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Two Edmond-area lawmakers thanked Gov. Kevin Stitt for naming numerous census tracts as federal Opportunity Zones, an effort aimed at attracting private investment, encouraging economic development and creating new opportunities in local communities. Three census tracts located in Edmond have been designated as Opportunity Zones, creating new opportunities to attract private investment for housing, downtown revitalization and commercial development. Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, who represents two of the three selected tracts, highlighted municipal leaders' coordinated strategy to connect housing needs, downtown and University of Central Oklahoma traffic and future developments along the city's southern gateway. "I appreciate Gov. Stitt's leadership in securing these Opportunity Zone nominations for Oklahoma," Harris said. "Encouraging private investment in our communities can help create jobs, strengthen our local economies and create new opportunities for Oklahoma families and businesses. These designations give local leaders another tool to support growth and make our state more competitive." In addition to other economic development opportunities, planned projects within the three tracts include: Census Tract 1082.03: A $90 million housing and mixed-use development. Census Tract 1082.04: A proposed $150 million transit-oriented development, a proposed $10 million project and a potential future commuter rail along the Edmond-Oklahoma City-Norman corridor. Census Tract 1082.07: Two mixed-use and multi-family developments totaling $76 million. Together, the three tracts have a documented pipeline of $360.5 million in planned private investment across nine identified future projects. Approximately $285.8 million in public and private investment is anticipated to be completed. Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, represents one of the three tracts designated Wednesday. "Opportunity zones can help bring private capital to projects that might otherwise face challenges getting across the finish line," Osburn said. "Edmond has already taken advantage of this program, and this designation creates another opportunity to build on that work, attract businesses and expand housing options. From housing near jobs and services to investment around downtown and UCO, these three areas each have an important role in Edmond’s future." Osburn, Harris and other Edmond legislators worked with local leaders to develop the three-tract economic approach and advocate for the designations. "This designation comes in a large part thanks to the relentless work of our Edmond municipal leaders to coordinate with private partners," Harris said. "Edmond is now in a stronger position to attract new investment that benefits our community and strengthens Oklahoma's economy as a whole." Opportunity Zones are federally designated census tracts where qualifying investments made through Qualified Opportunity Funds may receive federal tax benefits. It does not guarantee project financing, approval or construction. The U.S. Department of the Treasury must certify the selected census tracts before they receive official Opportunity Zone designation. The renewed program is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, with the new designations lasting 10 years. The full map of nominated tracts may be found here .

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.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A new law designating the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative as the lead entity for all statewide 211 call centers and placing it under the Oklahoma Department of Human Services will take effect Nov. 1. House Bill 4095 , authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, also reduces the collaborative's membership from 15 to nine members, including three public-sector representatives and six private-sector representatives. Members will serve staggered initial terms followed by three-year terms, with the option for reappointment. All members will serve without compensation. "The new structure to improve coordination and long-term sustainability of our state's 211 hotline which is vital for Oklahomans," Norwood said. "Behind every phone call is a real person or family facing hardship and searching for hope. This new governance structure for 211, paired with the creation of the revolving fund, will help secure critical services for Oklahomans when they need them most while promoting responsible use of taxpayer dollars." The 211 hotline provides 24/7 access through phone, text and web-based services. The hotline connects Oklahomans with local and statewide resources during times of need and plays an important role in emergency response. Senate Bill 1290 , a companion measure to HB4095 also carried in the House by Norwood, was signed into law in 2026. The measure established the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund and took effect July 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A law establishing the True Grit Trail in Southeast Oklahoma takes effect Nov. 1. House Bill 1411 is authored by Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton and Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain. "'True Grit' is such a classic American story," Grego said. "It's a tale of determination, a fight for justice and to see wrong's righted, and it contains a fascinating cast of characters from the young and fiery Mattie Ross to the onery and cantankerous but effective Marshall Rooster Cogburn. And much of the story was set right here in Oklahoma. This new trail will give us a way to show off the places made popular in the story and hopefully will draw new visitors to this area of the state. This could positively impact our local hotels, restaurants and other businesses." "True Grit," a novel written by Charles Portis, has since been turned into several movie adaptations. It follows the story of 14-year-old Mattie Ross who hires U.S. Marshall Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn and a Texas Ranger to avenge the murder of her father. The trio trace the murderous gang into what was known as "Indian Territory" in 1878. The movie role of Rooster Cogburn was first played by John Wayne in 1969 and in a 2010 remake by Jeff Bridges. Kim Darby played the original Mattie Ross. Hailee Steinfeld played the character in the 2010 film. Towns and places of interest along the trail include: Sallisaw, Spiro, Bokoshe, McCurtain, Kinta, Quinton, Krebs, McAlester, Hartshorne, Wilburton, Red Oak, Bengal, Talihina, Robbers Cave State Park, and the Talimena National Scenic Byway. "I'm thankful to all those behind the scenes who have worked on establishing the trail so that when the law takes effect, we can get on our way to welcoming visitors" Grego said. Mike Cathey is one of those who has aggressively worked on the trail for the past three years, as the state designation was finding its way through the legislative process. Cathey, a constituent of Grego, provided much of the inspiration for HB1411. He writes a weekly newspaper column and an annual tourism column. This year, with the passage of the True Grit Trail bill, he encouraged readers to find their way to Dardanelle, AR, the fictional home of Mattie Ross, and then traverse the near 260 miles along Arkansas State Highway 22 to Fort Smith, were Mattie travels to engage Deputy Cogburn to help find the man who killed her father. Rooster and Texas Ranger LeBoeuf cross the Arkansas river into Indian Territory (now Oklahoma, traveling through what is now Sallisaw to Spiro and then Oklahoma State Highway 31 as they head toward McAlester, in search of the murderer Tom Chaney as he has been recently seen at J.J. McAlester’s Store. "This journey finds the traveler in the beautiful San Bois Mountains valley, in the now Lake Eufaula region, and following a visit to J.J. McAlester’s Olde Town stomping grounds, into the outlaws’ Robbers Cave and finally in the Winding Stair Mountains of the Ouachita National Forest of southeastern Oklahoma," Cathey writes. "And there is so much more as Charles Portis, I believe, purposely set his novel to parallel the Trail of Tears and the Butterfield Trail." HB1411 was ceremonially signed into law by the governor in August. Cathey and others from Southeast Oklahoma came in costume to the bill signing at the Capitol, each person representing a different character in the story of "True Grit." Cathey said since that time, some dialogue has occurred between the True Grit Trail in Oklahoma group, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department related to signage.  HB1411 requires ODOT to post signs along Oklahoma state highways directing visitors to sites along the new trail. ODOT and the Tourism Department are then required to collaborate to maintain information regarding the True Grit Trail on an online platform. "This is a work in progress," Cathey said.  Cathey and others also have been working on some local events highlighting the trail, such as taking part in the Haunted Homestead Treasure Hunt, which runs again from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, At the Edwards Store and Edwards-Hardaway Homestead, eight miles northeast of Red Oak, along the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail. The group also has worked with the Latimer County Tourism Authority to promote the trail both in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The group also hosts a monthly podcast: "Tales of the True Grit Trail." An additional exciting accomplishment for the group is the integration into the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library System's Big Read program , which this year is honoring 250 years of the American story by coming together to read the novel "True Grit" by Charles Portis . The program kicked off Sept. 26 but features many events through the remainder of this year and into 2027. A current primary focus of the True Grit Trail is the population of data and information along the trail from all of the local communities, towns, and cities across Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, Cathey said. More information about the trail can be found on the website, truegrittrail.com .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, and Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Oklahoma City, recently hosted an interim study examining the growth of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility in Oklahoma and what the state can do to remain competitive as the technology continues to develop. Aerospace and defense currently contributes $52.5 billion in economic impact to Oklahoma and supports more than 250,000 jobs. As the advanced air mobility environment becomes increasingly significant and evolves rapidly, the study examined how Oklahoma can build on that foundation while protecting critical infrastructure, supporting emerging technologies and positioning the state for continued growth. "The advanced mobilities environment in Oklahoma is changing quickly, and there is a real opportunity for us to be intentional about how we grow with it," Miller said. "This study gave us a chance to look more closely at where Oklahoma is positioned today and what we should be paying attention to as these technologies continue to develop. I want us to be thoughtful about the decisions we make now so we are ready to support the opportunities ahead." "Advanced air mobility has the potential to open new doors for Oklahoma’s aerospace industry, particularly when it comes to manufacturing and job creation," Hines said. "We want to see more of these technologies developed, tested and built right here in our state. Growing that kind of industry means more opportunities for Oklahoma businesses and workers, while strengthening an industry that is already a major part of our economy." The study highlighted investments already underway in western Oklahoma, at Camp Gruber and in the Tulsa area to support testing, radar systems and other infrastructure needed for emerging aviation technologies. The discussion also focused on the role of research, testing and infrastructure in attracting additional development and manufacturing to Oklahoma. Presenters said those efforts can help position the state for long-term growth in aircraft and component manufacturing. Federal regulations were another major part of the discussion. Participants discussed anticipated Federal Aviation Administration rules that could expand commercial drone operations and the importance of having infrastructure and policies in place so Oklahoma is prepared as those opportunities become available. Public safety and airspace protection were also addressed, including how increased unmanned aircraft activity could affect critical infrastructure and other sensitive locations. Hines said at the beginning of the study that he and Rep. Miller wanted to better understand how Oklahoma can continue expanding its presence in the industry and whether ideas from the discussion could help shape policy in the upcoming legislative session.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Representatives Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, and Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, along with Senators Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, and Julie McIntosh, R-Porter, held a joint interim study in the House Public Health Committee on Thursday. The study looked at ways to circumvent delays in chain of custody and the testing of sexual assault kits, identify cracks in the testing system, possible timeline changes, and the best way to store non-reported kits, or kits in which the victims do not wish to press charges. “Today, we heard from law enforcement professionals and experts that identified areas of improvement and solutions the legislature can take to reduce the turnaround time for forensic testing of sexual assault kits and to more quickly work toward the justice all Oklahomans deserve,” Provenzano said. “Oklahoma is 3rd in the nation for reported rape cases. Two-thirds of assaults go unreported to law enforcement. We can and must take the next step in our efforts to expedite the journey towards justice for the victims. They deserve it.” Danielle Tudor, Special Designee of the Office of the Attorney General, gave a presentation showing the need for reforms in sexual assault kit collection and turn around time. Oklahoma currently ranks third in the nation for rates of sexual assault. “Too many Oklahomans have waited far too long for justice, yet for years more than 9,000 sexual assault kits sat untested across Oklahoma. That failure cannot happen again,” said Hicks, who is an appointed member of the state’s SAFE Board. “As we near the end of clearing this backlog, we must turn lessons learned into bold action by establishing clear timelines, strengthening accountability, and ensuring every survivor has a path to swift justice.” Mistie Burris, Criminalistics Administrator of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says OSBI is  currently tracking over two thousand kits . Burris suggested a shorter timeline for sexual assault kit collection. Currently, it takes an average of 7.47 days to collect a sexual assault kit. Burris proposed shortening that timeline to two days.  OSBI reports that since the statute changed in 2019 to require submission of all reported kits, submissions tripled. "As a health care professional, I know how important it is that survivors receive compassionate care and that the evidence collected is handled properly, and as a lawmaker, I also know how important it is that the system works as intended once a kit has been collected," Roe said. "No kit should be lost, left behind or delayed unnecessarily. This study helped my colleagues and I identify gaps in the chain of custody, discuss how to improve testing timelines and consider responsible procedures for storing kits when a survivor is not yet ready to report. Survivors deserve a system they can trust at every level of this process." The Tulsa Police Department also presented at the study and showed similar reports of a backlog in sexual assault kits since the statute change in 2019. In 2018, the department reports having 167 sexual assault DNA testing requests, whereas in 2025, that number rose to 365 sexual assaults. To help the backlog, TPD requested state funding for outsourcing sexual assault kits to a vendor laboratory with an estimated fiscal impact of $400K. The Oklahoma City Police Department recommended to members at the study that they establish a 180-day timeline for reported sexual assault kits, define the requirement around the kit, preserve forensic discretion by allowing experts to determine what additional tests, if any, are needed, and monitor capacity and outcomes so we can continue working toward the most effective and efficient methods of sexual assault kit testing. “Every sexual assault evidence kit left waiting on a shelf represents a person who is waiting for justice," said McIntosh. "This interim study allowed us to better understand where we are in dealing with the backlog in testing and how we can support the people working to solve these cases to get access to DNA evidence more quickly. Though our state has made progress, there is more to be done to help survivors and law enforcement get the answers they need to bring justice and closure. Oklahoma can lead the way in swift, effective, and accurate evidence collection and testing." The entire study can be viewed on the Oklahoma House of Representatives Website. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, and Tim Turner, R-Kinta, held an interim study before the House Public Safety Committee examining pay for correctional officers, support staff and administrators at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Hardin chairs the committee and had an almost 40-year career in law enforcement.  "Having a strong and dependable corrections workforce is an important part of maintaining public safety across our state," Hardin said. "We need to understand the challenges the Department of Corrections faces in recruiting and retaining employees, as well as what is working in Oklahoma and elsewhere. The information gathered through this study gives us a clearer understanding of those challenges and a stronger foundation for considering how we address them moving forward." Turner, a member of the committee, spent more than two decades in law enforcement. "Every day, our correctional officers walk into an environment that most Oklahomans will never experience," Turner said . "They face dangerous situations, unpredictable behaviors and tremendous responsibility. Yet far too often, their compensation does not reflect the risks they take or the sacrifices their families make. And we cannot forget our support staff. From medical personnel and administrative employees to maintenance workers, food service staff, and everyone who keeps these facilities operating, they are essential to our mission. Adequate pay is not simply about rewarding employees. It’s about recruitment, retention, safety and accountability." The lawmakers invited Justin Farris, director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC), to give an overview of the department, current pay and challenges to recruiting and retaining correctional officers, administrators and support staff. "Staffing levels at ODOC are critical," Farris said . "We have recognized this for a long time" Farris said when he began as a correctional officer in 1999, each prison had two to three correctional officers per housing unit. Now, there is one officer per unit, traditionally. "This is not at all how we want to operate, which is why I'm here today. I'm here not only to highlight our dedicated and hard-working staff but also to advocate for them. They are an integral part of public safety, and really the thankless part that often goes unnoticed. Yet they are no less dedicated to protecting public safety and building a stronger Oklahoma than any other law enforcement agency in our state." Farris said over the last several years the department has worked to improve the culture of the work environment, and they are seeing the result of that. "Retention rates are up, but we need a pay raise for all of our employees to keep up with this," he said. "We're not only losing our security staff to other states and entities that pay more, we're also losing experienced support and administrative staff to other state agencies that offer higher salaries for positions with less supervisory responsibility." Farris said a pay raise would help stabilize the workforce and undergird the improvement efforts the department has undertaken. Since 2023, the department hired over 3,300 employees agencywide. However, they lost more than 3,100 during the same period. That leaves the department with a gain of just 194 employees. Currently, agencywide, the department has 641 open positions. Jeannine Morton-Brown, director of Human Resources with the department, showed the disparity of pay between Oklahoma and surrounding states. Correctional officers between tiers two and four earn on average between 18% and 21.7% less than peers in surrounding states including Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas. Only in tier two is the state higher in pay than Arkansas. It is less in all the additional surrounding states. She also discussed the gap in DOC pay versus other state agencies. Donald Thurmond, who serves as the chief of security at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary and Jackie Brannon Minimum Security Unit in McAlester, asked study attendees to ask themselves what $21.48 an hour – the starting pay for most Oklahoma correctional officers – would purchase in today's economy. He then graphically explained what an officer is asked to do for that wage. "We ask them to supervise individuals convicted of violent crimes," he said . "We ask them to intervene in fights. We ask them to confront individuals armed with homemade weapons. We ask them to respond when an inmate attempts to take their own life. We ask them to remain professional when they're threatened, cursed at, spit on or assaulted, and we ask them to protect the lives of the very people who may have just attempted to hurt them for approximately twenty-one dollars and forty-eight cents an hour." Thurmond said he's watched good, experienced correctional officers walk away from careers they love because they could not afford to stay. Additional presenters included Mike Thompson, director of the nonprofit Safe Inside Project, who discussed improving life and work behind prison walls, and Mary Babcock, director of Human Resources for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. She described efforts the department has pursued that has resulted in better compensation, better retention of staff and an overall safer environment for officers and inmates. Turner closed the study saying , "Respect must reflect in our actions, our budgets and ultimately in our paychecks of those that are serving behind those walls. These employees aren't asking to become wealthy. They're asking to earn a fair wage and provide for their families and know the state they serve values their sacrifices. As we move forward to the next legislative session, I hope we remember the testimony that we've heard today and we recognize that adequate compensation isn't just an employee issue, it's a public safety issue, it's a retention issue and a responsibility that we have as state leaders." The entire study can be viewed on the House website under News & Media, live proceedings, then search the calendar for Oct. 21 Public Safety starting at 1:02 p.m.