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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, conducted an Interim Study on the impact of data center expansion on Oklahoma’s water resources and power grid in front of the Utilities Committee.  Data centers range from small to regional facilities that support hospitals, universities, or private businesses to large-scale developments called “hyperscalers,” that support social media, streaming services and generative AI. Clinton’s study focused primarily on hyperscalers as they are experiencing the most significant growth. “Data centers are an increasingly significant part of Oklahoma’s economy and infrastructure,” said Clinton. “But as this industry experiences unprecedented growth, it is also poorly understood by many. In short, data centers power our everyday lives, fuel our modern conveniences and make daily tasks more manageable. As our demand for this technology increases, so does the need for data centers. However, these hyperscalers may also use incredible amounts of electricity and water for cooling their servers, while their true economic impact is largely unstudied.” Clinton was first inspired to conduct this study after seeing headlines in her district about potential data centers in Tulsa and their use of millions of gallons of water per day. Today’s study confirmed that data centers require massive amounts of water, but alternative technologies can mitigate overuse.  “My goal today was to start a real conversation about how we accommodate this growing industry without compromising water quality and quantity,” Clinton said. “I consider it my duty as a legislator to ensure Oklahomans have clean, plentiful water for everyday use and recreation. Because at the end of the day, you can’t drink data.”  In addition to the massive amounts of water hyperscale data centers may consume, they also require enormous amounts of electricity. In an Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) filing last month, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) reported an unprecedented need for more electricity, due to “data centers, manufacturers and other industrial businesses.”  In their filing, PSO reported it has signed an agreement with a new customer that will eventually result in a load of over 1,000 MW, when the largest single customer in PSO’s history required only 130 MW. The company said it has Letters of Agreement or contracts with eleven other customers that require 50 MW or more. The company is currently seeking OCC approval for the recovery of costs for new power generation. The company stated in its filing that recovering these costs could result in an increase of about $10 per month to the average residential customer.    Clinton said one of her biggest takeaways was that the tech sector appears to be working directly with municipalities rather than the state of Oklahoma to develop these projects. That leaves many decisions in the hands of local leaders, meaning municipalities and counties bear the greatest responsibility for vetting these projects on behalf of their citizens. “Finding reliable data on how many permanent, local jobs hyperscalers create was difficult, and I was surprised to hear the Oklahoma Department of Commerce estimate that hyperscale data centers may create fewer than 10 jobs per structure on their campus,” Clinton said. “At the same time, the capital investment is undeniable. Several companies in Tulsa are growing their businesses by building data centers or supplying the equipment that fuels this technology, and that is good news for our region. It just shows how complex this industry is, and how important it is for local leaders to fully vet these projects with transparency, and prioritize economic development that puts Oklahomans and our quality of life first.”  Clinton said her goal for the study was not to make a blanket determination of the data center industry as “good” or “bad.” Rather, she hoped to gather answers to basic questions and concerns so communities can better manage this burgeoning industry responsibly, while putting Oklahomans first.   “I’m grateful to everyone who lent their time and expertise to this study, and I hope it’s only the beginning of a longer, meaningful conversation about this topic,” she said. Presentations provided a snapshot of economic aspects, energy, water, environmental, and community impacts of hyperscale data centers, along with ways to manage the industry to best serve all Oklahomans.  Speakers included: Commonwealth of Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission (JLARC) Oklahoma Department of Commerce Payne County City of Stillwater Oklahoma Water Resources Board Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality  Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) The entire study can be viewed on the  Oklahoma House of Representatives Website. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today praised efforts by the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Administration (OLPGA) for completing the development and implementation of the new food truck permitting process outlined in House Bill 2459 . The bill, which goes into effect Nov. 1, requires all mobile food preparation vehicles utilizing, handling, or transporting liquefied petroleum gas (propane) or any liquefied petroleum gas system, equipment, container, apparatus or appliance to obtain and maintain a permit from, and be inspected annually by the OLPGA. "My goal with this new law was to centralize the permitting process for food trucks instead of them having to get permits from multiple municipalities while maintaining they are properly equipped with fire suppression methods to keep workers and the public safe," Fetgatter said. "I'm extremely grateful to the Oklahoma LP Gas Administration for their quick work to ensure there are limited disruptions to these operators in getting the proper permits to comply with this new law. Great work by all." To be compliant with the new law, operators will need to submit a food truck permit application and attestation to the OLPGA by Oct. 31 this year. They will have until Nov. 1, 2026, to get the physical inspection completed. Both will need to be renewed annually. Applications received after the deadline will still be accepted, but operators may be temporarily disrupted in certain cities until the application is approved and the permit issued. The OLPGA said it worked with lawmakers, stakeholders and food truck operators to complete the new permitting process. The goal was supporting business continuity and minimizing disruption to food truck operations while ensuring compliance with new statutory public safety requirements. To implement the requirements of the new law, the administration wrote emergency rules that have been reviewed and endorsed by its Rules Committee. Legal counsel for the group has confirmed that formal approval from the Board was not required to publish and implement the new process. The Legislature will later be tasked with approving the rules to make them permanent, but they can stand as they are for now. The full process, permit and attestation forms, and additional resources can be found online at https://oklahoma.gov/lpgas/food-trucks.html . In addition, all mobile food preparation vehicles generating grease-laden vapors must obtain inspections from the State Fire Marshal and be licensed by the State Department of Health. Political subdivision regulations also must be followed. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus is proud to announce its inaugural Youth Leadership Summit, set for November 8th, 2025, at the Oklahoma Capitol. This free, day-long conference will bring together high school juniors and seniors from across Oklahoma for an immersive experience of learning, connection, and civic empowerment. The Oklahoma Latino Youth Leadership Summit will equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and community support they need to lead in their schools, neighborhoods, and the state as a whole. Through engaging workshops, keynote speakers, and peer-led discussions, participants will explore leadership and professional development, community advocacy, and public service, all with an Oklahoma focus. “One of the key elements of the Latino Caucus mission is to invest in the future of our community, and we could think of no better way to do that than to invest in training its young people,” said Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman. “We have worked hard with many community partners to create a program that will help students see themselves not just as future leaders, but as leaders today, highly capable of shaping the direction of their lives, communities, and our state.” The non-partisan summit will feature breakout sessions on civic engagement, campaign basics, public service, college and career readiness, and the power of intentional leadership. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with mentors, elected officials, and community changemakers who are committed to supporting their growth. “Oklahoma’s future depends on the voices and vision of its youth,” said Menz. “This summit reminds us that leadership isn’t defined by age or race, but it is defined by purpose, courage, and compassion. We are looking forward to a successful event and hope to host one every year going forward.” Application is now open at https://form.jotform.com/252804942715157, and participation is free for all students. Students not of Latino/Hispanic heritage are also welcome to attend, but all applicants must be juniors or seniors in high school. Educators, mentors, and community organizations are also encouraged to attend and support this inspiring movement to cultivate the next generation of Oklahoma leaders. -END- About the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus: The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus is a collective body representing the Hispanic/Latino population of the State of Oklahoma, with the mission of promoting positive outcomes for the Oklahoma Latino Community through legislation, education, social advancement, and communication; as well as working to preserve and protect our shared culture. For additional information, please email oklatinocaucus@gmail.com. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, and Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, conducted an interim study exploring how providing a civil judgement expungement can help Oklahomans trapped in abuse, specifically financial abuse. Currently, Oklahoma has little to no recourse for those ensnared in financial abuse. The study showed that Oklahoma does not have a civil judgement expungement system, and that the closest thing to it would be to seal the record. However, sealing a record takes time and you must be able to provide proof that sealing the public record is in the interest of justice. “For many survivors of abuse, civil judgments are not the result of poor choices but of manipulation, coercion or control," Hasenbeck said. "Abusers often use financial tools, like credit cards and loans, to trap their victims in cycles of debt and dependence. When those survivors finally find the courage to leave, they’re left carrying the financial scars of someone else’s actions, further burdening them as they attempt to heal. Civil judgment expungement gives them a chance to break free from that burden and truly start over.” Financial abuse is a form of coercive control defined as forcing a partner to miss, leave, or be late to work; harassing them at their workplace; controlling how money is spent; withholding money or basic living resources; imposing a strict allowance; stealing money, credit, property, or identity from a partner; and coercing them into filing fraudulent legal documents. Oftentimes, the aftermath of financial abuse makes it difficult for a survivor to get a job and housing. “When victims of domestic violence have to move out of their housing to escape, civil expungement of evictions advances protections to some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable,” said Timmons. Financial abuse is the most common form of abuse, with up to 99% of all pattern violence survivors reporting financial abuse.  “Anyone who works closely with domestic violence survivors knows escaping abuse is only the beginning,” said Fugate. “Survivors are left with lasting emotional scars and financial devastation. Coerced debt, ruined credit, and civil judgments trap survivors in a fiscal prison long after they’ve escaped the physical one. Civil judgment relief in the form of a Survivors Act 2.0 will give survivors essential relief and help them rebuild their lives.” The entire study can be viewed on the  Oklahoma House of Representatives Website. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, held an Interim Study on Establishing a Department of Early Childhood in Oklahoma in front of the Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee. The study explored the challenges currently facing Oklahoma when it comes to early childhood education and support services, other state’s models of early childhood departments, and realistic policy solutions. “The successes of other states in creating an early childhood department is inspiring,” said Ranson. I believe we can build on their successes to create a Department for Early Childhood for Oklahoma children and families that balance family-centered services with data-driven outcomes.” It featured presentations from Director Regina Birchum with the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency to examine current early childhood structures in place in Oklahoma, Carrie Williams with Oklahoma Partnership for School readiness to discuss early childhood systems that strengthen families and prepare children for school, Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky with the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, Director Kara B. Wente with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, Becca Hanlin Listik with Prenatal-to-3 Impact Center, and Rob Grunewald, an Economics and Public Policy Consultant to discuss realistic policy-driven solutions. The study found that there is a growing health and mental health crisis in Oklahoma especially for women and children. Over half of Oklahoma counties are healthcare deserts, only 21 out of 77 have full access to healthcare. It also showed that 13 states in the nation have developed early childhood focused departments, specifically analyzing those in blue and red states such as New Mexico and Ohio. The study concluded that with the consolidation of early childcare programs, understanding of the timeline and investment sustainability needs, and examination of models in other states that Oklahoma could create a department of early childhood that would reflect the needs of Oklahoma families and providers. The entire study can be viewed on the  Oklahoma House of Representatives Website. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – A study examining a statewide emergency communications system was held before the House Appropriations & Budget Public Safety Subcommittee last week. Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, who chairs the committee and is a former longtime police officer, led the discussion. "Those of us in law enforcement have been hearing since the 1980s that we are just around the corner from getting a statewide radio system," Ford said. "Here, it's now 40 some years later, and we are no closer to getting a statewide radio system than we were in 1981." Ford's hope is to find ways to fund a system that would reach all parts of the state. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, said he wanted to ensure the rural county perspective was represented in the study. "As great as having a statewide system sounds, we obviously have a lot of areas of this state that can't even talk to each other, let alone statewide," he said.  Dobrinski represents five rural counties and said with the exception of a few larger cities, most emergency operators are frustrated and scared because they can't talk to each other during wildfires, severe weather events or other emergencies. He asked Justin Carnagey, 911 director for the Texas County 911 Trust Authority in the center of the Oklahoma Panhandle, to discuss how he has been able to access funding to upgrade their radio system to better communicate in the county and with surrounding areas. Carnagey said they secured American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other grant funding as well as a dedicated county tax to purchase new radios, a new tower and additional systems to support the county's fire, law enforcement and emergency services.  They recently helped Cimarron County get a grant for one channel on a new radio system. That has been a gamechanger for first responders in that county that had no radio communication and very limited cellphone coverage. Pricing is the biggest hurdle for rural counties, Carnagey said. He also said any statewide system that's deployed will have to accommodate interoperability between rural and metro areas as well as state agencies.  "When we talk about governance of this system, it's key that we have representation from everybody involved," he said. His county trust worked with ODOT, the Department of Public Safety and even Homeland Security to save money on the system they now have, he said.  Ford said if this can be done in the Panhandle, surely this can be duplicated throughout the state, especially in the more rural areas. He invited Mark Ketchum, director of communications for Wagoner County and a former communications engineer for the City of Broken Arrow, to speak about the system he helped build in Broken Arrow and surrounding communities. Ketchum said he worked to build partnerships between multiple agencies from law enforcement, fire, emergency management services (EMS), public schools, hospitals, military and others to bring them into the same network. That was back when technology was proprietary. Now, P25 radios work together, regardless of vendors, with the proper programming. "I did this to show people in Oklahoma that you can communicate across systems," Ketchum said. "You can build partnerships, but infrastructure is the key. In a crisis situation, you have to be able to talk to each other." Bobby Howard, Acting Public Safety Commissioner with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, gave a perspective from tribal nations. He spoke about partnering with Okfuskee County, building infrastructure and bringing various departments into their network at no cost other than the purchase of radios. This was to assist all law enforcement officers and other first responders who were responding jointly to emergency calls. "You have to have people that want to work together," Howard said. There are some counties and departments that don't want to talk with the tribe until they have a problem. Then they want to patch in to talk to his S.W.A.T., drone or other special teams within the nation. "I think a statewide system would force their hand to talk," Howard said.  Taylor Henderson, assistant director of operations with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), spoke of the department's work with various government and non-governmental organizations, beginning in 2022, to create an interoperable statewide radio strategic plan that would cover as much as 93% of the state. He said one challenge is many of the systems are approaching their use expectancy limits. Many of the towers were built in the 1960s and need to be completely replaced.  "We're just trying to keep it together with bailing wire and Band-Aids," Henderson said.  The price estimated in 2022 for creating and maintaining a system that would include 190 towers, was about $600 million over the lifetime of the buildout. With inflation, it would likely cost as much as 60% more now. Ford said he will request additional funding from the Legislature to help ODOT replace deficient radio towers throughout the state. He also suggested pursuing reciprocity agreements with surrounding states to use their radio towers when possible. ODOT does allow other entities to share their towers. They also make use of microwave and fiber optics. Lauren Kirkland, vice president of Motorola Solutions, spoke of how the company has a dedicated Oklahoma emergency response team that has equipped many state first responders with radios and technology  "Interoperability is the backbone of public safety communications," she said. "It allows emergency responders from different agencies, jurisdictions and disciplines to effectively communicate and coordinate during incidents whether it's a natural disaster like a tornado, a public health emergency or large-scale security events. Interoperability communications save lives." Mike Miller, an owner of Eastern Communication LTD with headquarters in New York City, Iowa and Washington state, suggested his company – an integrator of technologies and not a manufacturer – might be able to help the state plan for better interoperability between manufacturers of different systems. He said interoperability for emergency communication systems is possible, just like cellphone coverage between various carriers can be seamless. But states have to get beyond the first step of just buying radios. Infrastructure and continual upgrade plans to support the technology that connects all radios and systems, regardless of the manufacturer, also have to be factored. States need to pan 50% of cost for equipment and 50% to maintain the system. He mentioned hacking by hostile nations into water treatment plants and power systems has happened because of outdated equipment or the failure to patch with software updates.

Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, today provided an update on the potential distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have notified states that, without congressional action to approve additional funding, SNAP benefits could be delayed or reduced beginning November 1st. Pae and Gise, who lead the House Human Services Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee, said they have been in constant contact with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), who is working closely with federal partners to ensure Oklahomans who rely on SNAP are informed and supported. As of May 2025, Oklahoma has 696,842 active SNAP participants. "We understand how critical SNAP benefits are for Oklahoma families, seniors and children," Pae said. "No family should have to worry about putting food on the table because of uncertainty in Washington. The House is committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure Oklahoma families have the support they need." Gise added, "So many Oklahoma families are already doing everything they can to stretch each dollar, and the threat of losing access to food assistance is deeply unsettling. While we continue to push for solutions at the state and federal level, we also know the strength of our communities lies in how we show up for one another. If you’re in a position to give or volunteer, reach out to your local food banks and community organizations. This is a time that calls for compassion and unity, not politics." On Tuesday, Pae and Gise co-hosted an interim study at the State Capitol examining the effectiveness and future of SNAP in Oklahoma, focusing on ways to reduce the state’s payment error rate and fraud. The study brought together state agencies, food security advocates and policy experts to discuss how to strengthen access to nutrition assistance and improve outcomes for families across the state. "It’s deeply frustrating that gridlock in Washington, driven by Senator Chuck Schumer and the majority of Senate Democrats’ unwillingness to act, is putting critical programs like SNAP at risk," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "Oklahoma families shouldn’t have to pay the price for partisan inaction. The Oklahoma House remains focused on protecting our citizens and ensuring families, seniors and children have access to the support they need, regardless of what happens in D.C."  As more information becomes available, OKDHS will provide updates regarding the effects of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits at oklahoma.gov/okdhs/shutdown .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, released the following statements after it was announced that federal funding for SNAP will be suspended beginning November 1, 2025, because of the federal government shutdown. “Just as we predicted earlier this month, Oklahomans are paying the price of our federal delegation refusing to work together. Over 684,600 Oklahomans–mainly the elderly, veterans, and children– rely on SNAP benefits, and now that burden will be placed on local community resources who are already overwhelmed. This is a direct result of those in Congress not doing the job they were elected to do to serve their constituents and protect the services and jobs on which Oklahomans rely. I urge Oklahomans to take advantage of local community resources as they need. I further urge the federal delegation to consider the consequences that will only continue to worsen the longer this shutdown continues and to do what needs to be done to protect Oklahomans who are just trying to make it by each day.”  –House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City “Oklahoma families are going to suffer because the Republican controlled federal government won’t compromise. This will be a hard Thanksgiving unless we learn to compromise. I’m calling on our state’s federal delegation to come up with a deal that protects essential services for working families.”  –Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa “Oklahomans are already struggling to afford food, and halting SNAP benefits in November will be devastating for families and seniors who are barely making ends meet. SNAP is our state’s safety net against hunger. While nonprofits and churches will do their best to step up, they simply cannot fill the gap this would create.” – Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City “I’m worried for the families who will have to make even more tough decisions this holiday season due to bad choices in Washington D.C. In a time where government leaders should be working to end hunger, this move will only make hunger more severe and widespread. People deserve better. Since the federal government has failed us once again, it is my hope that all of my colleagues work together to meet needs and fund programs at the state level to keep people fed.”  –Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) says that unless the federal government resolves the shutdown, no new SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1. Recipients can continue using their current SNAP benefits and any remaining balance on their EBT card through October 31. OKDHS says it is unclear whether existing balances will remain available beginning in November. For now, OKDHS recommends continuing to use your benefits through October and to plan and budget in order to get the best use of your existing SNAP benefits. Recipients are to continue to submit all eligibility and recertification paperwork as usual and are encouraged to check on updates from OKDHS as they arrive. Local resources can be found on the  Be a Neighbor page. -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, announced he will host an interim study to explore implementing a policy that retains students in literacy-focused grade levels until they have mastered essential reading skills. The study will examine current retention and intervention practices across Oklahoma and consider ways to strengthen support for students in kindergarten through third grade. It will also look at successful literacy models in other states and how early interventions such as tutoring, reading specialists and parental engagement can help students meet literacy benchmarks before moving to higher grade levels. "The ability to read well is the foundation on which all future educational achievement is built," Hall said. "Research has consistently shown that if we don't ensure our youngest students are reading at an age-appropriate level by the time they leave third grade, we're setting them up for challenges throughout their entire education." "Education begins with strong literacy skills, and I’m glad we’re taking a closer look at how to strengthen that foundation," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "I thank Rep. Hall for setting up this important study. I look forward to hearing the discussion and learning from the findings."  Lindel Fields, newly appointed state superintendent of public instruction, will be in attendance to contribute to the discussion. The House Common Education Committee will hear the interim study on Oct. 22 at 12 p.m. in Room 206 at the Oklahoma State Capitol.