News

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola; Kevin West, R-Moore; and Rick West, R-Heavener, issued the following statement today: "Less than two weeks ago, on December 9, the Oklahoma Supreme Court denied our petition seeking to prohibit Todd Hiett from hearing Oklahoma Corporation Commission cases involving the victims/witnesses of his alleged crimes. But we were encouraged by comments in the justices’ written opinions." Two days later, in response to comments from Justice Dana Kuehn, Gann sent the Oklahoma Ethics Commission a six-page supplement to his original Sept. 10 complaint filed against Commissioner Hiett. It documents with 250 pages of exhibits more than 15 additional occasions of Hiett allegedly violating State Ethics Rule 4.7 since the original complaint was filed. Ethics Rule 4.7 prohibits state officers from participating in matters in which their impartiality might reasonably be questioned. "Today, in response to comments from Justice Douglas L. Combs made on December 9, we have filed an appeal at the Oklahoma Supreme Court seeking to overturn the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s recent order granting Oklahoma Gas and Electric a $127 million rate increase. Hiett cast the deciding vote in that case, even though we believe state ethics rules say he should not have participated. OG&E employs attorneys who hosted a party on June 21, 2023, where Hiett is alleged to have committed multiple criminal acts, including drunk driving, sexual harassment and indecent exposure. "In this appeal, we also are challenging the OCC’s one-page audits of the utilities' 2021 Winter Storm bonds. Although all three of us voted against the securitization legislation in April 2021, we do not believe the law allows the Corporation Commission to invent its own definition of the word 'audit,' or meant for the utilities to audit themselves. The Oklahoma Accountancy Act provides auditing standards for a reason. "Our pursuit of justice and transparency and respect for the law and the Constitution on behalf of Oklahoma utility ratepayers continues." Follow the OG&E rate case appeal at the Oklahoma Supreme Court and read the pleadings here: https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=122735

The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus (OKFC) celebrates the groundswell of grassroots opposition to the federal takeover of Oklahoma lands for a transmission line. "We've seen growing concern of infringements by the feds under this Biden-Harris regime," said Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, who serves as OKFC vice chair. "In this latest move, they planned on confiscating hundreds of miles of Oklahoma land on Biden's orders for their Green Deal scam. We've heard from grassroots constituents across the state adamantly opposed to this. Due to their strong vocal opposition, this egregious plan was stopped. We're thankful Speaker-elect Hilbert was directly involved and has echoed that this federal land-grab will not be moving forward." The proposed Delta-Plains corridor would have crossed Oklahoma from the panhandle to Arkansas. The federal government would have used eminent domain to confiscate property in Oklahoma to build the transmission line. "We've seen communities have over 1,000 people rallying in opposition to this project and show up to voice their concerns," said Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, who serves as OKFC chair. "Thankfully the voice of the people was heard. We commend all the state senators and state representatives who stood up for the freedoms of their constituents to stop this corridor cutting through Oklahoma. Governor Stitt and Speaker-Elect Hilbert deserve special recognition for their efforts, and we look forward to continuing working with them and with all Oklahomans who desire to advance freedom in this state. This is just a first step as the grassroots and legislators must continue to work together to stop this plan and any further attempts to take land from Oklahomans."

Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso, announced today that he will resign from the House District 74 seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, effective January 1, 2025, after six years of dedicated service to the state. Elected in 2018, Vancuren served as the vice chair of the House Common Education Committee for the duration of his tenure and played an instrumental role in shaping legislative outcomes in education, fiscal policy and transparency. “Serving the people of Oklahoma, and specifically House District 74, has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Vancuren said. “I am proud of the work we accomplished in the House during such a transformative period in our state’s history. From addressing budget deficits to securing a record $4 billion in savings, our efforts have positioned Oklahoma for a stronger, more stable future.” Vancuren served on several key committees during his time in the Legislature, including Appropriations & Budget, Higher Education and Career Tech, and A&B Natural Resources. His leadership in these areas contributed to historic education reforms, tax cuts to help Oklahoma families combat inflation, and the establishment of the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT), which aims to ensure greater accountability and transparency in state government. As vice chair of the House Common Education Committee, Vancuren worked tirelessly to advance teacher pay and classroom funding—efforts that have led to the most significant education reforms in Oklahoma’s history. “I am especially proud of the substantial advancements we made in education during my time in office,” Vancuren said. “As a former public school teacher and coach for 30 years, these changes are personal to me. We’ve made great strides in supporting our teachers and students, and I believe these reforms will leave a lasting impact on Oklahoma’s educational landscape for years to come.” “While my time in the Legislature has come to an end, I will continue to work for the people of Owasso as the new District 2 Deputy County Commissioner for Tulsa County,” said Vancuren. “I want to thank the constituents of House District 74 for entrusting me with the privilege of representing them. Your support has meant the world to me, and I will always be grateful for your faith in me to serve our community and the state of Oklahoma.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – Speaker Pro Tem-Elect Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, has filed a bill to create the Oklahoma College Athletic Conference Act and a corresponding exploration commission. The purpose of House Bill 1017 is to establish a new intercollegiate athletic conference to promote and regulate college athletics among member institutions within the state. Participating teams would no longer compete with out-of-state teams. "With student athletes spending less time on a bus traveling to other states to compete, they would have more time in the classroom, improving their academic performance and their overall collegiate experience. As a result, we would expect to see a rise in college graduation rates," Moore said. "In addition, this would save universities money on their athletic budgets." The language in the bill says the measure would foster more community and state pride, enhancing the student and fan experience by providing better in-state rivalries. It also would allow better in-state recruiting – keeping Oklahoma students in the state. HB1017 also would create the Oklahoma National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Athletic Conference Commission that would be responsible for exploring and making recommendations regarding the creation of a new conference consisting of Oklahoma NCAA Division II Schools and others to be determined and named at a later date. The commission initially would be composed of the presidents of the following 10 state colleges: Northeastern State University Southwestern Oklahoma State University Northwestern Oklahoma State University Southeastern Oklahoma State University East Central University Cameron University Rogers State University Oklahoma Christian University Southern Nazarene University, and Oklahoma Baptist University. Membership of the commission could be expanded to include other institutional presidents by a majority vote of the initial members if later deemed appropriate. The commission would be required to submit a final report of its findings and proposed action steps to the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the state Senate. The measure also creates a revolving fund for the commission to cover expenses related to studies, meetings consultations and other necessary activities. Funding would consist of monies received by the commission from appropriations, gifts, grants, donations and bequests. the commission also would be charged with exploring additional funding sources, including partnerships with private organizations, sponsorships and grants to help defray costs. HB1017 has an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage and being signed into law by the governor. The bill will be eligible for consideration during the First Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 3. 

House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert announced today a change to the House committee structure that will allow for more time and deliberation of bills at their initial consideration. House committees will now have a two-tiered structure with committees and oversight committees, which will allow legislation to be more thoroughly vetted and deliberated at the committee level before bills reach the floor. The process will now be similar on the policy side as to how the committees are currently structured for appropriations. "Each year, the Legislature considers thousands of bills and committees are where the majority of deliberative work should be done to build consensus around language and needed changes," said Hilbert, R-Bristow. "The more thorough work we can do in the beginning of session, the more likely we are to have a clear, transparent process that allows good bills to become law."  Hilbert announced the following committees, including chairs and vice chairs: Appropriations: Chair – Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon; Vice Chair - Rep. John Kane, R-Bartlesville Education: Chair – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid; Vice Chair – Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso Finance: Chair – Rep. Ty Burns, R-Morrison; Vice Chair – Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka General Government: Chair – Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan; Vice Chair – Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City Health: Chair – Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond; Vice Chair – Rep. TJ Marti, R-Tulsa Human: Chair – Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton; Vice Chair – Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City Judiciary: Chair – Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh; Vice Chair – Rep. Erick W. Harris, R-Edmond Natural Resources: Chair – Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton; Vice Chair – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee Public Safety: Chair – Rep. Ross Ford, R- Broken Arrow; Vice Chair – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta Select Agencies: Chair – Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City; Vice Chair – Rep. Clay Staires, R-Skiatook Transportation: Chair – Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond; Vice Chair – Rep. Jason Blair, R-Moore Commerce & Economic Development Oversight: Chair – Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang; Vice Chair – Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa Business: Chair – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby; Vice Chair – Rep. Mike Lay, R-Jenks Gov Modern. & Tech: Chair – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant; Vice Chair – Rep. Robert Hall, R-Tulsa Insurance: Chair – Rep. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson; Vice Chair – Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan Tourism: Chair – Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore; Vice Chair – Rep. Justin JJ Humphrey, R-Lane Transportation: Chair – Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada; Vice Chair – Rep. Jonathan Wilk, R-Goldsby Education Oversight: Chair – Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee; Vice Chair – Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin Common Education: Chair – Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber; Vice Chair – Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso Postsecondary Education: Chair – Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin; Vice Chair – Rep. Max Wolfley, R-Oklahoma City Government Oversight: Chair – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore; Vice Chair – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah County & Municipal Government: Chair – Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant; Vice Chair – Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Yukon Elections & Ethics: Chair – Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland; Vice Chair – Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Yukon General Government: Chair – Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City; Vice Chair – Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow Banking, Financial Services & Pensions*: Chair – Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore; Vice Chair – Rep. Stan May, R-Broken Arrow State Powers: Chair – Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon; Vice Chair – Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler Health & Human Services Oversight: Chair – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee; Vice Chair – Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston Public Health: Chair – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay; Vice Chair – Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances: Chair – Rep. TJ Marti, R-Tulsa; Vice Chair – Rep. Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah Children, Youth & Family Services: Chair – Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole; Vice Chair – Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton Veteran & Military Affairs: Chair – Rep. David Smith, R-McAlester; Vice Chair - Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa Energy & Natural Resources Oversight: Chair – Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow; Vice Chair – Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Mulhall Agriculture: Chair – Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko; Vice Chair – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener Utilities: Chair – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene; Vice Chair – Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow Wildlife: Chair – Rep. John George, R-Newalla; Vice Chair – Rep. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita Energy: Chair – Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City; Vice Chair – Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City Judiciary & Public Safety Oversight: Chair – Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City; Vice Chair – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie Civil: Chair – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie; Vice Chair – Rep. Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah Criminal: Chair – Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton; Vice Chair – Rep. Erick W. Harris, R-Edmond Public Safety: Chair – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell; Vice Chair – Rep. Justin JJ Humphrey, R-Lane Administrative Rules: Chair – Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus; Vice Chair – Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle Rules: Chair – Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond; Vice Chair – Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami LOFT: Co-Chair – Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon LEAD: Co-Chair – Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow * Pension bills, which must go through an actuarial analysis prior to being heard, will be considered final action in the working committee and will not have to be double-assigned to the oversight committee. Speaker-Elect Hilbert also announced the majority leadership team for the 60th Legislature: Speaker Pro Tem-Elect: Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton Caucus Chair: Rep. Stan May, R-Broken Arrow Caucus Vice Chair: Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City Caucus Secretary: Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston Floor Leader: Rep. Josh West, R-Grove Deputy Floor Leader: Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Mulhall Deputy Floor Leader: Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami Majority Whip: Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City Majority Leader: Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa Deputy Leader: Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin Tribal & External Affairs: Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee Counselor to the Speaker: Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City Floor Leader Team: Josh West – Floor Leader John Pfeiffer – Deputy Floor Leader Steve Bashore – Deputy Floor Leader Collin Duel – Assistant Floor Leader Gerrid Kendrix – Assistant Floor Leader Dell Kerbs – Oversight Committee Chair Brian Hill – Oversight Committee Chair Kevin West – Oversight Committee Chair Carl Newton – Oversight Committee Chair Brad Boles – Oversight Committee Chair Robert Manger – Oversight Committee Chair Mike Osburn – Rules Committee Chair Tammy West – Majority Whip Toni Hasenbeck – Deputy Majority Leader Chris Kannady – Counselor to the Speaker Whip Team: Tammy West – Majority Whip Assistant Whips: Chris Banning Josh Cantrell Erick W. Harris Neil Hays Daniel Pae Eric Roberts Mark Vancuren Presiding Officers: Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore Nick Archer Ty Burns Collin Duel Erick W. Harris Toni Hasenbeck Dell Kerbs Cody Maynard Carl Newton Daniel Pae Cynthia Roe Full committee membership will be named at a later date.

House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert today applauds the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) confirmation that the proposed Delta-Plains National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) will not proceed in its designation process. This decision marks a significant victory for Oklahoma communities and reinforces the power of grassroots advocacy and local input. “This announcement is a testament to the voices of Oklahomans who stood together to defend their land, livelihoods and local autonomy,” said Speaker-Elect Hilbert, R-Bristow. “The proposed transmission line would have imposed an unnecessary burden on our communities without clear local benefits, and we are pleased that the Department of Energy has recognized the concerns raised by our citizens.” The DOE confirmed the decision in a statement from Kristen Nawoj, spokesperson for the Grid Deployment Office, noting that the Delta-Plains NIETC would not advance into the next phase of the designation process. The DOE also announced plans to release updated maps and details for other proposed NIETCs the week of December 16, as well as to invite further public input. “Oklahoma has always been a leader in energy production and innovation, but we firmly believe that development must respect our communities and their voices,” said Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa. “While we are encouraged by this outcome, we remain committed to working with our federal partners to ensure that Oklahoma’s interests are respected in any future energy infrastructure decisions.” The proposed Delta-Plains NIETC had drawn widespread controversy from landowners, who raised concerns about its potential impact on property rights. "We will continue to monitor developments and advocate for policies that align with our state’s values and priorities," said Hilbert.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, today issued the following statement about fee increases by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. "Any fee increases from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority should be approved by the state Legislature, as this would put the power back into the hands of the people via their elected officials. "Having to pay to drive across your own home state is already frustrating enough for many Oklahomans. Citizens feeling like they are further removed from having a say in the process is perhaps even more frustrating. I do not support these turnpike fee increases or the manner in which they are determined and enforced. I am, however, encouraged to hear that there is interest among the state Legislature to hold the Turnpike Authority accountable to the people of Oklahoma. "I encourage Oklahoma state elected officials to push for any financial adjustments that impact the people of Oklahoma to be approved by the state Legislature."

Oklahoma House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert filed House Concurrent Resolution 1001 today, which vows to take all legislative action available to prevent the establishment of an eighteen-mile wide federal energy corridor in Oklahoma. There is a town hall tonight at 6 p.m. at the Creek County Fairgrounds to discuss the proposed 18-mile-wide corridor, which could authorize the confiscation of private property to locate high voltage electric transmission lines via eminent domain. "The people of Oklahoma will not stand for private landowners being forced to surrender their property through federal condemnation," said Speaker-Elect Hilbert, R-Bristow. "There are state processes in place to get community input and engagement on pending projects of this nature and I urge anyone in the path of this proposed corridor to come and let their voices be heard tonight on this issue." Speaker Hilbert said he is committed to fighting against this NIETC designation and appreciates the support of his House and Senate colleagues who have already signed on as co-authors of the measure. "Everyone in Oklahoma should be concerned by this federal land grab attempt if the NIETC designation is granted," said Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow. "We stand ready to do all we can at the Legislature to stop it and look forward to working with a DOE under President-Elect Trump, who will better understand and respect private property rights while pushing American energy independence." "Oklahoma's eminent domain laws and regulations provide a level of protection to the landowner that is non-existent at the federal level," said Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene. "This also has the ability to hurt our local utility providers who fall under the regulation of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission while these NIETCs will be able to circumvent local rules and regulations, which is unacceptable." The HCR, which was filed in the House today, will be co-sponsored by Sen. Grant Green in the Senate and will be considered when the 60th Legislature meets starting in February.

Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, and Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, applauded Col. Abigail Ruscetta for being named the 2024 Oklahoma Aerospace and Aviation's Woman of the Year. She was honored at the eighth annual Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day, held Friday at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base. Colonel Abigail L. W. Ruscetta is the 72nd Air Base Wing Commander at Tinker Air Force Base (AFB), where she leads nearly 3,000 Airmen and is responsible for $5.4 billion in resources and a $311 million operating budget. The 72nd ABW enables numerous critical missions at Tinker AFB, the largest single-site employer in the state of Oklahoma. "Colonel Abigail Ruscetta exemplifies excellence in leadership and service," Miller said. "Her remarkable career and dedication to advancing aerospace and aviation are an inspiration to women across our state and beyond. I’m glad to see her recognized as Oklahoma Aerospace and Aviation's Woman of the Year and celebrate her many contributions to both Oklahoma and our nation." Ruscetta earned her commission in 1997 through the U.S. Air Force Academy. She is a graduate of the Advanced Maintenance and Munitions Officer School at Nellis AFB, Nevada, and earned her master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology. She joined Tinker AFB in 2018 and has previously served in Germany, Korea, Ohio, Georgia, Florida, Utah and Washington, D.C. Ruscetta has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal, among numerous other honors. "Colonel Abigail Ruscetta’s leadership at Tinker Air Force Base stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, both in military service and in shaping the future of aerospace and aviation in our state and nation," Stanley said. "She has left a legacy that will continue to inspire women in aviation for many years to come, and we are proud to honor her as the 2024 Oklahoma Aerospace and Aviation’s Woman of the Year." Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day began in 2017 when the Legislature passed Senate Bill 230 to officially recognize the contribution of Oklahoma women in the state’s aviation and aerospace industry. The Day is recognized on December 9, which marks the birth of the legendary Chickasaw aviator, Pearl Carter Scott. Scott, who learned to fly under famed aviator Wiley Post, became the youngest pilot in the country when she concluded her first solo flight at the age of 13.