House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of two new laws that take effect Nov. 1, both designed to improve public safety. House Bill 3244 strengthens punishments for organized retail crime and identity theft and closes loopholes to protect the vulnerable. House Bill 2941 requires first responders to notify law enforcement when treating a drug overdose and establishes that in cases of fatal overdoses involving fentanyl, that will be the presumed cause of death. "Both measures are designed to protect the public," Bashore said. "Whether it's cracking down harder on criminals who are stealing personal information and defrauding citizens and businesses, or getting people faster help during a drug overdose, the emphasis is on making sure Oklahomans are safe." HB3244 expands the definition and pattern of retail and identity theft crimes, and it closes a loophole where criminals exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and minors. It is reported that fraud cases have risen sharply in recent years. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission received 3.5 million fraud reports. By 2025, that number had jumped to 6.5 million, with an estimated $12.5 billion in losses. HB3244 also strengthens identity theft laws by expanding the list of personal information someone can illegally possess or use with fraudulent intent to include fingerprints, PIN numbers, DNA, usernames, passwords and more. The bill strengthens penalties for repeat offenders and improves coordination between law enforcement and financial institutions investigating suspected fraud. Punishment ranges from 10 to 20 years in prison, fines of between $20,000 and $100,000, or both. HB2941 requires first responders to notify law enforcement as soon as practicable after attending to the medical needs of the person they are treating when a drug overdose is suspected. Legal immunity will be granted to those who make the notification in good faith. The measure also establishes that in cases of fatal overdoses involving fentanyl, that will be the presumed cause of death. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports fentanyl was involved in 86% of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, compared to approximately 10% to 20% annually prior to 2020.  "Fentanyl is a growing problem in our state and across the nation, Bashore said. "Having more detailed data on the spread of this deadly drug in Oklahoma will help law enforcement identify problem areas, direct resources where they are needed most and better target those responsible for distributing this deadly drug." Bashore also authored House Bill 2959 , which took effect in May. The bill requires allegations of abuse or neglect by a school employee to be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours, prior of any formal investigation by the school or school board or the questioning of the subject of the accusation. "Too often, schools were interpreting the law to mean they had to notify law enforcement only after the school had finished its investigation into an allegation of abuse," Bashore said. "This clarifies the definition of immediately to mean within 24 hours. It gets quicker help for those traumatized by abuse and stops others from being victimized."

OKLAHOMA CITY – A law allowing Oklahomans to receive a federal income tax credit beginning next year for qualified cash contributions to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) takes effect Nov. 1. Oklahoma is one of 30 states that have opted into participating in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program starting with the 2027 tax year. The program allows contributions to be claimed on the 2027 federal income tax returns filed in 2028. The Oklahoma Tax Commission currently is receiving applications from eligible SGOs through Dec. 15 . Funding from contributions, which can be made beginning Jan. 1, is to be used for scholarships for elementary and secondary education expenses. Funds can be donated to benefit both public and private school students.  Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont authored House Bill 3704 . "We want every child in our state to receive the very best education available to them," Crosswhite Hader said. "This improves not only the child's life but all of society, as a better educated child is healthier and more prepared for their future, including their roles in their families, communities and the workforce." Crosswhite Hader said the local public school is the best option for many students, but parents should have the freedom to decide if another option is the best fit for their child.  "Taxpayers also should be able to support these choices with their own tax dollars," she said. The federal program is similar to the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship program. Both allow Oklahoma taxpayers to contribute to a qualifying SGO and claim the amount of the contribution as a tax credit; however, the federal credit will be reduced by the amount allowed as a state tax credit for qualified contributions made during the same taxable year. The contributions then support scholarship efforts for Oklahoma students, including educational expenses such as tutoring or academic materials.   Gov. Kevin Stitt previously signed an executive order opting Oklahoma into the FSTC program. Crosswhite Hader said this legislation puts this action in statute so going forward this will be available to all willing taxpayer participants. The tax credit is part of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law last year by President Trump. HB3704 designates the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) as the administering agency for the program in the state. According to the Opportunity Scholarship Fund (OSF), here is how the program will work in Oklahoma. Beginning Jan. 1, an individual who gives cash to an approved SGO can get a federal tax credit of up to $1,700. Businesses cannot receive the credit, but proposed rules may allow up to $3,400 for a married couple who each give to a state-approved, federally recognized nonprofit that distribute private-school scholarships to eligible children. These are defined as students from households earning no more than 300% of their county’s median income. Under HB3704, the OTC is required to identify and register eligible SGOs, maintain and submit their list to the U.S. Treasury, develop rules, forms and procedures to administer the list, and ensure compliance with federal guidelines, including contribution reporting and scholarship distribution. According to OSF, no Oklahoma SGO is approved yet. The OTC must send Oklahoma's first list to the IRS by Feb. 15, 2027. SGOs can apply to participate in both the state and federal scholarship tax credit programs on the Oklahoma Tax Commission's website: https://oklahoma.gov/tax/individuals/scholarship-granting-organizations.html . This site also includes answers to frequently asked questions and additional information for taxpayers and SGO applicants. The Oklahoma Council on Public Affairs previously reported the tax credit could generate an additional $24 billion in education funding annually nationwide. Every $1 billion in scholarships could fund tuition at a school of choice for 77,000 students or cover tutoring for more than 300,000 students. Crosswhite Hader said she wanted to particularly thank Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, for bringing this program to her attention. Caldwell is term limited after 12 years of service in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, but he has been an enormous proponent of school choice for students and parents during his time in office. "This legislation would not have happened without his assistance and direction," Crosswhite Hader said.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Terry Peach Water Restoration Act, updated through House Bill 2988 , goes into effect statewide Nov. 1. Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, is the principal author of the bill.  The legislation creates a statewide program to remove or eradicate harmful woody species, such as eastern red cedars and other trees and brush that consume massive amounts of water and present a fire danger in watershed areas throughout the state. The program previously was approved as a pilot, tested in the North Canadian Watershed. "We made great progress after previous passage of bills to establish and fund the pilot program," Dobrinski said. "With lingering drought and persistent wildfire conditions throughout Oklahoma, the Legislature wisely chose to establish a consistent statewide plan to reverse the threat of these invasive species. I'm excited to have this law going into effect soon so other areas can benefit as we have in Western Oklahoma. Conservation of our resources and public protection from wildfires is of extreme importance." HB2988 specifies the program is to be administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. Trey Lam, executive director of the commission, provided the following information about the program's implementation to date and plans moving forward:  2,450 acres, or 69 miles, of wildfire mitigation zones have been completed near 48 communities, lowering the risk of loss to life and property. The commission implemented 22,541 acres of prescribed fire through cost-share funds for landowners in Fiscal Years 2024 through 2026; 29,155 acres have been planned since July 1 for implementation in FY27. The commission completed seven Fighting Fire with Fire trainings for rural fire departments under the directives of the act since FY24. Five trainings are planned for FY27 with the first on Nov. 12 in Dewey. 55 grants have been awarded to rural fire departments and prescribed burn associations through the Fighting Fire with Fire workshop. 133 contracts for invasive woody species removal through the watershed restoration program were awarded in FY26, totaling 15,588 acres. The application period for FY27 Invasive Woody Species removal opened Sept. 1 and remains through Nov. 1. Currently, 600 applications have been received. Focus conservation districts for FY7 include the following counties and municipalities: Cleveland, Coal, Creek, Dewey, Grady, Hughes, Konawa, Lincoln, Logan, Major, McClain, Noble, North Caddo, Okfuskee, Oklahoma County, Okmulgee, Payne, Pontotoc, Seminole, Shawnee, South Caddo, West Caddo and Woodward. Applications can be made at the local conservation district office within the program area.                                                 The legislation also created the Water Restoration Revolving Fund to be used by the Conservation Commission to manage and eradicate, where possible, harmful woody species that damage grazing lands, create significant wildfire risk, reduce wildlife habitat and reduce water flow into state waterways and water basins. The commission is directed to cooperate with landowners, state agencies and other political subdivisions for the removal of the harmful woody species specified in the bill. It also must measure the density of the harmful woody species and estimate water used by those species as well as create a study using a parallel watershed with no control of harmful woody species, among other directives. Dobrinski was recognized earlier this month as the 2026 Legislator of the Year by the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma (CCO), in part because of his work on this legislation. The award recognized Dobrinski's leadership on conservation legislation, commitment to responsible natural resource management and continued partnership in advancing practical, science-backed conservation policies across Oklahoma. The OCC specifically noted Dobrinski for his active involvement in addressing woody plant encroachment, the fuel behind many Oklahoma wildfires, and a growing concern for Oklahoma’s water resources, native grasslands, wildlife habitat and agricultural productivity. His legislative efforts include authoring HB2988 this year and serving as House author of Senate Bill 940 in 2025. Both address harmful woody species.