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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, today announced his intent to refile a bill that creates punishments for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-fake technology without consent of the person whose name, image, likeness or voice is used to create digital content and advertising that is disseminated to the public with the intent to harm. Hays filed House Bill 3073 in 2024. The bill passed the House but was not advanced in the state Senate. Hays will refile the measure with some minor changes for the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 2. “As we awaken each day to more sophisticated AI-generated media, we must recommit to the fundamental truth in advertising and the basic rights of every Oklahoman,” Hays said. “Every Oklahoman deserves to control their name, image, likeness and voice — and to know that when they are depicted, especially in an effort to influence the public, that they’re portrayed accurately.” Hays said AI now allows realistic substitutions of a person’s face, voice or image in video, audio and digital advertisements — often without the person’s permission and sometimes with harmful intent.  HB 3073 sought to criminalize publishing or distributing digitized representations of another individual’s name, image, voice or likeness without written consent and with intent to harm. The measure set criminal penalties, including elevation to a felony on a second offense.  Hays emphasized the marketplace and public discourse depend on trust. “If we erode trust because people are unsure whether what they see or hear is real, then we erode the very foundation of free and fair communication,” he said. "Technology isn’t slowing down, and legislation must keep pace,” Hays said. “By refiling this bill, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting Oklahomans’ rights in this new digital era. I'm asking my legislative colleagues to join me and return to the basics of integrity, transparency and individual consent.”

LAWTON, OK — House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and members of the Oklahoma House Republican Caucus visited Lawton this past weekend for the fifth stop of the ongoing Capitol to Community tour, an initiative designed to connect state lawmakers directly with community leaders, businesses and local organizations. This stop was especially meaningful as it also served as the kickoff to the Caucus’ annual retreat weekend, which continued at Quartz Mountain Lodge in Altus.   The day in Lawton featured tours highlighting the region’s military partnerships, economic development, correctional operations and manufacturing leadership. Members began the morning at FISTA Innovation Park, where local officials and defense-sector partners detailed Lawton’s growing role in military technology development and private-sector collaboration.   Legislators then toured the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company facility, one of Oklahoma’s major manufacturing hubs, where they met with plant leadership to discuss workforce needs and the company’s long-term investment in southwest Oklahoma.   In the afternoon, members visited the Red Rock Correctional Center, gaining insight into facility operations, and to better understand the role of the role of private contractors in meeting the state’s correctional system needs.   The day concluded with lawmakers traveling to Quartz Mountain Lodge, where the annual House Republican Caucus retreat officially kicked off. The weekend concluded with an overnight stay in the heart of southwest Oklahoma, Medicine Park.     “Lawton showed us the incredible impact that strong partnerships between industry and innovation can have on a region," said Speaker Hilbert. "This stop offered valuable insight into a major public safety hub of our state as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session.”   House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, who represents parts of the Lawton area, said the visit showcased the strengths and potential of southwest Oklahoma.   “Lawton is a powerhouse for our state, whether it’s defense innovation at FISTA, world-class manufacturing at Goodyear or the critical work happening at Red Rock,” said Caldwell. “I was proud to welcome my colleagues to our community and show them firsthand the economic drivers and challenges that shape southwest Oklahoma. This kind of engagement helps ensure that decisions at the Capitol reflect the real needs of the great people of Comanche County.”   The Capitol to Community tour will conclude in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on December 18th.

OKLAHOMA CITY –Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, submitted his resignation to the Governor on Wednesday. His resignation is effective Dec. 1, 2025. “It has been the honor of my lifetime to represent the truly good people of House District 92,” said Bennett. “While my title is changing, my commitment to my friends, neighbors, and fellow Oklahomans will never waiver.” Bennett reflected on his “difficult but ultimately correct” decision to resign. “My new role as President of the Oklahoma State AFL-CIO requires me to work directly with lobbyists, which means I cannot ethically be a member of the legislature and serve in my new role.” Bennett says he leaves this post with many feelings, but most of all, gratitude. “I want to thank everyone who supported me as a state legislator, and my fellow members of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus. Serving Oklahomans has always been and will remain a top priority for me.” Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, thanks Rep. Bennett for his service and sends good wishes in his new role. “Rep. Forrest Bennett has dutifully served Oklahomans in the House Democratic Caucus for the better part of a decade and I know he will continue to advocate for everyday, working Oklahomans in his new role,” said Leader Munson. “I am deeply grateful for his friendship and leadership and I am proud of him. The Oklahoma Legislature will not be the same without his wonderful combination of loyal service and unwavering humanity. Thank you, Rep. Bennett.” -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, and Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, presented a citation this week to students in Southern Nazarene University’s international management class in recognition of their recent food drive benefiting local families facing food insecurity.  Students in the class collected more than 1,000 nonperishable food items this semester as part of a service-learning project that connected course lessons to community need.  The idea began after the class learned about a local family struggling with food insecurity due to the loss of their SNAP benefits. What started as a simple donation drive quickly grew into a campuswide effort to meet a real and urgent need.  "The students’ compassion and commitment to serving others is truly inspiring," Stark said. "They saw a need close to home and stepped up in a meaningful way. I was honored to present this citation alongside Rep. West and to recognize the work these students put into helping families in our community."  "The strength of our state lies in the strength of our communities," West said. "The loss of SNAP benefits this month has unfortunately hit many Oklahoma families hard, but our state has rallied together to support our neighbors. These students heard about a need and took it upon themselves to answer the call. I am proud of how their kindness and initiative has made a difference in these families' lives."  The citation was presented during class on campus earlier this week.

Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, who lead the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Human Services Subcommittee, released the following statements after Congress passed a bipartisan agreement late Wednesday to reopen the federal government and restore funding to critical programs: "We’re relieved to see the federal government reopened and critical services fully restored," Pae said. "Throughout the shutdown, we have closely monitored its impact on SNAP recipients and local food providers across Oklahoma. This agreement allows us to move forward with implementing the SNAP provisions of H.R. 1, which eases access for families in need."  Gise added, "The shutdown was a gut punch for working families, and Oklahomans deserve better than D.C. drama that gambles with their groceries. Now it’s time to restore trust, improve SNAP accountability and keep families fed instead of forgotten."  House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said, "The end of this shutdown is long overdue. Oklahomans shouldn’t have to bear the cost of Washington gridlock caused by Democrats’ refusal to advance responsible funding bills. Now, the focus must return to governance that keeps our economy strong, holds programs accountable and puts working families first." The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to working with state and federal partners to ensure a smooth rollout of the SNAP updates under H.R. 1 and to maintain consistent communication with state agencies and recipients moving forward.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after the Governor followed recommendations from the Pardon and Parole Board to grant Tremane Wood clemency. “I am deeply grateful to Governor Stitt for taking the recommendation of the Pardon and Parole Board to grant clemency to Tremane Wood. It is unfortunate that his family were left to wait until the last minute in fear of losing him. It is a reminder of the cruelty that surrounds these death penalty cases and the need for serious criminal justice reform in Oklahoma. Oklahoma must do better at ensuring a fair and just trial for all to prevent the unnecessary and horrifying experience of awaiting one’s own death. I am relieved for Tremane Wood and his family, friends, and loved ones. They deserved this outcome a long time ago. Thank you to every Oklahoman who reached out to the Governor’s office. While it should not be this way, your advocacy worked. Oklahomans have the power to create the change we desperately need.” -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today praised the clemency granted death-row inmate Tremane Wood. "I support the governor's decision," Humphrey said. "The Oklahoma public needs to know that this pardon is based on judicial corruption. I will continue fighting to make sure all corruption in our legal and judicial system and in our state agencies and government is kept before the public until it is rooted out. Justice was secured for Mr. Wood today and for his family and even for the victim's family in this crime, but we must not give up our efforts to secure justice for all." Humphrey is the vice chair of the Oklahoma House of Representative's Public Safety Committee. He's been a vocal supporter of granting clemency to Wood.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement on the reopening of the federal government. “Politicians in Washington failed Oklahomans by allowing this shutdown to occur and cutting off resources for hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans," said Leader Munson. "The President had multiple opportunities to fulfill his duty of serving the American people by funding SNAP, and he continuously chose not to. That is not something we should forget. Even with the shutdown ending, Oklahomans are going to continue to face higher health care premiums and costs of living. We cannot forget that the Republican-led government in Washington purposefully caused needless stress for Oklahoma families with this shutdown. As the government reopens, leaders in Oklahoma should remain focused on creating the best outcomes for Oklahomans and ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need. I look forward to working with Republican state legislators to make sure this never happens again and Oklahomans lives are not left to hang in the balance because of decisions made by those in power at the federal level.” -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus hosted its inaugural Oklahoma Latino Youth Leadership Summit on Nov. 8. The event brought 110 young people together through engaging workshops, expert speakers, and peer-led discussions.  The students explored leadership and professional development, community advocacy, and public service, all with an Oklahoma focus. 70 high school juniors and seniors from Guymon, Ada, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and other towns across the state joined 40 college-age mentors, and the members of the Latino Caucus at the state capitol on Saturday.  “The simple truth is that these kids belong here,” said Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman. “Our caucus is dedicated to investing in youth development and empowerment, and we were proud to provide this opportunity. It was striking to meet such an outstanding group of young people who are passionate about Oklahoma's future.” The Chairman of the Latino Caucus says he is feeling gratitude for the success of the event and those who contributed. “More than anything, we want to say thank you. To all of the staff and volunteers who showed up to help with the summit, and for the generous support of our sponsors,” said Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City. “We could not have accomplished such a successful event without them!” The summit was non-partisan and featured breakout sessions on civic engagement, campaign basics, public service, college and career readiness, and the power of intentional leadership. Attendees were able to connect with mentors, universities, community organizations, industry experts, and elected officials.  "This event gave me great optimism for the future,” said Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City. “Seeing young leaders engaging on themes of service and leadership reminded me of the impact we can have on others, especially the next generation. The Latino community is, and will continue to be, the fastest growing demographic in Oklahoma. As the community continues to grow in population, I hope that our elected representatives will reflect the makeup of our state. By starting this opportunity, we hope to ensure that young people see themselves involved in every role of public service." -END-