House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, which aims to shield Oklahoma families and small businesses from higher utility costs tied to large-scale energy users like data centers, is one step closer to becoming law. Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, is the author of House Bill 2992 , which passed the House floor with a 92-2 vote. The measure establishes guidelines for how all Oklahoma electric suppliers and regulators manage the growing energy demands of data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence facilities. "I am grateful to my colleagues in the House for their overwhelming bipartisan support to pass this bill and truly appreciate that so many of my colleagues have signed on as co-authors of this bill," Rep. Boles said. "I look forward to working with Senator Green to carry this effort forward and get it across the finish line in the Senate. We have a duty to our constituents to put proper ratepayer protections and safeguards in place in state statute. Oklahoma families and small businesses should not be expected to finance major system upgrades required for high-demand users. Those costs should rest with the companies driving the need." The bill defines "large load customers" as new facilities adding 75 megawatts or more of demand and clarifies that residential, commercial and traditional industrial customers are not included in that classification. Currently, 23 House and Senate lawmakers from both parties have signed on as co-authors of this bill alongside Rep. Boles and Sen. Green, R-Wellston, who are the primary authors. The Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY - A measure to help ensure the long-term stability of Oklahoma’s 988 Mental Health Crisis Lifeline passed the House floor with a unanimous vote and now moves to the Senate for consideration. House Bill 4092 , authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, creates the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund. The fund is designed to support the continued operation of the statewide crisis line as federal funding is set to expire in September. "Creating this revolving fund gives us a responsible path forward," Norwood said. "It allows the state to plan ahead, coordinate resources and ensure continuity of care for individuals in crisis. I am thankful to my colleagues for understanding this need and getting this one step closer to the finish line." According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the contract with Solari to operate the 988 Lifeline totals $5,760,886. The increased cost reflects both the loss of federal support and the expansion of services. The bill would not appropriate funding, but it would establish a dedicated fund to receive future federal dollars, state appropriations, grants and private contributions. Currently, the 988 Lifeline handles more than 7,000 calls each month statewide, showing the growing need for immediate, accessible mental health support. The program’s operations will remain unchanged, with trained professionals continuing to respond to calls, texts and chats. The measure also designates the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the lead agency for oversight of suicide prevention and crisis services. The department will coordinate with designated 988 Lifeline crisis centers and establish rules to improve communication, data sharing and service delivery across emergency response systems. "The 988 Lifeline has become a critical resource for Oklahomans facing mental health crises," Norwood said. "This measure is about making sure that help is always there when someone needs it most, regardless of changes in federal funding." The bill now advances to the Senate, where Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, is the Senate author.

A comprehensive bill strengthening data privacy protections for Oklahomans has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 546 , authored by House Majority Floor Leader Josh West, R-Grove, and Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, establishes new consumer rights regarding personal data and creates clear rules for businesses that collect and process information from Oklahoma residents. Under the new law, Oklahomans will be able to access, correct, delete and obtain copies of their personal data, as well as opt out of the sale of their personal data and certain targeted advertising practices.  West, who has pushed for strong data privacy laws in Oklahoma since 2019, said Oklahomans deserve to have a say in how their private information is used.  "In the age of the internet, personal data is valuable currency," West said. "People deserve to know how their data is being used and have the ability to make decisions about that information. Senate Bill 546 gives Oklahomans meaningful control over their own data while establishing clear standards for businesses operating in our state."  SB546 applies to businesses operating in Oklahoma that either process personal data of over 100,000 consumers or process data of 25,000 consumers while earning a majority of their revenue from selling data. The legislation also requires businesses to provide transparent privacy notices, maintain reasonable data security practices and obtain consent before processing sensitive personal information. If companies fail to comply, the Oklahoma Attorney General could take action against them.  "Senate Bill 546 puts Oklahomans back in control of their personal data," Howard said. "For too long, technology companies and online platforms have collected and sold consumers’ personal information, including search histories, spending habits and other browsing data, without giving them the chance to opt out. This new law protects Oklahomans’ privacy online by giving every individual the right to know what data is being collected, while also giving them the power to delete that information and prevent it from being sold."  West said the policy has been a long time coming. In 2021, he authored legislation that would have implemented the strongest data privacy law in the nation. The measure, which was coauthored by 44 legislators, passed the House broadly but stalled in the legislative process.  "I started working on this legislation in 2019 after a conversation with former Representative Collin Walke," West said. "After seven years and five drafts, Oklahomans will finally have the say they deserve in how their personal data is used. I appreciate Senator Howard's work to push Senate Bill 546 across the finish line and thank the governor for signing it into law."  There are exemptions for certain entities, including state agencies, nonprofits and higher education institutions, as well as exemptions for organizations working with data already regulated by federal laws, such as HIPAA.  SB546 will take effect January 1, 2027.