklahoma's Achievers Under 40," Pae said. "Public service has always been my passion, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve my hometown of Lawton and our great state. This recognition is a reflection of the many mentors, colleagues, and community members who have supported me along the way."  Pae was elected to serve House District 62 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2018. He currently serves as chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Human Services, as well as vice chair of the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee. In 2020, he was a co-vice chair of the House State and Federal Redistricting Committee following the decennial U.S. census.  He was awarded the 2019 Rising Star Award by the International Leadership Foundation (ILF) for his professional achievements and dedication to the improvement of the Asian Pacific American community. Prior to his election to the House, he worked in municipal government in Lawton.  This year’s honorees will be the 22nd Class of The Journal Record’s Oklahoma Achievers Under 40 list. All honorees will be recognized on May 15 at the Oklahoma History Center.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, on Monday won passage of legislation that prohibits the governor from closing any business during a pandemic without documented scientific evidence that the nature of the business actually contributes to the spread of the disease. Senate Bill 672 now moves to the governor's desk for his consideration of signing it into law.   "This bill is not about actions taken in the past, but about how we're going to move forward as a state to protect the free enterprise of our business owners in the same way we allow the public the freedom to choose how best to protect themselves," West said. "What this bill does is ensure that due process will be afforded business owners even during a state of emergency." Sen. Julie McIntosh, R-Porter, is the principal Senate author of the bill. "The passage of SB672 is a significant step toward ensuring that our small businesses are not unduly burdened during emergencies," she said. "This legislation guarantees that any decision to close a business is backed by clear evidence and due process. It's about safeguarding the rights of our entrepreneurs while still allowing for necessary public health measures. I appreciate my colleagues in both chambers for supporting this commonsense measure." West said the language of the measure fits with Article Two, Section Two of the Oklahoma Constitution, which guarantees all persons have the inherent right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry.  According to the language of this bill, the governor would still have the ability to close businesses during a pandemic to protect public health if there is scientific evidence that a particular business is a contributor to the spread of the disease. The governor would have to give notice and the opportunity for a hearing for any business determined to be nonessential or determined to be detrimental to public health. This would give the business a course of action to plead their case and possibly stay open. West said during the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many small businesses across the state were forced to close even as larger businesses were allowed to remain open. Other businesses, such as restaurants or bars were forced to close after certain hours even though no scientific proof was presented that the spread of the disease was more prevalent at one time over another. These policies were devastating to businesses owners, forcing some to close or lay off staff, and it hurt the overall economy of the state. He said there is no evidence the policies did anything to stop the spread of the disease. The bill passed in the House on a vote of 74-15. If signed into law, it would become effective July 1.