House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bipartisan package of reforms aimed at strengthening oversight of taxpayer dollars and reinforcing ethical standards in state and local government passed the House floor today and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. The initiative is led by Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, who worked with members of both parties after concerns surfaced about gaps in government spending oversight. Lawmakers also collaborated with State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd following an audit that identified $93.4 million in questionable expenditures over the past year. "I appreciate the House’s support and recognition of the need for these bills," Strom said. "Ultimately, the responsibility to act falls on us as lawmakers, and as chair of the General Government Committee, I take that responsibility seriously. These measures are about identifying inaccuracies, addressing them directly and eliminating fraud, waste and abuse within our agencies. When we approve funding, we must ensure those dollars are going exactly where they are intended. I look forward to advancing these measures to the Senate and working with Senate authors to get them across the finish line and signed into law." Lawmakers who worked alongside Strom on the bills include Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus; Rep. Denise Crosswhite-Hader, R-Piedmont; Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene; Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond; and Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City. The reform package includes the following measures: House Bill 3413 would expand transparency in state agency contracting by requiring agencies to publicly list contractors, contract values and project status. It would also mandate posting consultant reports and disclosing whether contracts are for outside services or to supplement staffing. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville. House Bill 3414 would direct the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to improve accounting systems to distinguish between service contracts and staff augmentation clearly. It also requires permanent documentation for digital and intangible assets purchased by agencies. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City. House Bill 3415 would require vendors to disclose subcontractors, set stronger documentation standards and mandate post-project reviews to confirm work was completed on time and within budget. The bill also creates a publicly accessible database of state contracts. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville. House Bill 3418 would update the Public Competitive Bidding Act by refining procedures for public construction projects, clarifying definitions and ensuring consistent bidding practices, including for school district contracts. The Senate author of the measure is also Sen. Daniels. House Bill 3416 would allow counties to seek quotes for certain smaller purchases instead of always using a lengthy bidding process, while maintaining safeguards and documentation requirements to prevent misuse. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson. House Bill 3417 would clarify that cities and towns must follow state competitive bidding laws and may not adopt local rules that weaken or bypass those standards. The Senate author of the measure is also Sen. Alvord. House Bill 3419 would strengthen state ethics laws by making it a felony for current or former state or local officials, employees or contractors to use confidential government information for personal financial gain. Convictions could include prison time, fines and a prohibition on holding public office or entering into state contracts. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Jack Stewart, R-Yukon. House Bill 3420 would amend the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act to strengthen oversight when contracts are negotiated rather than competitively bid. It would require stronger justification, clearer documentation and public reporting of procurement activity, and directs OMES to publish purchasing reports online for public review. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Carrie Hicks, D-Oklahoma City. A video of Strom presenting the bills on the House floor is available here .

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, filed a concurrent resolution recognizing Oklahoma native Chuck Norris for a lifetime of achievement and contributions to the state and nation. The measure was heard on the House floor Monday and adopted. "Chuck Norris is one of our own, and his story is something Oklahomans can really take pride in," Adams said. "From serving our country to becoming a global name in martial arts and entertainment, he’s always carried himself with strength and character. This resolution is just a small way to recognize all he’s accomplished and the example he continues to set." House Concurrent Resolution 1021 honors Norris, who was born March 10, 1940, in Ryan, for his impact as a serviceman, martial artist, actor and philanthropist. Norris served in the United States Air Force, where he first demonstrated the discipline and commitment that would define his career. He later became a world-renowned martial artist, earning multiple championships and helping bring martial arts into the national spotlight. He went on to achieve international recognition as an actor, starring in numerous films and the television series "Walker, Texas Ranger," becoming a cultural figure known across generations. In addition to his work in entertainment, Norris has supported numerous philanthropic efforts, including programs focused on youth development and character education. Through HCR1021, the Oklahoma Legislature formally honors Norris' contributions to the arts, athletics and charitable causes. The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, is the Senate author.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives yesterday unanimously passed House Bill 4425, authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, establishing the Good Faith Reporting for Child Protection Act to encourage prompt reporting of sexually inappropriate conduct involving minors while protecting those who report in good faith. House Bill 4425 provides civil liability protection for charitable organizations and volunteers who report suspected sexually inappropriate conduct involving a minor, provided the report is made in good faith and follows clear reporting guidelines. To qualify for the protections, the report must be made within 72 hours to both law enforcement and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The legislation also creates a presumption of good faith when a report is made in accordance with an organization’s established reporting policy defining sexually inappropriate conduct. The immunity does not apply to individuals reporting their own misconduct. Speaker Hilbert said the bill is designed to ensure adults feel supported and obligated to speak up quickly when a child may be in danger. “Protecting children must always come first,” said Hilbert. “This bill makes it clear that when someone sees warning signs of inappropriate conduct involving a child, they should report it immediately. By protecting those who act in good faith, we’re removing barriers that might prevent someone from speaking up and ensuring potential abuse is reported as quickly as possible.” Representative Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, also helped champion the legislation. “House Bill 4425 sends a clear message that protecting children must always come first,” Duel said. “This bill empowers people to speak up when they see suspicious behavior involving a child and establishes clear standards for how those reports are made. Just as importantly, it protects those who act in good faith and ensures law enforcement receives critical information quickly so potential threats can be addressed before a child is harmed.” Both the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma Baptists applaud this legislation. "I commend Speaker Hilbert's legislation and his leadership in protecting children from abuse," said Archbishop Coakley. It is imperative that we encourage all adults aware of potential abuse to swiftly report their concerns without fear to proper authorities to ensure children are protected." “It is essential that children are protected from harm, and a key to help in that is to create a culture of timely reporting and accountability," said Dr. Todd Fisher, Executive Director-Treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists. "This bill does just that.”  House Bill 4425 now advances to the Oklahoma Senate for consideration.