House Media

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 .

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, is renewing a call for action on Rain’s Law, House Bill 1484 , legislation that would require age-appropriate fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness education in Oklahoma schools. Rain's Law passed House committees and the House floor unanimously and was also approved in Senate committee during the First Session of the 60th Legislature, but it was never heard on the Senate floor. Johns said the bill has already earned broad bipartisan support, and he is asking the Senate to finally bring the measure forward for a vote in the next round of legislative business. "This bill has been thoroughly vetted, and we cannot let another session go by without acting," Johns said. "More importantly, it is not just another law to put on the books; it is needed. Rain’s Law is about protecting kids with information that can save their lives." If enacted, HB1484 would require instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness at designated grade levels and intervals. The bill outlines educational components, authorizes qualified organizations and individuals to provide instruction and directs the Oklahoma State Department of Education to adopt curriculum standards and provide resources to schools. The measure also calls for the Governor to designate Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week in schools, coordinated with National Red Ribbon Week. Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, says action is needed as fentanyl exposures continue to claim lives and devastate communities across Oklahoma and the nation. "This is a national fight, but one that hits extremely close to home," Weaver said. "President Trump has made fentanyl awareness and abatement a national priority, pushing strong enforcement and tougher penalties for traffickers to stop the flow of poison into our country. Rain’s Law builds on those efforts, and gives Oklahoma a commonsense tool: education that can save lives before addiction or tragedy takes hold." HB1484 is named in honor of Rain Reece, an Oklahoma child whose life was lost due to fentanyl poisoning. Johns said Rain’s mother, Karla Carlock, has transformed unimaginable grief into advocacy, working to ensure that other families are spared the kind of heartbreak she has endured. "Karla is doing what no mother should ever have to do, carrying the memory of her daughter into the Capitol and asking us to do something with it," Johns said. "She has taken the worst pain a parent can experience and turned it into a mission to protect other children. We owe it to her, and we owe it to Oklahoma families, to see this bill across the finish line." Carlock visited Washington, D.C., last summer and was present when President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan bill into law strengthening fentanyl-related laws in the United States. "I never imagined I would lose my daughter to fentanyl poisoning," Carlock said. "You always think tragedies like this happen to other families, not yours. Losing Rain shattered our world, and that is why Rain’s Law, HB1484, matters so much: education and awareness are critical, because if kids don’t know the risks, they can’t protect themselves. There is nothing more important than a child’s life, and if this bill can save even one child, all of the pain and effort will be worth it." Johns also pointed to another House measure tied to the same crisis, House Bill 4421, authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, titled Leo’s Law, which addresses fentanyl exposure and drug screening within child welfare cases. That bill, he said, highlights the growing movement of families stepping forward to push state leaders toward solutions. "Rain’s Law works on prevention in schools. Leo’s Law responds to the reality we are seeing in child welfare cases," Johns said. "Different stories, same crisis, and the same determination from Oklahoma families who refuse to accept fentanyl as normal.” Johns acknowledged the disappointment felt by many supporters after Rain’s Law stalled without receiving a full Senate vote, despite its unanimous support throughout the process. "This is not about politics. This is about saving kids," Johns said. "It is about parents who think their children are safe, until one moment changes everything. Rain’s Law gives schools the ability to put lifesaving knowledge in front of students, and it sends a message that Oklahoma will not back down in the fight against fentanyl."