House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 3147 , authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, and Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, has become law, authorizing the creation of the Route 66 Centennial License Plate in consultation with the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission. The measure became law without the Governor’s signature after passing unanimously in both the House and Senate. The new plate commemorates the 100th anniversary of U.S. Highway 66, established Nov. 11, 1926. In 2026, Route 66, often called the Mother Road, is being celebrated nationwide throughout the year. "Oklahoma has the longest drivable stretch of Route 66, and it is filled with the diners, motels, museums and small businesses that tell the story of our state and our country," Hildebrant said. "I am thrilled that the license plate is now in statute and thank my colleagues for understanding the importance of the Mother Road in our state. Catoosa is home to one of the most recognizable stops along the route, the Blue Whale, and celebrating 100 years is meaningful for all of us." Senate author, Seifried, says the new license plate is an exciting chance for Oklahomans to have a piece of Route 66. "Route 66 is one of Oklahoma’s greatest economic and cultural assets, bringing visitors from around the world and supporting jobs in cities and towns along the route," said Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore. "This new license plate gives Oklahomans the chance to celebrate the centennial by taking a piece of the Mother Road with them wherever they go. I’m proud to represent so many communities that are part of Route 66’s enduring legacy." The law authorizes Service Oklahoma to work with the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission on the design for the plate. The agreement allows for up to $20 from each plate issued to be directed to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association. Rhys Martin, president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, said proceeds from plate sales will support promotion and preservation efforts along the historic highway. "This will help us continue telling Oklahoma’s story to people from around the world as we begin the road’s next 100 years," Martin said. "Route 66 in Oklahoma goes through more than 40 communities and covers over 400 miles. It’s known as the Main Street of America, and it is still Main Street in many of these towns." Before the plate can be produced, at least 100 Oklahomans must sign up and pre-order it. Organizers say that effort is already underway. Route 66 Day was held at the Capitol on April 21, where historic sites and communities along Route 66 gathered to mark the highway’s 100th anniversary. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association was there collecting signatures and email addresses of those who would be interested in pre-ordering the plate. Service Oklahoma is currently working on a final design of the plate and a link where Oklahomans can sign up and pre-order it online.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 1436 , a measure aimed at improving communication and access to information for families experiencing pregnancy loss, passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now heads to the Governor’s desk. House author Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, says the bill would provide that when a fetal death occurs in a hospital, or when a woman presents to a hospital for treatment of a miscarriage, the hospital must, prior to discharge, provide the woman or a designee with a standardized form explaining how to request a fetal death certificate or a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth. "Families facing pregnancy loss are walking through one of the most difficult moments of their lives, and they deserve clear, compassionate communication from the moment they receive care," Roe said. "This bill helps ensure they are informed about their options and supported as they navigate an incredibly personal experience." The bill would also require hospital staff to verbally inform patients and families of their ability to request these documents. The legislation directs the Oklahoma State Department of Health to develop and publish the form on its website, including clear instructions and contact information for the Division of Vital Records. Roe said the measure creates consistency across hospitals and ensures no family leaves without knowing what resources are available to them. "This is about making sure every family is treated with dignity and given the information they need during a time of grief," Roe said. "By standardizing this process, we are helping provide clarity and support when it matters most." According to the March of Dimes 2025 Report Card , Oklahoma’s infant mortality rate is 7.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, and in 2023, 341 infants died before reaching their first birthday. SB1436 passed the House with an 89-0 vote and now heads to the Governor's desk for final approval.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, secured House passage of Senate Bill 1369, a measure to ensure the continuation and long-term stability of Oklahoma’s 988 Mental Health Lifeline. Senate Bill 1369 would create the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund, which will support staffing, operations and the long-term sustainability of the 988 system. The state would be required to implement funding strategies to ensure the system is adequately supported, including maximizing federal funding opportunities and verifying reimbursements to behavioral health providers. The House passed the measure with a vote of 85-7. "Without legislative action, current funding for Oklahoma’s 988 system is set to expire soon, " Norwood said. "Since the launch of this critical three-digit number, thousands of Oklahomans have relied on this service, and we have a responsibility to ensure it remains available to those who need it most." The measure also designates the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the primary oversight entity for suicide prevention and crisis service activities, including coordination with designated 988 Lifeline crisis centers. Norwood said the legislation builds on earlier work to ensure continuity of care and access to crisis services across the state. "This measure creates a dedicated, sustainable funding structure and establishes clear oversight so we can provide a stable, coordinated response for individuals in crisis, both now and in the future," Norwood said. To support the implementation of the measure, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1164 , which provides $5.9 million in funding for the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund. That measure was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt on April 21. The bill, authored in the Senate by Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, now advances to the governor’s desk for final approval.