House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY - A proposal to study three-year bachelor’s degree programs by Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, advanced Tuesday with a unanimous vote from the House Postsecondary Education Committee. House Bill 3315 would direct the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to conduct a feasibility study on bachelor’s degree programs that could be completed in three years, or 90 credit hours.  Eaves said the proposal is designed to give lawmakers solid information before considering any future changes to higher education policy.  "This bill gives us a way to take a careful, targeted look at three-year bachelor’s degree programs,” Eaves said. “It’s important that feasibility and accreditation are fully examined before moving forward."  The study would review a range of academic fields and consider whether adjustments to course requirements, elective hours or overall credit totals are feasible. It also would evaluate potential impacts on accreditation standards as well as how three-year degrees would be viewed by employers and graduate programs.  Under the bill, the State Regents would be required to submit a report outlining their findings to state leaders by July 1, 2027.  HB3315 now advances to the Education Oversight Committee for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Government Modernization and Technology Committee on Monday unanimously passed two bills intended to safeguard Oklahomans when artificial intelligence (AI) is used. Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, is the chairman of the committee and the author of  House Bill 3545 and House Bill 3546 . The measures seek to ensure state agencies use AI responsibly with human oversight and clarify that artificial intelligence systems are not persons and cannot hold legal rights. "These common-sense protections seek to set responsible standards for the use of artificial intelligence and ensure that rights remain with people and not inanimate, non-human systems," Maynard said. "We welcome the use of emerging technologies, but only within a prudent framework. While some of this may seem like science fiction, the concerns are all too real in our current environment, and the best time to set guidelines is now." Maynard said House Bill 3545 would establish responsible standards for state agency use of AI that would require human oversight for any high-risk decisions. The measure also would require transparency whenever AI content is used, including annual reporting so that everyone knows what AI is being used for in the state. House Bill 3546 would make it clear that AI systems and other non-human inanimate objects will not be granted personhood in Oklahoma. "This ensures that rights remain with people and prevents artificial intelligence from being used to claim legal standing or avoid accountability under our laws," Maynard said. He said the measure reinforces a foundational principle reflected in the Declaration of Independence: that our rights do not come from government but are endowed by our Creator and recognized by our Constitution. "Machines are created by man, and they must never be elevated to the status of the people they were designed to serve," Maynard said. Both bills received unanimous do pass recommendations and now are eligible to be considered by the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development Oversight. House bills must pass in policy and oversight committees before being eligible for a vote by the full membership of the House. Maynard has an additional bill dealing with AI that has been referred to the Civil Judiciary Committee. House Bill 3544 would protect minors from AI systems designed to simulate human-like relationships. It would prohibit the deployment of social AI companions and human-like AI chatbots to minors and would require reasonable age certification measures, with a narrow exception for certain therapeutic tools under strict professional oversight. Maynard said the bill reflects growing national concern, including widely reported lawsuits alleging that some AI-companion platforms foster emotional dependency in minors and, in tragic cases, encourage self-harm.

Members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives joined advocates, caregivers and families to recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Advocacy Day. Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, and Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, were joined on the House floor by Alzheimer's awareness advocates Dr. Laura Garrett and Colin Oetken. The lawmakers also recognized the supporters who filled the House gallery to encourage support for those with the disease and their caregivers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, tens of thousands of Oklahomans are living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias, and many more care for loved ones affected by the disease. "The voices of families and caregivers are central to Alzheimer’s Awareness Advocacy Day," Miller said. "I appreciate the role they play in shaping thoughtful policies that improve care and support for Oklahomans affected by this disease." Hill reflected on the personal toll of the disease. His father-in-law battled Alzheimer's for eight years. "Watching a loved one struggle with memory loss is one of the hardest journeys a family can face," Hill said. "Alzheimer's Advocacy Day reminds us why our push for further research and programs matters, because families deserve to have the support and resources they need." "Family caregivers are the backbone of Alzheimer's care, often balancing jobs, children and their own health while showing up for someone they love," West said. "Their sacrifices deserve real support through policies that recognize the emotional and financial toll caregiving can take." To find resources, including the 10 early signs of the disease, visit  alz.org/oklahoma .