House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, and Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, applauded the signing of House Bill 4274 , a measure to support military families by improving school transfer access for their children. HB4274 updates Oklahoma’s open transfer law to better support active-duty military families during relocation. The measure requires school districts to treat military students relocating under official orders as in-district residents during enrollment periods, allowing schools to begin processing enrollment paperwork earlier and giving families greater certainty and stability as they transition to a new community. Currently, many military families must wait until out-of-district enrollment opens in the summer before beginning the process, often leaving them without confirmation of placement until just weeks before the school year begins. HB4274 helps remove that uncertainty by allowing families to start enrollment before establishing residency, helping students remain on track academically and providing military families reassurance during an already demanding move process. "When your family is relocating on military orders, everything moves quickly and there’s a lot to navigate all at once," Miller said. "Getting your kids enrolled in school shouldn’t be the part that slows you down. This helps ensure continuity in their education so students can get established in their new school right away. I’m grateful to Sen. Pugh for partnering with me to get this across the finish line so families can settle in and students can start strong from day one." Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the Senate author of the measure. "Military families already sacrifice so much in service to our country, and frequent moves are part of that reality," Pugh said. "As an Air Force veteran, I know how important stability and continuity are for children during those transitions. This bill helps ensure students can get enrolled quickly and seamlessly so families can focus on settling into their new community instead of navigating red tape. It’s a commonsense step that shows Oklahoma values and supports the men and women who serve. I appreciate Representative Miller for getting this through on the House side." HB4274 has been signed into law and will take effect July 1, 2026.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to prevent the misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, has been signed into law. House Bill 1933 , authored by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, and known as the Maddix Bias Act, makes it a misdemeanor to possess, buy, sell or transfer nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication. Violators could face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Sterling said the issue is deeply personal to him, as he served as a school administrator for Maddix’s mother and has known the family for years. "When the family came to me in October 2024, they wanted to know what we as a Legislature could do to help prevent another tragedy like this from happening," Sterling said. "From that moment on, I knew we needed to take this issue seriously and work toward meaningful change to protect Oklahoma families." The new law is named in honor of Maddix Bias, a 2023 Tecumseh High School graduate and standout baseball player whose life was tragically cut short in a car crash caused by his boss, who was under the influence of nitrous oxide. "I am proud the Governor signed this bill into law and recognized the serious dangers these whippets can pose," Sterling said. "Maddix was a great young man, and I hope this effort helps preserve his legacy by raising awareness and helping create safer communities across Oklahoma." The measure also will increase penalties for possession of larger quantities and for those who sell or provide nitrous oxide to minors, including potential jail time, steeper fines and suspension of business licenses. HB1933 aligns with national efforts like H.R 7945 , the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act of 2026, which aims to curb the sale and misuse of nitrous oxide consumer products while preserving its legitimate applications. "This is something we had to address, and I am proud of my colleagues for consistently stepping up and doing what is right through unanimous votes throughout the legislative session," Sterling said. "These young people are the future of Oklahoma, and we have a responsibility to protect them. This new law helps do exactly that." The Maddix Bias Act becomes effective Aug. 14.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that strengthens punishments for organized retail crime and identity theft and closes loopholes to protect the vulnerable has been signed into law. Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of House Bill 3244 ,which expands the definition and pattern of these crimes to better encapsulate fraud techniques used by criminals. It closes a loophole where criminals exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and minors. Third, it greatly enhances Oklahoma identity theft laws by expanding the scope of which items or modes are utilized by criminals. "Retail, identity theft and overall fraud cases are a growing crisis here in Oklahoma and the nation," Bashore said. "These thieves are creative and ruthless when it comes to stealing personal information and using it to defraud citizens of their assets. They also often prey upon the vulnerable to get their participation in their crimes. This law will enhance punishment for these criminals and give law enforcement greater tools to stop their activity." Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. Hall is the Senate author of the legislation. “As a banker, it’s deeply concerning how often I see Oklahomans fall victim to identity theft or fraud because their personal financial information was not properly secured or because they trusted the wrong person,” Hall said. “This new law sends a strong message that these crimes will not be taken lightly, especially when criminals target the elderly or other vulnerable Oklahomans.” The Oklahoma Bankers Association, law enforcement agencies statewide, the AARP Oklahoma and others supported the legislation. 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 includes criminals operating in two or more municipalities, or when offenses are committed within and without the state or combined with online or phone fraud. The bill also adds the crime of organized retail theft, when groups work together to rob retailers. The measure clarifies and broadens punishment for the crime of using coercion, deception, enticement, intimidation, bartering, recruiting or other means to exploit someone into committing these crimes. This includes someone who has a mental illness, is vulnerable, homeless, intellectually or developmentally disabled, elderly, a user of drugs or alcohol or is a minor. Again, this adds in the pattern aspect of these crimes, making the punishment more severe for those who commit these types of crimes more than once. HB 3244 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. The new law becomes effective Nov. 1.