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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, hosted Interim Study 26-014 , "Modernizing Plan Review, Permitting, and Inspections in Oklahoma's Growing Cities," which examined ways to improve permitting, plan reviews and inspection processes across Oklahoma to encourage business and residential development while maintaining protections for residents. The study brought together developers, architects, municipal leaders, tribal representatives, fire officials and housing advocates to discuss Oklahoma's growing need for housing and challenges within the permitting process that can delay residential development and increase costs. "Oklahoma is growing, and we need processes that support that growth," Gise said. "What encouraged me most about this study was the willingness of everyone at the table to work together. Our municipalities, developers and permitting officials all want safe, successful projects completed in a timely manner." During the study, Home Creations founder Jalal Farzaneh identified lot costs as one of three major factors affecting housing development and emphasized the need for greater oversight of the permitting process. Farzaneh shared an example involving a zoning dispute after the company sought approval to expand a single-family residential development. After a legal battle lasting more than three years, a judge ruled in favor of Home Creations. However, Farzaneh said legal fees, carrying costs and rising lot prices during that time added approximately $15,000 per home, costs ultimately passed along to homebuyers. The example highlighted how permitting delays and legal disputes can increase housing costs for Oklahoma families. Tyler Parette, founding executive director of Housing Forward also highlighted Oklahoma’s projected need for 372,593 housing units by 2034, including more than 105,000 affordable units, according to the Oklahoma Housing Needs Assessment. “For Oklahoma to meet the challenges ahead, the systems that impact housing development need to be firing on all cylinders,” said Tyler Parette, founding executive director of Housing Forward. “Conversations like this one bring key partners together so that we can make the improvements necessary to ensure that every Oklahoman has access to a home that fits their needs, their life, and their future.” Mike Fina with the Oklahoma Municipal League, which represents the state's 588 cities and towns, emphasized the importance of municipal oversight in the permitting process. He noted that permitting is just one step in the broader residential and commercial development process, which can take months or even years to complete. "I think the thing we all agree on here is that Oklahoma needs more development, more houses, more businesses and more economic growth. I think we need to challenge the perception that municipal government is somehow the obstacle in development," he said. "One of the most common complaints we hear from developers is that municipal permitting takes too long, but I think we need to put that into perspective. We have a very important job to do." The study also explored opportunities to improve the permitting process through public-private partnerships, better communication and transparency between developers and municipalities and voluntary modernization efforts that preserve local authority without imposing unfunded mandates. Other presenters in the study included representatives from Krittenbrink Architecture, GH2 Architects LLC, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, City of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City Fire Department. Gise concluded the study by acknowledging the complexity of the issue and thanking stakeholders for their commitment to continued collaboration as potential solutions are considered ahead of the 2027 legislative session. "Public safety should never be compromised in the name of efficiency," Gise said. "Our goal isn’t to eliminate safeguards or undermine local authority. It’s to identify opportunities to improve communication, reduce unnecessary delays, lower housing costs for Oklahoma families and help our communities accommodate growth." The entire study can be viewed on the House Website under News & Media, live proceedings, then search the calendar for Oct. 28 starting at 2:00 p.m.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A new law prohibiting edible medical marijuana products from being made in the shape of humans, cartoons or animals, or in a form of commercially available candy takes effect Nov. 1. Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, authored House Bill 4454 . The measure also requires edible medical marijuana products to clearly indicate the number of servings of THC in each package and the amount of THC in each individual serving. This includes drinks and beverages. "These changes are intended to better protect children from accidental ingestion of these potent products and to help us better inform consumers about recommended dosage amounts," Newton said. HB4454 specifies that edible marijuana products shall not be attractive to children. They cannot use any image or words designed or likely to appeal to anyone under the age of 18. This includes but is not limited to cartoons, toys, animals, food or depictions of persons younger than 18, including any characters or phrases popularly used to advertise to those under 18. Oklahoma voters approved medical marijuana in the state in 2018 through State Question 788. The question was brought to the ballot by voters themselves through the initiative petition process.  Newton, who is a practicing optometrist, said he's aware that some in the industry have complained about the changes this new law will require to manufacturing and packaging, but his efforts are to keep the public safe. "We've got to protect our kids and make sure they don't get sick or worse thinking they are just eating some colorful candy," Newton said. "We also owe it to consumers to be clear about how much THC is contained in each package. This makes sure patients are fully informed on the medical marijuana they are taking to prevent overmedicating." HB4454 amends existing state statute. There are no new penalties in the law for licensed processors. They already are subject to up to two yearly inspections by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Those found deficient have one month to correct or face a $500 fine per deficiency. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two new laws taking effect Nov. 1 will further strengthen Oklahoma's administrative rules process by requiring state agencies to demonstrate clear legal authority for their regulations and making agency guidance documents more accessible to the public. House Bill 4319 , authored by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, requires clear legal authority for agency rules, which carry the weight of law. Senate Bill 1433 , the Guidance Transparency Act, carried by Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, requires agencies to make guidance documents publicly available and submit them for publication in a centralized, searchable format. Administrative rules are the regulations written by state agencies to enforce laws passed by the Legislature and carry the force of law. After being approved by the agency, proposed rules move to the Legislature for approval. "Administrative agencies have a responsibility to carry out the laws passed by the Legislature, but they must do so in a transparent way and within the bounds of what the law specifically allows," said Kendrix, who chairs the House Administrative Rules Committee. "We have made significant and much-needed reforms to this process over the last three years, and I appreciate my colleagues' support of these measures and the work Representative Hall has done to continue building on this important work." HB4319 limits state agencies to adopting rules supported by specific and explicit authorization in state law rather than relying solely on general statements of rulemaking authority. The law also strengthens legislative review by requiring lawmakers to determine whether proposed rules have specific statutory authorization and fall within the scope of that authority. In addition, agencies must review existing rules and determine whether they meet the requirements within three years or risk noncompliant rules being repealed. "House Bill 4319 reinforces the Legislature's constitutional authority in making law," Kendrix said. "By strengthening the emphasis on specific statutory authority, we can confirm agencies implement intended legislative policy rather than establishing requirements without proper authorization from the elected officials tasked with lawmaking responsibility." SB1433 addresses another part of the regulatory process: agency guidance documents that communicate official policies, interpretations or recommendations but are not necessarily formal administrative rules. The Guidance Transparency Act requires certain state agencies to make guidance documents available for public inspection online or at their primary places of business. Agencies also must submit the documents to the Secretary of State's Office of Administrative Rules for publication in a centralized, searchable format and keep the information current. "Making agency guidance more accessible gives Oklahomans a clearer picture of how decisions are made and what they can expect when working with state government," Hall said. "I believe this change will make a meaningful difference for people trying to navigate those processes. Greater transparency also brings greater accountability, and that's something that benefits everyone." Together, the measures build on recent efforts to limit agency overreach and restore accountability to Oklahoma’s administrative rulemaking process. In 2025, the Legislature enacted four major reforms addressing legislative oversight, agency authority and public accountability. The Secretary of State's Office also launched rules.ok.gov , an online portal where Oklahomans can review proposed rules, submit public comments and sign up for updates on agency rulemaking. 

A new Oklahoma law protecting parental rights in adoption, foster care and child welfare decisions takes effect Nov. 1. House Bill 3586 , known as the Right to Raise Act, was authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond. The measure protects Oklahomans from being denied the opportunity to adopt or foster children solely because they use biologically accurate language or choose to raise a child consistent with the child's biological sex. HB3586 also clarifies that those actions alone do not constitute child abuse, neglect or child endangerment. "Child welfare policy should be focused on protecting children from actual harm, not punishing parents for speaking biological truth," Harris said. "The Right to Raise Act clearly specifies that the state must evaluate families based on their ability to care for children, not whether they conform to an ideological agenda. Parents are responsible for raising their children, and government has a responsibility to respect that role." When debating in favor of the bill on the House floor in March, Harris told House members that the bill is "protecting the rights of parents to parent their children in the way that they see fit." Harris also reiterated that the bill still allows for abuse or neglect charges to be brought when appropriate. "If a parent is abusing their child, this bill still allows that parent to be charged with abuse, to be charged with child neglect, and whatever else that parent should be charged with for committing a crime," Harris said . With the Right to Raise Act taking effect, Oklahoma is establishing clear protections for parents in adoption, foster care and child-welfare proceedings. Harris, an attorney, said cases in other states highlight the need for this law. In Indiana, M.C. and J.C. v. Indiana Department of Child Services involved parents who challenged state intervention related to their decision to raise their child as their biological sex, and an Oregon family filed a federal lawsuit in July 2026 alleging that child-welfare officials penalized them for using biologically accurate language when raising their child. "Across the country, families have challenged child-welfare decisions they say penalized them for their beliefs about biological sex and gender identity," Harris said. "Oklahoma's Right to Raise Act establishes a clear standard for our state: parents should not be treated as abusive or neglectful simply because they hold those beliefs." The Right to Raise Act takes effect Nov. 1, 2026.

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 – Those who commit repeat peeping Tom offenses will face harsher penalties under an act that takes effect Nov. 1.  Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, is the author of House Bill 4104 . The new law will require repeat offenders and those who record others secretly in private spaces to register as sex offenders. "Watching or recording someone in a private space without their knowledge or consent is invasive and abusive and should be appropriately punished," Ford said. "We, of course, hope that stronger punishments will deter these crimes, but at the very least they will assure justice is served against those who choose to commit these offenses."  Ford explained the bill deals with three subsections of Oklahoma's Peeping Tom statute. One addresses watching people in a clandestine manner, such as watching someone changing clothes through a window, which is currently a misdemeanor. Another deals with attempting to take photos of peoples' private areas while they are in the public – also a misdemeanor. A third addresses an individual who hides a camera in a private area such as a locker or dressing room or a space where people would assume privacy when the offense involves three or more victims. This bill would turn second or subsequent misdemeanor offenses under this area of statute into felonies and require any felony offender to register as a sex offender. Perpetrators will face imprisonment of between one to five years and fines of up to $5,000. Ford said requiring offenders to register as sex offenders will grant greater public transparency and allow law enforcement to better protect the public moving forward. The measure was requested by the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board, which is staffed by the office of the state's attorney general. Ford also is the author of House Bill 4108 , which adds trespass or willful damage to the operational area of an airport to the list of crimes punishable by misdemeanor. This too takes effect Nov. 1 The bill specifies the operational area of an airport is to be considered as critical infrastructure. Those found guilty will face a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail for a term of six months or both. An organization found to be a conspirator will face a $10,000 fine. "Airports are vital to our national transportation system," Ford said. "It's important we keep public travelers and airport staff safe not only from terrorist attacks but even from thoughtless pranksters whose actions can create havoc, delay travel or cause costly damage to these structures."

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.