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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt denied parole for Verna Stafford: "We do not take crimes of this magnitude lightly in Oklahoma. I trusted Governor Stitt to make the right decision in this case, and he did. Several relatives of the victims reached out to me with serious concerns about this possibility for Stafford, and I listened to them. Let this be a reminder that those responsible for a massacre should not expect leniency from the state. Any forgiveness Stafford seeks must come from the victims of the family and God." The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board could reconsider parole for Verna Stafford's first life sentence in three years. Had Stitt approved parole, Stafford would have completed her first life sentence and begun serving her second consecutive life sentence. Manger chairs the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee. He began his 33-year law enforcement career the same year the Sirloin Stockade murders occurred and was present when those responsible were booked into jail. He later served with the U.S. Marshals Service, where he helped bring numerous fugitives to justice.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, on Tuesday held an interim study before the House Agriculture Committee examining Oklahoma’s existing water resources, current management practices and long-term sustainability efforts. "There's probably not anything else that's more crucial to our everyday life than water," Newton said . "You can live without food longer than you can live without water. And so, in Northwest Oklahoma or a lot of Western Oklahoma, we depend on underground waters. We don't have these nice, huge lakes that some of them have in Eastern Oklahoma. And so, without that underground water, we would cease to exist out there. And so with that, this is just to get an idea of where we're at on our underground water. Are there any solutions to this? Or is there anything we can do to help prevent further loss of that water?" Newton said water conservation and use has been on his heart for years, but the current drought is bringing additional urgency to the issue. "I know some of the other representatives in my area are getting hit up by people that their aquifers have dropped and their wells are dry," he said . "And so, with that a factor, people are very concerned about that." Newton invited Christoper R. Neel, Chief of the Water Rights Administration Division at the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, to discuss groundwater and well-permitting law. Neel displayed the severity of drought in Western Oklahoma and the Panhandle, which experience the worst drought classifications up to 30% of the time. The overlap of groundwater permits in the state shows the heaviest concentration in the same area. One issue is that groundwater wells were not required to be reported to the Water Resources Board until 1982, and the board has only about 50% compliance. In addition, most permit holders just estimate how much water they use each year. And the board is not an enforcement agency, so landowners are basically on the honor system, even though each is supposed to get an equal proportionate share of available water. "So, you combine the number of wells that are being drilled in Oklahoma with drought with the amount of permits that we have. You can kind of understand why we're sitting here and talking about groundwater just to give an update of what the state of Oklahoma is up to," he said . Duane Smith, executive director, and Josh McClintock, water policy specialist, with the Oka' Water Institute at East Central University, explained watershed sustainability. Smith explained that reduced water supply associated with drought and a warmer drier climate endangers public health, threatens habitat and jeopardizes local and state economies. He said funding statewide drinking water infrastructure needs by 2045 will total $117.6 billion. It's imperative that regions throughout the state begin planning to fund and meet these needs, he said, to mitigate depletion and to conserve this resource. Tom Kimball, a Board of Directors member with the Grand River Dam Authority, examined alternative help for declining aquifers, including the possibility of water transfer. "Water transfer is a big project," Kimball said . "If you come from western Oklahoma and say we're going to put a pipe in Grand Lake and start pumping water west, well, you're going to hear a lot of people probably start hollering. So, it's very difficult to go in and say we're going to take water from here and take it to there, even if you don't need it where it's at. But it's not difficult to take the water away from the people in New Orleans, Louisiana." Kimball explained that when the GRDA generates electricity at the Pensacola Dam at Grand Lake, the water goes into Lake Hudson, Lake Fort Gibson and then the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers, ending in the Gulf of Mexico. "It's not used for navigation. It's not used for irrigation," Kimball said . "It's not used as potable water. Once it goes through generation, it's going to New Orleans and used for absolutely nothing." The water could instead be captured and moved west, a difficult but not impossible task, he said. This could happen from other areas of the state as well, he said. He begged study participants to make sure water is not secured by private industry but instead remains available for future generations of Oklahomans. "With our water moving around the state where it's needed, we can produce jobs for our children and grandchildren that are just not even really thought of today," Kimball said . It's something to dream about, Newton said. The study can be watched on the House website under News & Media, live proceedings, then search by date for Sept. 8, IS26-006 Oklahoma Water Resources . 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, has been named a 2026 Elected Women of Excellence Award recipient by the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL). The award recognizes state and local elected women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their communities. Recipients are invited to attend NFWL’s 2026 Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in November, where they will be honored during a formal ceremony. "Being recognized alongside some of the most accomplished women serving in elected office across our country is both humbling and deeply meaningful," Gise said. "This award means more to me than I can fully express. It reminds me that the late nights, difficult discussions and hours of research are part of work that truly matters. I am sincerely grateful for this recognition and look forward to traveling to Nashville and getting to know the remarkable women being honored alongside me." The NFWL says award recipients are trailblazers who have often overcome significant barriers to serve and lead. "NFWL is built on celebrating the remarkable achievements of dedicated women leaders, and we are honored to recognize this year’s outstanding awardees," said NFWL Executive Director Renee Dabbs. "We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments in Nashville this November." The NFWL is a nonpartisan educational foundation composed of women elected to municipal, county and state offices across the United States.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, and Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, released the following statements regarding a Norman councilmember’s request to discuss the potential de-annexation of Norman property east of 60th Avenue. “We can’t allow extreme proposals like this to silence East Norman,” said Menz. “Our concerns may be inconvenient for corporatists who will stop at nothing to replace homes and farms with toll roads and strip malls, but taking away our municipal votes and surrendering Norman’s authority over zoning and future development is not only bad business, it’s immoral. I think we should all be asking who has been behind these municipal-level ideas of late, and how do they benefit from making Norman look crazy? I realize this proposal remains under discussion, but the people of House District 45 want to make it clear right now: we will always fight for our right to representation at every level of government.” Rep. Rosecrants says this potential de-annexation could lead to economic repercussions. “Regardless of political party or geography, elected officials should protect representative government, private property rights, and taxpayers,” said Rosecrants. “Spending tax dollars to disenfranchise rural Norman residents is flat-out wrong, as de-annexing East Norman could have serious consequences for all of us: think lost economic opportunities, a smaller tax base, and potentially higher costs for everyone else. Also, attempting to save a buck by reducing Norman’s fire and police workforce only increases home insurance rates, and I don’t think anybody wants that. This proposal is obviously shortsighted, harmful, and a misuse of taxpayer resources.”  Rep. Deck says this request could have real consequences. “Governing is not an academic exercise, it has real-life consequences for real people,” said Deck. “What public good comes from selling out our rural, more conservative neighbors and their public safety? The answer is ‘none.’ Just as our Council is working to restore public confidence, one councilmember goes rogue with another unserious proposal to embarrass our community. I am confident the rest of the Council will reject this lunacy and correct course.”  The Norman City Council Business and Community Affairs Committee will consider the matter Thursday, Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. Currently, the agenda item is for discussion only, with no ordinance or vote scheduled.  -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, on Monday held an interim study on the critical role of advanced primary care and value-based care in improving Oklahoman's healthcare outcomes and reducing costs. The study was held before the House Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee. "We're concerned about the cost of healthcare and are trying to make all aspects of it more affordable for individuals and taxpayers," Newton said. "When people can afford to access preventative healthcare, they have a better quality of life." Kari Webber, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians and the executive director of the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said both organizations are doing everything possible to promote primary care. "One of the things that we know," Webber said, "is that when patients are meeting with primary care physicians, costs of healthcare go down. And when we're doing that preventative care and care coordination models, we know we see impacts not only in the patient and their health outcomes but also the costs of overall care in general." Newton explained in his study request that advanced primary care is a physician-led, team-based model that expands upon traditional primary care by emphasizing prevention, care coordination, enhanced patient access, behavioral health integration and accountability for quality and outcomes. Traditional fee-for-service payment models, however, often do not provide the resources necessary for such care. Advanced primary care and value-based care are complementary strategies. Value-based care rewards providers for improving outcomes and reducing costs, while advanced primary care provides the infrastructure and care management capabilities necessary to achieve those goals. Both have shown to reduce overall healthcare costs by reducing unnecessary treatments and hospitalizations. For the study, Newton drew together healthcare providers representing rural, regional and tribal interests. These included Dr. John Zubialde, senior advisor for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Teresa Huggins, CEO of the Stigler Health & Wellness Center, Inc.; Dr. Marty M. Lofgren, and registered nurses Sandra Vaughn and Deana Aissaoui with Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Systems; Dr. Jesse Campbell, regional physician executive, Sommer Skinner, vice president of Primary Care, and Rachel Allen, a registered nurse and director of operations for Mercy Oklahoma Community. Presenters discussed the successful implementation of advanced primary care, which requires investments in care teams, technology, data analytics, quality reporting and patient outreach. The study further examined whether current payment models adequately support these investments, particularly for independent and rural physician practices. Study presenter Dr. John Zubialde explained the overall need for advanced primary care versus other care models to address those with chronic and more complex healthcare needs. This generally represents the greatest costs to patients, insurers and the public. "When we look at Oklahoma's health statistics compared to national averages," Zubialde said, "we can see that chronic disease prevalence in Oklahoma is substantially above many national averages across the majority of the major measures." Mental health concerns, including depression, and substance abuse disorders, including methamphetamine and opioid use, along with preventable deaths, premature death rates and preventable hospitalizations also are substantially higher than national averages. At the same time, the use of preventive care services are well below the national average. "Oklahoma ranks about mid-tier in per capita health spending," Zubialde said. "That's a positive. However, when you recognize that in terms of per-capita income and resources for the average Oklahoma family, we're in the bottom area." This all translates into some statistics that must be considered, he said. "We're in the top ten states for the steepest health services cost increases. We're in the top ten states for individuals forgoing care because they cannot afford it. Even worse, we're in the top two states for highest medical debt, approximately double the national average, and we're in the top two states for highest rates of uninsured patients." That ranks Oklahoma at about 48th out of 51 states and Washington, D.C. "Broad-based primary care that incorporates advanced primary care has the best chance for helping to change this equation in our state," he said. The study can be watched on the House website under News & Media, live proceedings, search by date for Aug. 24, IS26-035 Advanced Primary Care and Value Based Care in Oklahoma .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, has been selected to serve on the National Conference of State Legislatures' Executive Committee. This governing board maintains and advances NCSL's mission of representing and supporting legislatures from all 50 states as well as U.S. commonwealths and territories. The group works to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, promotes policy innovation and communication among the legislatures and ensures state legislatures maintain a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system. The bipartisan group assists 7,386 state lawmakers and more than 30,000 legislative staff. In this new role, Moore will be on the front lines of making decisions on behalf of all legislators and staff served by NCSL. "It's an honor to be chosen to serve at this national level and to bring Oklahoma's perspective and voice to this national conversation," Moore said. "Our state is making great strides in many areas, and I'll be able to share our trajectory. I also will draw on the experience of those from other states and learn what has worked well and what remains challenging on many different policy fronts." House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, commended Moore's selection. "Anthony has been a trusted leader on many of our state's most significant policy initiatives," Hilbert said. "Whether strengthening educational opportunities, defending constitutional freedoms, protecting property rights or advancing policies that promote economic growth, Anthony has consistently demonstrated the ability to build consensus and lead with conviction. He will certainly represent Oklahoma well in his new role on the NCSL executive committee. “Anthony’s selection ensures Oklahoma has a seat at the table on important issues facing state legislatures across the country. Our federal government is created by the states, not the other way around, and strong leadership at the state level is as important as ever. There are over 7,000 state legislators across the nation and Speaker Pro Tem Moore will be a strong voice for building consensus on tough issues that will help the United States of America continue to thrive for our next 250 years.”  Terms on the executive committee are for one year and renewable for up to three years. Moore's first term began at this year's legislative summit in Chicago, held at the end of July. It culminates at next year's summit in August in Atlanta. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A law making it a felony crime to traffic abortion pills is now in effect. Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, is the author of House Bill 1168 . The measure creates a felony offense for anyone to knowingly possess or deliver abortion-inducing drugs — including mifepristone, misoprostol and methotrexate — to someone who intends to use them for an unlawful abortion. "Today, Oklahoma's anti-chemical abortion pill trafficking act officially takes effect, and I couldn't be prouder," Crosswhite Hader said "Four years ago, I set out to close the loophole that let traffickers ship dangerous chemical abortion pills into our state with no oversight and no accountability. This law protects vulnerable women who have too often been coerced or deceived into taking these pills with no medical care or support. It's projected to save around four thousand preborn babies a year in Oklahoma, and every one of those lives matters. I'm grateful to everyone who fought alongside us to get here."  Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, is the Senate author of the bill. “Four years of work led to this day," Bullard said. "Oklahoma’s anti-chemical abortion pill trafficking act is now the law of the land, and traffickers who ship these deadly pills into our state can finally be held criminally accountable. We estimate this law will save roughly four thousand preborn babies a year in Oklahoma. That’s four thousand reasons this fight was worth it, and I’m proud of every person who helped carry it across the finish line.” Crosswhite Hader said she's heard reports of women being given these drugs by non-medical professionals who do not understand what the medications can do to a woman if administered incorrectly.  Under HB 1168, anyone convicted of trafficking or attempting to traffic abortion-inducing drugs could face a fine of up to $100,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both. This is the same as current law for those performing an illegal abortion. The legislation only addresses those who intend to distribute these drugs illegally to others, not those who are accessing these drugs for themselves, Crosswhite Hader said.  This measure does not limit or prohibit the sale of contraceptives, and it would not impact couples undergoing IVF treatment. Under the definition of "Abortion-inducing drug, " included in the bill, it specifies that this definition does not apply to drugs that may be known to cause an abortion, but which are prescribed for other medical indications, such as chemotherapeutic agents or diagnostic drugs, or for treatment of an ectopic pregnancy or spontaneous miscarriage. Additionally, HB 1168 does not apply to pharmacists, drug manufacturers or distributors who legally possess, sell or distribute pharmaceuticals intended for lawful medical purposes. The bill passed the House last year and the Senate this year. It was signed into law by the governor May 5. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A ceremonial bill signing highlighted new legislation allowing the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to share critical complaint information with law enforcement when an individual threatens a person or organization. Before House Bill 4302 , authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, and Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, complaint information was kept confidential unless a court ordered it released. The new law creates a specific exception for safety threats. "When a complaint escalates into a serious threat of violence, public safety should always come first," Norwood said. "I am thankful to Senator Gillespie for her hard work and to all those who signed on to support it. This legislation replaces inaction with action, helping law enforcement respond to serious threats before dangerous situations escalate." Gillespie said the new law will help authorities better address future threats and protect public safety. "Oklahomans should feel secure when reporting concerns within the state’s juvenile justice system," Gillespie said. "The new law allows the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to notify law enforcement when a threat appears serious and credible, while keeping other complaint information confidential. It also protects a complainant's privacy while prioritizing public safety when a situation could escalate into violence. I was proud to partner with Representative Norwood on this important measure, and I'm grateful for the Governor's support." HB4302 takes effect Nov. 1.

Members of the Oklahoma Accountancy Board and the Oklahoma Society of CPAs joined Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, for the ceremonial signing of legislation that offers another pathway to obtaining certified public accountant (CPA) designation. House Bill 4317 creates an additional path to achieving the certification while maintaining the requirement to pass the CPA exam. Kendrix said the update will modernize the licensure structure while protecting the quality of work. Kendrix, the bill's author and a CPA of more than 30 years, said the change will help address the state’s ongoing shortage of CPAs as the profession has evolved beyond traditional number-crunching to include more consulting and advisory work. "We need to make sure our licensing requirements are preparing students for the workforce, not simply requiring them to take more classes and pay more costs," Kendrix said. "This legislation helps us move toward a system that emphasizes mentorship and real-world experience, while still maintaining the higher education path for those who choose it." In addition to passing the CPA exam and one year of supervised work experience, the existing paths require either a master's degree in accounting or at least 150 additional credit hours. The new path requires a bachelor's degree in accounting and two years of supervised work experience. All candidates will still be required to pass the four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination within the designated timeframe before receiving their CPA certification. Prior to licensure, candidates must also pass an ethics exam and a criminal background check. HB4317 also allows the Oklahoma Accountancy Board to grant CPA certificates to applicants licensed in other states. The update takes effect Nov. 1.