House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation, authored Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, aimed at increasing transparency and seeking public input in the planning of turnpike projects passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives today. House Bill 1939 would establish additional oversight, reporting requirements and opportunities for public input in the planning of new turnpike projects. The measure would require the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to work more closely with local governments, provide additional notice to residents near proposed routes, and hold public meetings on major project decisions in compliance with the state’s Open Meetings Act. Sterling said the bill is designed to ensure Oklahomans have a stronger voice in infrastructure decisions that directly impact their communities. "When you are talking about major projects like turnpikes, the public deserves to be informed and involved from the very beginning," Sterling said. "This bill brings more transparency to the process and makes sure local communities are not left out of decisions that affect their property, their roads and their future." The measure would also require detailed studies before new turnpikes are proposed, including analysis of potential routes, economic impact and environmental considerations. Property owners within a defined area of a proposed project would receive direct notification under the measure. "This is about putting a structure in place that is open to the public and accountable," Sterling said. "We want to make sure these projects are thoroughly vetted and that taxpayers can have a voice during the process every step of the way." Under HB1939, newly authorized turnpike projects would expire if key planning steps are not completed within a set timeframe, helping prevent projects from lingering indefinitely without progress. "This ensures these projects don’t sit on the books without any sort of progress," Sterling said. "If we’re going to move forward with something as significant as these projects are, they need to be done in a timely manner." The measure now advances to the Senate, where Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman is the Senate author.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has been appointed to serve on the Human Services and Public Safety Committee of the Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South) for a one-year term ending Dec. 31, 2026. "I am honored to be selected to serve on this committee by Speaker Hilbert to represent Oklahoma in these important conversations," Roe said. "Issues related to human services and public safety directly impact families across our state, especially in our rural communities. I look forward to working with fellow legislators to share ideas and develop solutions that make a difference." As a committee member, Roe will collaborate with legislators and policy experts from across the region to address key issues, participate in policy discussions and help guide the committee’s work. Members are responsible for attending meetings and sessions at the annual Southern Legislative Conference, contributing to policy discussions and serving as a resource for their state. "This appointment gives Oklahoma a strong voice at the table as we work with other states facing many of the same challenges," Roe said. "By sharing best practices and learning from one another, we can better serve our constituents back home." Roe serves as chair of the Oklahoma House Public Health Committee and has more than 40 years of experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner in her rural District 42. She is also among the few members of the Oklahoma House with a professional background in health care. CSG South hosts the Southern Legislative Conference each year, bringing together lawmakers and staff from across the region to discuss emerging policy issues, exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships among member states. The 2026 Southern Legislative Conference, which will be held July 11-15 in Lexington, Kentucky.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has advanced House Bill 3742, aimed at strengthening constitutional protections and improving fairness in the state’s criminal justice system. HB3742 , named the "The Due Process Protection Act," authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, updates Oklahoma’s Criminal Discovery Code to clarify disclosure requirements and adjust timelines for resolving discovery issues in criminal cases. Harris said the measure is designed to ensure that both prosecutors and defense attorneys have access to necessary evidence earlier in the legal process, helping prevent delays and ensuring defendants receive their constitutional right to fair and speedy trials. "When prosecutors and defense attorneys have clear rules and timely access to evidence, it helps prevent unnecessary delays and ensures cases move forward based on the facts," Harris said. "The Due Process Protection Act strengthens Oklahoma’s discovery process so both sides can properly prepare while protecting the constitutional rights of defendants." Harris said he collaborated on the bill with numerous stakeholders, including district attorneys, law enforcement partners and attorneys in private practice.  HB3742 passed the House unanimously and proceeds to the Senate for additional consideration. It is authored in the Senate by Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville.