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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, announced Friday that he intends to pursue legislation during the 61st Oklahoma Legislature addressing dangerous kratom-derived compounds linked to a growing number of deaths in Oklahoma. Turner said his legislation will seek to place dangerous kratom alkaloids and concentrated or synthetically enhanced compounds, including 7 Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl and Dihydro-7-Hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15), under Schedule I of the Oklahoma Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. Turner, a former sheriff and longtime narcotics officer, said he is particularly concerned that kratom-derived products and highly concentrated compounds are readily available on the counters of convenience stores and other retail locations across Oklahoma. “Our youth are more important than a dollar,” Turner said. “There is no amount of tax revenue, retail sales or industry profit that is worth the life of an Oklahoma child. We have an obligation to protect our kids, and getting these dangerous compounds off store counters is one way we can help save lives. We should not wait until another Oklahoma family receives a devastating phone call before we decide to act.” According to information from the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), from January through June 2026, 38 deaths were reported involving one of the identified compounds alone. Another 73 deaths involved at least one of the compounds in combination with another intoxicating drug or substance. OCME has reported a significant rise in deaths associated with mitragynine alkaloids, both alone and in combination with alcohol or other medications. The agency has identified compounds of concern that include 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl and Dihydro-7-Hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15). According to OCME, these substances can produce potent opioid-like effects and, when taken alone or with other sedating substances, can increase the likelihood of severe respiratory depression and death. OCME has further reported that the increase in associated deaths began during the latter half of 2025 and has escalated in recent months. The agency has cited ease of accessibility, unregulated content, promotion as dietary supplements and vague package labeling as factors that can contribute to misconceptions about product safety. Turner is already working with law enforcement officials and prosecutors to develop the legislation. He intends to work with fellow legislators, medical professionals and affected families as well. Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Director Donnie Anderson said the state’s current law limits his agency’s ability to investigate suppliers of synthetically enhanced kratom products. “I look forward to working with State Representative Tim Turner and the Oklahoma Legislature to enact strict laws that will give my agency the enforcement authority to protect the health and safety of our citizens from these dangerous products,” Anderson said. “Synthetically enhanced Kratom products are contributing to an alarming rise in overdoses and deaths in our state. But, because these products are not listed as Controlled Dangerous Substances in Oklahoma, we currently do not have jurisdiction to investigate and shut down the suppliers.” District 27 District Attorney Jack Thorp also emphasized the need for lawmakers to address product safety. “When kratom, particularly in combination with common medications like Benadryl, contributes to a death, we should take notice,” Thorp said. “Reasonable legislation ensuring these products are safe, properly tested, and clearly labeled can help prevent future tragedies.” Turner said he also wants lawmakers to examine avenues for holding manufacturers and distributors accountable when evidence shows their products contributed to deaths or serious injuries. “It is time to stop treating this like just another product on a convenience store shelf,” Turner said. “If companies knowingly manufacture, market, distribute or sell dangerous products that are killing Oklahomans, there needs to be accountability. That accountability should include both criminal and civil consequences where the facts and law support it.” Turner said his more than two decades in law enforcement, including his experience as a sheriff and narcotics officer, shaped his decision to pursue the legislation. “I didn’t come to the Legislature just to sit in a building and watch problems get worse,” Turner said. “It’s time for me to put my training outside this building to use and fight for the safety of Oklahoma families. If we can prevent one child from becoming addicted, overdosing or losing their life, then this effort is worth it.” The bill introduction deadline for the first session of the 61st Oklahoma Legislature is Jan. 14, 2027. The first day of session is Feb. 1. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, on Thursday, led an interim study examining Oklahoma’s 522 Emergency Medical Services' districts, including funding structures and service sustainability in rural communities. He also participated in a study analyzing public school districts' General Fund balance penalties and funding structures for schools that do not receive funding through the traditional School Funding Formula, known as off-formula schools. The latter study was hosted with Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, who serves as the chair of the House Common Education Committee. "Both emergency ambulance services and public school funding are incredibly important issues to constituents both in my House district in northwest Oklahoma and in multiple communities throughout the state," Dobrinski said. "In both cases, we must make sure we have the right laws in place to ensure fairness when appropriating taxpayer dollars and to allow local officials the latitude to best meet the needs of those they serve." A 522 EMS District (named after State Question 522, approved by Oklahoma voters in 1976) is a locally organized, voter-approved special district that provides dedicated public funding and local board governance for emergency medical and ambulance services. Interim Study IS26-056 reviewed how EMS district funding in Oklahoma is administered, including the role of county governments and the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The goal was to identify funding disparities; assess challenges facing rural ambulance providers, including rising costs; review how various counties manage EMS funding; and evaluate potential strategies to improve long-term reliability and emergency response times. Study presenters included Bobby Stem, with the Oklahoma nonprofit EMS System, Brandi Pond, executive director of Oologah-Talala EMS, and Brian Norton, executive director of Bryan County EMS. Each discussed EMS funding, service costs and emergency response times and procedures. Marie Schuvel, director of Tax Policy Research with the Oklahoma Tax Commission detailed how EMS and ambulance districts are funded and how things have worked historically in the state. Presenters in Interim Study IS26-021 gave a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative review of General Fund balance penalties for Oklahoma public school districts. The study relied largely on data requested from the Oklahoma State Department of Education that was organized in a digestible format by study authors and House staff. Similarly, a review was conducted on the number of school districts off-formula currently, in recent years, or that are within a defined margin of changing between off- and on-formula. An examination of the effects of recent legislative actions on funding for off-formula school districts and financial stability also were part of the study. Presenters in the study included BJ Ryan, chief financial officer and executive director of finance for Moore Public Schools, who gave an overview of the state School Funding Formula. Ethan Worley, government relations associate with the State Department of Education, answered funding and carryover questions. Rob Friesen, superintendent of the Thomas-Fay-Custer Unified School District spoke on what change is needed regarding carryover funds. Kevin Sims, superintendent of Minco Public Schools, detailed implications for off-formula schools. Kyle Hilterbran, superintendent of Watonga Public Schools, spoke of legislative changes that would help to avoid penalties for off-formula schools. Presenters commented on how best to treat the data to support schools equitably through funding and legislative changes. The underlying goal is supporting predictable financial health in school districts to produce quality student learning outcomes. One goal of the study was to determine if current policies regarding General Fund balance penalties have a notable benefit or harm to students and districts. Outlining potential legislative changes will be the next action item, the lawmakers said. Both studies can be viewed on the House website, okhouse.gov , under News & Media, Live Proceedings. Search the calendar for Sept. 17 then for individual studies.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, and Rick West, R-Heavener, on Thursday sent letters to the governor and Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) Commissioner Joshua Anderson expressing concern over a fill-in-the-blank resignation email state employees said they received from the department. "As legislators representing constituents who are employees being impacted by the recent privatization of four state Behavioral Health Clinics, we write to share the concerns that have been brought to our attention by the employees," the lawmakers wrote. "These employees have already faced a significant amount of uncertainty as they navigate this transition and make important decisions regarding their employment, benefits, and their families' futures. Many have relied upon assurances regarding continued employment and the manner in which the transition would be handled."  Grego and West said they received copies of a recent "resignation email" sent to employees who live in their House districts. The email contains ODMHSAS letterhead the commissioner's name, but then leaves the date and the recipient information lines blank. It reads, "Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as ____ at _____. My last day of employment will be ____. Sincerely ____." Grego and West said they are concerned that employees across the state have received similar emails, which they have created considerable confusion and concern. "Employees are questioning whether they are now being required to resign from state employment as part of this transition and, if so, what effect a resignation could have on any compensation, benefits, leave balances, retirement considerations or other transition package they were previously told they would receive," they wrote. Grego and West said this letter comes after the privatization of community mental health facilities, including one in McAlester, OK, which serves 10 counties in Southeast Oklahoma. There are other areas of the state impacted by this as well. Grego and West said they are concerned by reports from employees who feel the language of the communication is inconsistent with what they previously understood regarding the transition. Some are concerned they are effectively being subjected to a reduction in force, despite having previously been assured this would not be the case. "The employees deserve clear and accurate information before being asked to sign, acknowledge, or submit anything that could potentially affect their employment status or benefits," they wrote. They asked the commissioner for clarification regarding the intent and effect of the recent resignation communication. Specifically, they want him to clarify whether affected employees are being required to resign from ODMHSAS; whether doing so changes their eligibility for benefits, compensation, leave, retirement considerations, or transition assistance previously communicated to them; and whether any aspect of the employment transition has changed from what employees were originally told. "These individuals have dedicated themselves to serving some of Oklahoma's most vulnerable citizens," Grego and West wrote. "Their lives and livelihoods are understandably in a period of considerable upheaval, and uncertainty surrounding their employment status only adds to that burden." A copy of their full letter can be read here . 

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, has been reappointed to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW) by Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "I am grateful for the chance to continue serving on the Commission on the Status of Women to help support women and families across Oklahoma," West said. "This commission provides an important opportunity to bring people together, highlight the contributions of Oklahoma women and help ensure their voices are part of conversations that affect our state." The 30-member commission was established by the Legislature in 1994 to strengthen and empower women across Oklahoma through education, collaboration and celebration. Members serve staggered terms and are appointed in equal thirds by the Governor, the Senate President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House. The commission reports annually to state leaders and hosts community conversations and the biennial Oklahoma Women’s Summit. OCSW also recognizes female leaders through the Guardian Award, Kate Barnard Award and induction into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame. West was initially appointed as Commissioner in 2017, and she received the Guardian Award from OCSW in 2024. Her current term ends June 30, 2031. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, recently presented Interim Study 26-110 , Developing Oklahoma Workforce Through Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding CareerTech Partnerships for the Aerospace and Construction Industries, before the House Postsecondary Education Committee. The Sept. 8 study examined how Oklahoma can expand CareerTech apprenticeship programs to address workforce shortages and better prepare students for high-demand careers in the aerospace and construction industries. Rep. Norwood opened the interim study by discussing Malcolm Gladwell’s 2008 book "Outliers," which examines how early opportunities contributed to the success of various individuals. "The Beatles played in Germany two shows a night for four months before they came to America, and it set them up for this moment of success as they rolled in, was the experience they had," Rep. Norwood said. "Bill Gates was given time on a computer, a supercomputer, before it was ever an opportunity for other students to do that. So, today's study really is looking at how we can create opportunities for outliers within these two spaces of aerospace and construction." CareerTech officials outlined several legislative and funding changes intended to expand apprenticeship opportunities for high school students and remove barriers for participating employers to increase access to workforce training. Oklahoma CareerTech State Director and CEO Brent Haken and CareerTech Apprenticeship Manager Tonja Norwood discussed these recommendations and explained how the state’s existing apprenticeship programs operate. Tonja Norwood explained the differences between Registered Apprenticeship Programs and CareerTech Apprenticeship Programs. Registered programs require at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning and 144 hours of related instruction. They follow an employer-led plan approved through the U.S. Department of Labor and result in a nationally recognized certificate. CareerTech programs require at least 510 hours of on-the-job learning and 90 hours of related instruction. Each participant is assigned a mentor and receives a state-recognized certificate. Both models are designed for W-2 employees whom businesses intend to develop over the long term. "It's not just an experience like an internship or a job shadowing," Tonja Norwood said. "It is a long-term employee that you as a company are developing." CareerTech leaders stated that it helps businesses establish apprenticeship programs at no cost, with one recent program moving from request to implementation within 72 hours. Haken said CareerTech currently serves about 151,000 students through K-12 programs to introduce young people to career opportunities. However, he said demand for technology center programs has increased 40% since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many students on waiting lists. "We have every sector of industry that is asking for more workers, and so that's what we're up against," Haken said. Haken asked lawmakers to consider legislation allowing high school students to spend up to half of the school day in approved apprenticeship settings. He stated that current law generally limits internship hours to two hours per school day, which can make participation difficult for employers. He also discussed allowing schools to use 9,000-level course codes for apprenticeships and permitting qualified workplace mentors to supervise students in coordination with an education provider. "Currently, we can give 9,000-level course codes to attend a technology center," Haken said. "We are wanting the same to be available for apprenticeship opportunities for students [but] we're never going to fill the full need if we have to bring every one of them to the technology center." Other potential improvements discussed during the study included funding regional apprenticeship coordinators, expanding technology center capacity, providing career-focused curriculum and increasing access to aerospace training licenses. The study also allowed industry representatives to discuss their experiences with apprenticeship programs. "It is very important for the state of Oklahoma to recognize that if we align ourselves as a state with the space force, there's going to be a lot of really good things that come from that over time," said Jim Bridenstine, CEO of Quantum Space. Aerospace and Construction industry presenters at the study included Bridenstine; Joel Dougherty, NORDAM vice president of human resources; Bailey Perkins-Wright, senior community investor for Boeing; Bobby Stem, executive director of AOGC; Whitney Hill, owner of Central Staffing Solutions; and Scot McAdoo. Rep. Norwood said the information gathered through the study will help lawmakers understand how the state can connect more students with meaningful career opportunities. "Any opportunities we can give students to figure out where they're headed earlier, I think that's a positive thing," Rep. Norwood said. "Because kids that already have a path and a plan, they get on that and get moving and that gives them a future for a whole lot of things. So, we want to give those opportunities." The study can be watched on the Oklahoma House website under News & Media, live proceedings, then search by date for Sept. 8, Interim Study 26-110 Developing Oklahoma Workforce Through Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding CareerTech Partnerships for the Aerospace and Construction Industries .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, will host two interim studies this week focused on rising housing costs and classroom discipline in Oklahoma. As housing becomes more expensive, Hall's first study will take a closer look at what is driving those costs and what can be addressed at the state level. The discussion will cover free-market approaches, private property rights, regulatory burdens and the balance between affordability, quality and safety. Hall's second study will look at the role discipline plays in creating a classroom environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. The study will consider how discipline and classroom culture affect student outcomes, character development and teacher retention, as well as what lawmakers can do to better support educators. "These studies are an opportunity to hear from national experts and local leaders to get a better understanding of what is already happening in these areas," Hall said. "As we evaluate what role the Legislature should play in addressing the issues of housing costs and school discipline, we want to hear from the people who work in these fields every day. We know they can help identify where, if anywhere, state policy changes could be helpful. Once these conclude, we'll have a better idea of what our next steps should be." The housing study will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Room 206. The school discipline study will begin at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, in Room 450. Both will be held at the Oklahoma State Capitol. -END- Rep. Rob Hall, a Republican, represents District 67 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Bixby and Tulsa.

Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, chair of the Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, and Rep. John George, R-Newalla, vice chair, released statements today marking 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Hildebrant, a retired Air Force veteran who served 25 years in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, watched the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks unfold while deployed near Iraq. "On September 11, 2001, I was deployed to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey in support of Operation Northern Watch. Like all Americans, we watched in shock as the terrorist attacks unfolded, uncertain of what would come next. I was only three years into my military service, but 9/11 became a defining moment in my career. Every operation I supported or deployed to during the next 23 years stemmed, directly or indirectly, from the events of that day. "25 years later, America is still living with the consequences of that day. We lost 2,977 innocent lives on 9/11, and in the wars that followed, more than 7,000 American service members were killed in action. I’m not bitter. I’m grateful to have served in this era and mindful of those who never came home. "My heart is with the families of the 2,977 victims, including the seven Oklahomans, the countless first responders and the thousands of American service members who gave their lives in the years that followed. I encourage everyone to take a moment today to remember them and pray for their families. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten." George, who served in the Oklahoma National Guard for five years and the Oklahoma City Police Department for over 30 years, recalled sitting in his OKCPD office watching the events unfold. "The events of September 11th, 2001, have always stuck in my memory, as I know they do for every other American. I will always remember the civilian lives lost that day, as well as my First Responder colleagues who ran into danger and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man. "Every year, this day serves as a reminder that the terroristic desire to destroy our great country still exists today. But our commitment to the freedoms of America and our willingness to aid our neighbors is even stronger than any threat. May we continue to remember the unity that bound our nation together in the days following this attack, and may we continue to pray for peace upon all affected by this tragedy." Seven Oklahomans were killed in the Sep. 11 terrorist attacks. The Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus represents veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and public safety professionals while advocating for those who serve and protect Oklahoma communities.

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 .