House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Wednesday – Red Earth Day at the Capitol – recognized several leaders of Red Earth Inc. on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and presented them with a citation honoring their organization. Fetgatter is the House Leader of Tribal and External Affairs. "Oklahoma is Indian country, and no matter if you are a citizen of one of our 39 tribes or not, our culture, history and art are a part of every fiber of who we are as a state and how we are recognized around the world," said Fetgatter who is a member of the Choctaw Tribe. "I want to thank Red Earth for continuing to keep those traditions alive." Recognized Wednesday were Executive Director Chelsey Curry (Tlingit), President Jeff Hargrave (Muscogee Creek/Choctaw), Board members Amanda Williams (Cheyenne and Arapaho) and LaRenda Morgan (Cheyenne and Arapaho), and Understanding Regalia Presenters Verna Street (Cherokee and Meherrin) and Domingo Whiteman (Cheyenne and Arapaho). Also helping to welcome the members of Red Earth Inc. was Rep. Ken Lutrell, co-chair of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Native American Caucus. Lutrell is Cherokee. The citation presented notes that Red Earth Inc. has been a leader in preserving and promoting Indigenous art, culture, and traditions for nearly four decades, educating the public and fostering appreciation for Native American heritage through world-class exhibitions, cultural programming and community events. The organization first held the Red Earth Festival in 1987, which is recognized as one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Indigenous arts, bringing together artists, dancers, and cultural leaders from across North America to showcase both contemporary and traditional Native expression. The organization also holds Red Earth Day at the Capitol, an event that celebrates Indigenous artistry, educates the public on Native traditions, and highlights the importance of cultural preservation through live demonstrations, exhibits, and educational outreach. The citation further noted that Red Earth Inc. continues to enrich Oklahoma’s cultural landscape by ensuring that Indigenous art remains a thriving and celebrated part of Oklahoma’s identity, inspiring future generations to honor and appreciate the artistic and historical contributions of Native communities.

Legislation updating the Successful Adulthood Act, which provides expanded support for young Oklahomans moving from foster care into adulthood, has been approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, authored House Bill 2361 to provide children who have been in foster care for at least six months and are nearing 18 with their educational transcripts, diplomas and any professional certificates earned during their time in state custody.  "The Successful Adulthood Act is about making sure young Oklahomans have the support they deserve as they navigate the tough adjustment from foster care into adulthood," Hill said. "Providing these young adults with the tools and information they need will help them build a foundation for a successful future. By expanding the services and protections in the Successful Adulthood Act, we are helping these young people move forward with confidence and the resources to obtain employment, find housing and create a better life for themselves." Additionally, the bill includes a provision modeled after the Sarah Stitt Act, which Hill passed in 2021. It requires that individuals leaving the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) after turning 18 be provided with critical documents before re-entering society. These documents include a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate, a social security card, a state-issued driver’s license or ID, educational records and information on securing health insurance and accessing personal medical records. "This provision is a vital addition to the Successful Adulthood Act, ensuring that young people leaving state custody are equipped with the necessary documentation to smoothly move into adulthood and the workforce," Hill stated. "With these resources, they will have a stronger chance of securing housing, employment, and education, ultimately becoming productive members of society and valued members of our communities." HB2361 passed the House 88-4 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House passed two measures this week that would reform the way judges are vetted and selected in Oklahoma. The state's Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), established in 1967 by an amendment to the state Constitution, is charged with nominating the three most qualified candidates for appointment by the governor to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Court of Civil Appeals, as well as district and associate district judgeships when vacancies occur outside the normal election process for those positions. Currently, six of the 15 members of the commission are attorneys and nine are non-lawyers. "A majority of Oklahomans are ready to modernize how state judicial applicants are vetted and appointed," said Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, who is the author of the bills. "The judiciary provides a vital check and balance function as laws are created, and it is important the system remains above reproach and is managed by those who know the law best. These two measures would update the nominating process in a way that would benefit the public while preserving the integrity of this system." House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, added, "These changes have been a long work in progress as we've listened to and considered the concerns of all Oklahomans. Our ultimate goal is for those who are most familiar with the law to promote judicial candidates that have demonstrated a strong record of competence, a commitment to administer justice based on existing law, and who have exhibited the highest moral character. These bills would allow us to make some much-needed changes to this long-established process." House Joint Resolution 1024 would send to a vote of the people a state question asking whether to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to make changes to the structure and terms of the members serving on the JNC. If approved, the question would establish that at least one member of the JNC be from each of the state's five congressional districts at the time of their appointment. If the state were to get another congressional seat, a change to the composition of the commission would be automatic. The six JNC members appointed by the governor and the six members of the Bar Association would serve six-year terms. The change would remove restrictions allowing the three at-large members to either be an attorney or have a familial relationship with an attorney. It would remove the prohibition on political appointments, allowing all appointments to be from one political party, if desired. It also would allow those appointed by House and Senate leaders to succeed themselves beyond their initial two-year terms. A yes vote would limit commissioners from serving more than 12 years. House Bill 2103 seeks to modernize the statutory portion of the JNC. It would prohibit any JNC member from participating in the decision-making process if the member is related to a nominee to the third degree either through ancestry or by marriage. The measure establishes penalties for violation and disclosure requirements, including the amount of any contributions made to the judicial campaign of any applicant. Both measures now move to the Senate where they are authored by Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville.