House Media

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, today secured House passage of two bills ensuring taxpayer-funded assistance programs are reserved for those who are lawfully present in the United States. The measures advance the state’s commitment to Safeguarding Eligibility, Compliance and Use of Resources Efficiently (SECURE) when administering state and federal assistance. “Oklahoma taxpayers should never be forced to subsidize benefits for individuals who are in our country illegally," said Hilbert. These services are intended for legal, tax-paying citizens, and the House has made clear that we are going to ensure those benefits are protected for eligible Oklahomans.” House Bills 4422 and 4423 reinforce eligibility standards for public assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid and Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The legislation clarifies that individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States are ineligible for taxpayer-funded benefits and strengthens verification requirements to ensure state agencies are complying with federal law and directing benefits only to qualified recipients. Both House Bill 4422 and House Bill 4423 passed unanimously by House Republicans. “We continue to address the consequences of reckless federal border policies created under the Biden Administration that have made every state a border state,” Hilbert said. “Oklahoma must send a clear message: we stand with legal immigrants, American workers and the men and women of ICE and Border Patrol who enforce our laws. These bills promote cooperation with federal authorities and reinforce that Oklahoma will not serve as a magnet for illegal immigration or the misuse of public resources.” With House passage secured, the bills now move to the Senate for consideration. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – A concurrent resolution by Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore, and Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, honoring Oklahoma native and country music icon Toby Keith and supporting the naming of a planned turnpike in his memory was heard on the Senate floor today and adopted. House Concurrent Resolution 1019 recognizes Keith’s lasting impact on music, his deep Oklahoma roots and his legacy of service to the nation. The measure proposes naming the new turnpike corridor the Toby Keith Expressway . The measure was heard and adopted on the House floor on Feb. 25. "Toby Keith was more than a country music star. He was a proud Oklahoman who never forgot where he came from," Blair said. "Naming this turnpike in his honor is a fitting way to recognize a man who represented our state with ultimate patriotism and generosity." The planned route is part of the ACCESS Oklahoma Long-Range Plan and would extend from Interstate 44 east to Interstate 35 near Indian Hills Road, continuing east and north to Interstate 40 at the Kickapoo Turnpike. The project is intended to improve safety, strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. "Over the course of his legendary career, Toby Keith never forgot where he came from or what he stood for," said Standridge. "His Oklahoma roots shaped him, and his love of America defined him. He was a country music superstar and a true patriot. I can think of no better way to honor his memory than by naming this future stretch of Norman turnpike in his honor, creating a lasting tribute to the legacy he leaves behind." Born in Clinton and raised in Moore, Keith rose to national prominence with a career that included more than 40 million albums sold and over 20 No. 1 hits. His songs, including "Should’ve Been a Cowboy," "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" and "American Soldier," earned widespread acclaim and a loyal fan base. In addition to his musical success, Keith was known for his unwavering support of the U.S. military. He performed more than 300 shows on USO tours in combat zones, offering encouragement to American service members stationed overseas. Keith also made a lasting impact through his charitable work. After a devastating tornado struck his hometown of Moore in 2013, Keith organized the OK Twister Relief Concert to support families who lost their homes and faced significant hardship in the storm’s aftermath. He also created the Toby Keith Foundation , which has helped children with cancer since 2006, focusing on providing no-cost housing for families during treatment. In 2014, the foundation opened OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for pediatric cancer patients receiving care at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, the Stephenson Cancer Center and other nearby facilities. "Toby Keith’s legacy goes far beyond music," Blair said. "He spent years supporting our troops and helping families and children in some of the toughest moments imaginable. This turnpike designation is just a small way to ensure his impact will be remembered by generations to come." Keith died Feb. 5, 2024, following a battle with cancer. The resolution honors his life, patriotism and enduring contributions to Oklahoma and the nation.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation aimed at protecting Oklahoma students from the dangers of fentanyl has been signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt. House Bill 1484 , known as Rain’s Law, requires schools to provide age-appropriate instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness for students in grades six through 12. The measure was authored by Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, and carried in the Senate by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. "This is a win for students everywhere," Johns said. "Too many young lives have been lost to something they never saw coming. I am proud of my colleagues and Governor Stitt for recognizing the reality of fentanyl and taking action to protect our students. By ensuring students understand just how dangerous fentanyl is, we are giving them the knowledge they need to protect themselves. This law will help save lives." The law is named in honor of Cameron University student Rain Reece, who died at 19 after unknowingly taking a pill laced with fentanyl. It establishes required educational components, authorizes qualified organizations to provide instruction and directs the Oklahoma State Department of Education to adopt curriculum standards and resources. The measure also calls for the governor to designate Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week in schools in coordination with National Red Ribbon Week. Weaver, who previously served as director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, said education is one of the most effective tools to prevent future tragedies. "Even after many years leading the Bureau of Narcotics, fentanyl remains unlike any drug I’ve ever seen, as it can be deadly in the tiniest amounts," Weaver said. "Rain’s Law ensures Oklahoma students learn how dangerous even a single pill can be, while equipping them with knowledge to protect themselves and their peers. I’m proud to see this life-saving legislation become law." The new law comes as fentanyl continues to devastate families across Oklahoma. For Johns, the issue is deeply personal. Eight of his former students have died from fentanyl. Rain’s Law now ensures students receive clear, factual information about the risks of synthetic opioids, including how fentanyl is often hidden in counterfeit pills and how even one pill can be deadly. Johns also recognized the advocacy of Rain’s mother, Karla Carlock, who has worked to turn her loss into a mission to protect others. Her efforts have reached beyond Oklahoma. Last summer, Carlock traveled to Washington, D.C., where she was present when President Donald Trump signed legislation strengthening fentanyl-related laws nationwide, underscoring the growing urgency to address the crisis. Rain’s Law was introduced during the First Session of the 60th Legislature, where it passed House committees and the House floor unanimously and was approved in a Senate committee. However, it was not heard on the Senate floor until the Second Session. "Rain’s life mattered, and her story is now helping protect students across our state," Johns said. "If this law spares even one family from that kind of heartbreak, then it is worth it. We owe it to our children to do everything we can to keep them safe."