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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, applauded the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and state higher education leaders following the approval of new three-year bachelor's degree programs at three public universities. "I'm excited to see Oklahoma higher education moving forward with three-year degree options," Eaves said. "The State Regents and our universities recognize the need for more flexible pathways to a bachelor's degree, and they have been thoughtful about how these programs can give students another option to earn a degree and enter the workforce sooner while maintaining academic quality and accreditation standards. I appreciate Senator Daniels, the State Regents and our higher education leaders for taking this idea seriously and turning it into an opportunity for Oklahoma students."  The State Regents on Sept. 3 approved four bachelor's degree programs at the University of Oklahoma (OU), Oklahoma State University (OSU) and Rogers State University that will require between 90 and 103 credit hours. A traditional bachelor's degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours.  Earlier this year, Eaves and Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, authored House Bill 3315 , which directed the State Regents to study the feasibility of three-year, or 90-credit-hour, bachelor's degree programs. The measure was signed into law April 30. The feasibility study examined accreditation standards, workforce alignment, affordability, transferability and other considerations related to shortened degree programs. The State Regents later established a framework for universities seeking approval of programs requiring fewer than 120 credit hours.  Under that framework, universities must demonstrate that proposed programs meet academic and accreditation requirements, address workforce needs and consider how the degree would affect areas such as graduate education and professional licensure. OU will offer a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Social Work. OSU will offer Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Business Essentials and Applications. Rogers State will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Workforce Development.

OKLAHOMA CITY –The House Criminal Judiciary Committee on Tuesday held an interim study by Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, examining child-sensitive policies and practices when children are present during the arrest of a parent or caregiver Turner, who served more than two decades in law enforcement, including as a sheriff and narcotics officer, said the intent of the study was to examine current Oklahoma law enforcement policies, practices, training and data collection efforts while identifying practical opportunities to strengthen officer training, cross-system collaboration, and available resources that support public safety and improve outcomes for children and families. "Law enforcement officers are asked to make difficult decisions in rapidly evolving situations where officer and public safety must always remain the highest priority," Turner said. "The purpose of this discussion is not to change that mission. Officers must maintain the ability to do their jobs. But we also must consider children who are present when an arrest takes place and the impact that may have on them." Turner said it was his intent during the study to learn how many Oklahoma children are affected by parental arrest in their presence; what procedures and resources are in place and available to help officers and affected children; what happens to those children after an arrest to make sure they are safe and supported; and ways to make this process better and safer so children are protected while not compromising law enforcement officers and public safety. The study was requested by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY), through its legislatively mandated Children of Incarcerated Parents (CIP) Advisory Committee. OCCY Executive Director Annette Wisk Jacobi gave an overview of the commission's work to improve services and outcomes for Oklahoma's children, youth and families. She said the commission works across agencies, systems and communities to identify and address issues affecting children and youth and to promote programs that support them. "Our role often places OCCY at the intersection of multiple systems, including child welfare, behavioral health, education and the justice system," Jacobi said. Dr. David McLeod, chair of OCCY's CIP Advisory Committee and a director at the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma, spoke about what children may experience when witnessing an arrest of a parent or caregiver. They may feel their safety is threatened, he said, or have caregiver separation anxiety. They'll likely be confused about what happens next. This can create acute or toxic stress and trauma responses. This can later result in emotional and behavioral difficulty, negative family and police perceptions, posttraumatic stress symptoms, physiological stress and can impact school performance and development. McLeod said law enforcement and lawmakers should consider what is preventable, what is already feasible and what data Oklahoma lacks. Some protective factors to consider include having a trusted adult in place to help the child, giving clear information about what is happening now and what will happen next, having a safe caregiver in place who will help the child maintain school and other routine activities, offering follow-up support. Shannon Luper, program director of Girl Scouts Beyond Bars and Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, shared that more than 26,000 Oklahoma children have a parent in prison, and one in 10 have experienced incarceration of a family member. For many children, a parent's arrest is their first interaction with the justice system. "The question is not only what happens to the parent. It is what happens to the child," she said. "Parental arrest is not a single event for the child. It's a journey." Luper included the perspective shared by youth when they were asked what they remembered about the experience of a parent or caregiver being arrested, what helped them, what could have been different and what they would like policymakers to understand. Child-sensitive arrests are just the beginning of the conversation, Luper said. What organizations such as hers do after an arrest is equally if not more important. This may include making sure the child can visit their incarcerated parent to help maintain healthy family relationships, partnering with caregivers to provide support, mentoring the child, teaching leadership and resilience, and supporting the parent with education and opportunities to reconnect with their children. Other presenters who shared lived experiences included Mikayla Woods, a Haskell County resident; and Daryll Savell on the Parent Partnership Board with OCCY. The study also featured a question-and-answer session with law enforcement, featuring Scott Walton, sheriff of Rogers County; Jon Sappington, former Rogers County undersheriff; and Kevin Branscum, an investigator with the District 25 district attorney's office. This study can be viewed on the House website, https://www.okhouse.gov/ , under live proceedings. Search by calendar day, Sept. 22, then for study IS26-082 Child-Sensitive Arrest Policies and Practices in Oklahoma, under Criminal Judiciary starting at 1 p.m.

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, led an interim study on Wednesday that explored the effects of alternative education in elementary schools compared to long-term suspension.  "I've heard from parents in my district that are concerned about how behavioral challenges are addressed in elementary schools," West said. "Every student deserves access to the support they need, no matter where they live or the size of their school district. I hope that this study is a meaningful first step to finding solutions that promote student success and keep them included in their learning communities."  Dr. Kenny Rodrequez, superintendent of Putnam City Schools, said they have seen an “inordinate amount” of increased elementary behavior since 2020.  Rodrequez, who previously worked to redesign alternative education in Tulsa, stressed that alternative education shouldn't simply mean putting a student in a smaller classroom. Instead, he said, it should involve different strategies, individualized support, family involvement and trained staff to adequately provide both behavioral and academic support.  "Alternative had to be… different," Rodrequez said . "It wasn't just a smaller setting… We needed different strategies, we needed different tools in our toolbox. It needed to be individualized. It needed to be supported. It needed everybody coming to the table."  Rodrequez also argued that the objective shouldn’t be permanent placement in an alternative setting and that a successful alternative program should be designed around eventual return. He added , "The goal was not placement, but just successful return back to that setting with maybe additional supports." Amy Moyer, a principal in Verdigris, spoke about the challenges facing rural districts. She described administrators simultaneously handling discipline, IEP meetings, evaluations, transportation, federal programs and other responsibilities. "We wear all those hats, and every time something else goes on, another report, another thing—again, who's the human that's going to do it? It falls back on us," Moyer said . She also argued that county- or regional-level alternative programs could help small districts access resources they cannot afford individually. Moyer referenced a $20,000 grant available to cover behavioral therapy for qualifying students, but said the last time they sent a student to a behavioral therapist, the cost totaled $200,000. Siomara Davis, a behavior interventionist at Edmond Public Schools, told the committee that behavioral intervention can be more effective when it happens before suspension. Davis said she works with students, teachers and parents to develop plans when behavioral issues are first identified "in a hope we're not immediately jumping to suspension." Presenters also emphasized that behavioral support does not mean eliminating accountability. Brandon Carey, an attorney for the Oklahoma School Boards Association, spoke about the effects of federal laws, such as Title IX, on schools' disciplinary options. Carey explained that federal law limits the circumstances under which a student with a disability can be removed from their normal educational setting for extended periods. After 10 days of removal, a manifestation determination is required, with additional requirements depending on the circumstances. The full study may be viewed at okhouse.gov . 

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.