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Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, has been recognized by the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association (OREA) with its Friend of Education Award for his commitment to supporting Oklahoma students, educators and public education. Pae was named at OREA's annual convention in recognition of his work to support policies that strengthen educational opportunities for students and the state’s education workforce. "Our teachers and educators play an important role in preparing Oklahoma students for success, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with them and advocate for policies that help our schools and students succeed," Pae said. "As legislators, we have a responsibility to make sure our policies reflect the needs of students, teachers, and communities. I’m grateful to OREA for this recognition and for the work its members continue to do on behalf of Oklahoma’s education system." Pae, who represents House District 62 in Lawton, has served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2018. He has served as chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Human Services since 2024. The Oklahoma Retired Educators Association represents retired educators across the state and advocates for issues affecting Oklahoma’s education community.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, and Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, on Monday hosted an interim study on the effects of the marketing and sales of kratom and THC drinks on Oklahoma children. The study, held before the House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances Committee, explored methods of regulation and advocacy in order to better understand the nature of these products and how to protect the state's youth from substances, some of which have been shown to carry high health risks, including death. “I am grateful to the committee for hearing this study today and to Representative Grego for joining me on studying this important issue," Pogemiller said "It’s my responsibility not only as a state representative, but as a mother to ensure Oklahomans are aware of the dangerous and addictive products such as kratom sold in our state that are being advertised to our children. We have work to do to ensure these products are not reaching our youth and that Oklahomans understand the devastating and harmful effects these products have. I’m thankful to all who testified and presented research on this as we look at policy solutions this upcoming legislative session that work to protect Oklahomans from dangerous and accessible substances.”  Grego said he requested to join the study because many of his constituents have shared similar concerns. This included Pittsburg County resident Steve Covington who told study participants about his son who is still undergoing rehabilitation to be free of the effects of kratom and its derivatives. "Hearing Mr. Covington's story about a son whose entire life changed because of this substance, was one reason I asked to be a part of this discussion," Grego said. "Here's a young man who has a wife and children, who had a good job, a nice house and so much more. Yet addiction to this product that was marketed as a natural substance that could boost his energy and help with soreness has almost ruined him. We've got to consider what we can do as a state to better address this." Study presenters, including Donnie Anderson, director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, shared that kratom is marketed as a plant-based herbal supplement made from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Consumers claim it can be an energy booster, a mood lifter, a pain reliever or a relaxant that can have both sedative and stimulant effects, depending on dosage. Kratom is often paired with additives such as mitragynine, an active alkaloid, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH. The products are easy to find in convenience stores and gas stations across the state, and they are easy for teens to purchase, according to numerous study presenters. The products themselves, especially with derivatives combined with other substances, however, can carry high risk of addiction and negative health consequences, including death, according to Chief and Deputy Chief Forensic Toxicologists Dr. Jesse Kemp and Dr. Kacey Cliburn with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Cliburn shared that mitragynine was listed as a contributory factor on 44 Oklahoma death certificates from 2021 to 2025. Between January 2025 and June this year, mitragynine and or an alkaloid were listed as a factor in 42 deaths, so the problem is growing. She said the laboratory began identifying more cases with the potent alkaloids in early 2026 and issued a public service alert in May. Mitragynine is now among the top five drugs listed for cause of overdose death along with methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol. "Our office has never experienced a situation like this, in which an uncontrolled, over-the-counter commercial product has displaced a drug in the top five listed in the cause of death," Cliburn said . Several constituents of the representatives shared personal stories during the study. Angela Goins spoke of the death of her brother who she said became addicted to kratom pills that had dangerous additives. She said the research she had to do to discover the true effects of the derivatives was overwhelming and said it is too hard for law enforcement or lawmakers to keep up with the constantly changing over-the-counter products that are available to Oklahomans. "For my family, this isn't an abstract discussion about chemistry, it's the reason my brother is gone," Goins said . Tiffany Sprague said her daughter became addicted to a kratom drink that was marketed to her as a natural herbal supplement that could help her with energy, weight loss and pain relief as she pursued competitive dancing. Her daughter, Isabella Gardner, and 19-year-old Braxton Bunch shared stories of addiction, detox and the long fight for sobriety. Presenter Frank Turner said he's worked in the field of addiction for more than 25 years, and he's the guy that gets the call from family members asking for help. "Drugs are killing our kids," Turner said. "And how many of us have to die for us to make some drastic changes? There are more drugs in schools than on the streets of Oklahoma. We send our kids to school and think that they're learning, but what they're learning in school is how to get high." Judge Kenneth Stoner, a district judge who works in Oklahoma County Home Treatment Courts, shared additional statistics and risks. Tane Webb, a substance use policy analyst with the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, which has offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, explained that while kratom products are readily available over the counter in many Oklahoma gas stations and vape shops, many consumers are unaware of undisclosed synthetic ingredients that carry significant risk. Webb said that while Oklahoma has a Kratom Consumer Protection Act on the books, enforcement of regulations has not kept pace with the changing landscape. His recommendations include increasing the legal purchasing age to 20-plus and prohibiting free or promotional distribution; updating Oklahoma law to limit legal kratom products from natural plant material; establishing consistent standards for alkaloid limits and measurement of concentrations; broadening the scope of enforcement beyond kratom and expanding state capacity for product testing; and increasing education among health care providers, vendors and the public; among others. Michella Carter, technical manager of the Seized Drug Unit, and Melissa Brous, technical manager of the Forensic Toxicology Unit with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, shared costs of kratom testing in Oklahoma – almost $2.7 million in one-time costs and almost $800,000 annually recurring. Former Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove, also addressed study participants saying state residents have been down this road plenty of times in the past with marijuana, opioids and other substances. "If you are really interested in saving Oklahoman's lives; if you are really interested in keeping Oklahoma families from being destroyed, then outlaw all of it," he encouraged. The study can be viewed on the House website under News & Media, Live Proceedings. Search the calendar for Oct. 12, Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances, 9:30 a.m. -END- Ellen Pogemiller serves District 88 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes part of Oklahoma County. Jim Grego serves District 17, which includes Latimer County and part of Pittsburg County.  

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, on Wednesday held an interim study before the House Public Safety Committee examining active shooter response training for law enforcement professionals. "Active shooter situations in schools and the public are of huge concern to everyone," West said. "We Can't say we hope they never happens. Too many have already happened. This study is about making sure law enforcement knows what training is currently available in the state so they are prepared to respond and where gaps might exist that we need to address." West invited multiple presenters to discuss active shooter situations that have occurred across the country and various law enforcement responses. Colton Jones with the Black Banner Group helped organize the study and was the first speaker. He said every state is different in approaching active shooter incidences. He specifically examined various responses to mass shootings at schools, including Columbine High School in Colorado, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut and at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.    Jones noted the difference in response times in these incidences, with Sandy Hook being within 11 minutes and Uvalde being up to 77 minutes before law enforcement breached the school. Training and coordination made the difference, he said. "At Sandy Hook you saw officers show up and proceed to the threat," Jones said , "Where when you get to Uvalde, you had officers show up where it seemed like they were afraid to go to the threat, because of, a lot of them said, lack of training." Jones, an Army veteran said recurring training matters. "In the Army it was always train, train, train, train, train. That way, when you had to act upon that training, it was there and you knew it like the back of your hand." Jones said a lack of finances and manpower prevent many rural law enforcement departments from sending officers to training. Tanner Killiingsworth, a student resource officer from Latimer County, said continuing education and advanced training are essential. But differences in professional development, training methods, terminology and response procedures can actually hinder responses, creating significant communication and coordination challenges when officers from multiple agencies respond to the same incident. "In a situation where time is critical, inconsistent training and conflicting tactics can lead to confusion, delayed responses and unnecessary risk to officers and innocent civilians," Killingsworth said .  Establishing standardized training is essential, he said. Oklahoma Commissioner of Public Safety and Homeland Security Advisor Tim Tipton discussed his department's training availability and the ability of law enforcement departments to access training when needed. He said this is one of the top three safety concerns his department is dedicated to in the state. Tipton spoke on the Secure Oklahoma Schools, or SOS, initiative and the Oklahoma School Security Institute (OSSI), which focuses not just on responding to shooters but to prevention. "You know, school safety, active shooter threat response, although a ton of it is about the response when the bad guy's in the building, but school safety has to be multi-layered, and the first point of that is prevention," Tipton said . "We don't want the bad guy even getting to the building." The Legislature dedicated funding for schools to do risk and vulnerability assessments every five years. Tipton said all schools have now had those and now OSSI is in the process of updating those so the schools can qualify for this funding going forward. Mike Fike, director of OSSI, also spoke about the effectiveness of training for officers and why recurring training is essential. Other presenters included Bobby Floyd, director of training, Austin Slaten, academy coordinator, and Clay Anderson, an instructor, at the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET). They outlined the types and duration of active shooter response training and the Center for Active Shooter Preparedness (CASP) at CLEET and its role in active shooter training across the state. Brett Macy, deputy director of the Transportation Division at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, shared about the coordination between rural and municipal departments during active shooter situations and access to recurring training.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, received the 2026 Honorary PA designation from the Oklahoma Academy of Physician Associates (OAPA) in recognition of her work supporting physician associates and quality healthcare for Oklahomans. The OAPA recognizes individuals who have promoted the physician associate profession and advanced the academy’s mission. Honorees are recognized for distinguished service to patients, their communities, the profession and the academy. "Healthcare is not only a huge part of my daily life, but it is my passion as a legislator, and I am deeply honored to receive this designation," Roe said. "Healthcare is the backbone of every state, and it reaches Oklahomans during some of the best and most difficult moments of their lives. I am thankful that through my medical career and my service in the Legislature, I have the opportunity to care for people and improve healthcare in our state." A colleague nominated Roe for the honor in recognition of her work over the years on behalf of physician associates and her efforts to improve access to quality healthcare services for Oklahomans. Roe is one of four current members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives who work or have worked in the medical field. She has more than 40 years of healthcare experience as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner. The OAPA presented Roe with the Honorary PA designation during its awards luncheon on Oct. 1 as part of the organization’s Fall Continuing Medical Education Conference at the Embassy Suites Oklahoma City Downtown Medical Center.

Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, this week led an interim study examining the benefits, costs and long-term impacts of data center development in Oklahoma. The study was held before the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee's Utilities Subcommittee, where Chapman serves as vice chair. During his opening remarks, Chapman said he wanted the discussion to move beyond some of the strong opinions surrounding data centers and give lawmakers an opportunity to look at the issue from multiple perspectives. He encouraged committee members to consider both the potential benefits and costs and allow the information presented during the study to guide future discussions. "For the past year, I've heard a lot of discussions and concerns about data centers, and I felt it was time to lay the cards on the table and look at this issue as objectively as we can," Chapman said. "There are potential opportunities, but there are also legitimate questions about infrastructure, resources and the effects on communities. We need to understand what communities may be saying yes to, what they may be saying no to and what safeguards need to be in place." Much of the study focused on how data centers affect utility planning and local resources. Speakers discussed the large power needs of newer facilities, safeguards intended to keep project costs with the customers creating them and how water use can vary depending on a facility’s design and cooling technology. The discussion also covered permitting and community impacts, including infrastructure needs and potential economic and workforce opportunities. Speakers noted that oversight can involve different state and local authorities depending on the project. They also discussed ways to better connect existing resources so communities can more easily evaluate proposed projects and understand potential impacts. Chapman said he will continue reviewing information gathered during the study to determine whether additional legislative action is warranted.

Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, has been elected chair of The Energy Council, an international nonpartisan organization focused on energy policy. He was elected chair during the Council's annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last week. Archer, who served as vice chair of the Council's Executive Committee last year, joined the Executive Committee last February and has been a member of the Council since 2022. "I am honored to have been named chair of the Energy Council by my colleagues," Archer said. "This organization plays an important role in bringing policymakers together to address the opportunities and challenges facing the energy industry. I am committed to continuing conversations to support a strong, stable energy future as Oklahoma powers our country and world."  Archer is the chair of the Oklahoma House Energy Committee and is a member of the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee. He has represented House District 55 in western Oklahoma since 2022 and previously served as mayor of Elk City.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, hosted an interim study examining how Oklahoma taxes Software as a Service, digital memberships and whether Oklahoma's tax code should be updated to reflect the growing shift toward digital products and services, including software subscriptions, music, audiobooks and streaming services. Interim Study 26-068 , titled Software as a Service (SaaS) and Digital Memberships, considered the potential impact of taxing such products on state and local revenue, and also reviewed approaches taken by other states. "Many who'd like to eliminate the state income tax are cautious and ask a question. 'How do you replace the revenue those taxes fund?'," Lepak stated when he began the meeting. "It's fair question with layers of answers that we seem debated during the current election cycle. This study does not attempt to address that question, although one answer is to transition to more of a consumption-based tax system. This study is narrowly focused on taxing one set of services, software as a service and digital services. But I would add, this policy shift deserves consideration, even if decoupled from the idea of eliminating the income tax." Lepak said Oklahoma's economy has changed significantly while the state's tax structure has largely remained rooted in an economy built around the sale of tangible goods. "We have a 21st-century economy we're living in that has a tax structure from 100 years ago. Perhaps we should consider making some changes to better align the reality of an economy to the day we're living in," Lepak said. The Oklahoma Municipal League requested the study to examine how changing consumer spending habits could affect local revenue. Dave Andren, director of research for the league, discussed municipalities’ reliance on sales and use taxes as consumers increasingly spend money on digital and subscription-based services. "The economy has changed, but our policy has not," Andren stated. "Oklahoma's sales tax was built around those physical retail, tangible goods and as we have those local storefronts. They have shifted over into what's called the SaaS model, and that's Software as a Service. We are no longer going and we're no longer purchasing those tangible goods from the store. We're now paying for subscription-based services, online, and in the current statutes of Oklahoma, those subscriptions are no longer taxed and because of that we are losing revenue." Andren pointed to several examples of the shift, including consumers moving from purchasing CDs to using music streaming services, from DVDs to video streaming platforms and from boxed computer software to cloud-based programs. "Now everything is cloud based, digital services. This is where we are," Andren said. "We have gone from a tangible society into a digital society, and we need to move forward." Andren said sales and use taxes account for 68% of local government budgets in Oklahoma, making changes in consumer spending particularly significant for municipalities. "We are ranked number one in the reliance on sales tax in the nation," Andren said. "The next highest sales tax reliance is 50% and that's the state of Alabama. So, when you look at a pie chart and you see how municipalities are funded, sales tax is the largest chunk by far. Cities still have to fund public services like police, fire streets, water parks." The study also examined South Dakota’s approach, which applies sales tax to certain digital products and vendor-hosted software. Corey Jager, tax policy manager with the Oklahoma Tax Commission, discussed how Oklahoma could administer a tax on digital products if lawmakers chose to pursue legislation. Jager said lawmakers first would need to clearly define which products would be taxable. Potential categories discussed included digital audio and visual products, streaming and television services, digital books and audiobooks, video games, periodicals, information services and software. Lawmakers also would need to determine applicable exemptions and establish sourcing rules to determine where sales tax revenue is collected. Lawmakers would also need to establish sourcing rules, such as those outlined in the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, of which Oklahoma is already a member. Under these rules, sales tax on a digital product would generally be based on where the purchaser receives the product. This means the tax revenue would be directed to the purchaser's location rather than the location of the business selling the product. Jager also emphasized that after legislation is passed, the need to give the Tax Commission sufficient time to develop administrative rules and educate businesses and taxpayers before any new tax requirements take effect. "I will say 30 days is not enough time to get emergency rules in place and so just a consideration for the legislature. If you're going to make this change, we would like a little bit more time," Jager stated. "We also try to provide vendors and taxpayers with guidance, so they know how to follow the law, and they know how to report and collect sales tax appropriately. There's also the other pieces, the taxpayer and the vendor piece." The Tax Commission estimated taxing digital products could generate approximately $40 million annually in additional state sales tax revenue. "The main things to consider are defining is exactly what you want to tax and putting that into statute, applying our streamline definitions and sourcing rules to maintain compliance, maintain a user-friendly atmosphere for the businesses that sell to Oklahoma," Jager said. "Allow lead time for rules registration and system changes and then potentially see a revenue generated to the state of about $40 million." After the presentations concluded, the discussion broadened to Oklahoma's overall tax structure and whether comprehensive tax reform would be more effective than making individual changes to the tax code. The study can be viewed on the House website, https://www.okhouse.gov/ , under live proceedings. Search by calendar day, Sept. 28, then for study IS 26-068 Software as a Service and Digital Memberships starting at 9 am.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko, and Rick West, R-Heavener, today thanked Gov. Kevin Stitt for his order to pause on enforcement of all taxes, regulations and fines levied on the use of red dyed diesel in farm vehicles. The representatives serve as chair and vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee, respectively. "The governor's action to create relief in this area for our state's agricultural producers is much needed and appreciated," Patzkowsky and West said in a joint statement. "This will not only benefit our hardworking farmers and ranchers, but the savings will expand to everyone who benefits from the food and other products they produce." Stitt on Monday issued a letter to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission ordering the pause and instructing the Tax Commission to seek Dyed Diesel Fuel Penalty Relief from the Internal Revenue Service. He also instructed the Department of Public Safety and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to suspend any and all enforcement actions regarding the use of dyed diesel fuels in highway vehicles during this time period. The request will remain in place for 120 days from the date of the order. The governor pointed out in his action that Oklahoma feeds the world, and yet the state's farmers and ranchers are facing unprecedented challenges as they head into harvest season. The governor said that as their costs increase, so do prices at the grocery store. He said the state should ease burdens where it can in order to provide relieve for the agricultural industry and for Americans trying to feed their families.

Oklahoma lawmakers examined emerging technologies and strategies to strengthen the state’s electric grid and meet growing energy demand during an interim study Wednesday at the State Capitol. The study, requested by Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, and Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, heard from Oklahoma’s largest electric utilities, the Southwest Power Pool, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the Pew Charitable Trusts to discuss the state’s transmission and distribution systems and technologies that could improve grid capacity and reliability. "This study wasn’t about reaching a predetermined conclusion," Archer said. "It was about understanding what technologies are available, how they’re being evaluated today and what technical, economic or regulatory barriers may affect their use." Archer told the committee energy usage in the U.S. and Oklahoma has been relatively flat for two decades but is currently undergoing a "very extreme demand for power." "Over my 12 years in state service, proposed transmission projects have repeatedly triggered nasty eminent domain fights across my district," Murdock said. "This study gave my legislative colleagues a better understanding of new grid-enhancing technologies that can strengthen our electric system and lower costs for consumers, all without massive new transmission lines. I look forward to continuing to work with Representative Archer on bringing these grid enhancements here to Oklahoma." Adam Snapp, director of transmission planning for Oklahoma Gas & Electric, discussed grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) such as static synchronous compensators, which provide dynamic voltage support, and advanced power-flow control devices that can help reduce congestion and make better use of existing transmission lines. Snapp said OG&E has used GETs since 2007 and plans to continue using them as appropriate, describing them as a "valuable tool in the toolbox." He also noted that when existing structures are nearing the end of their service life or a significantly larger conductor is needed, rebuilding a transmission line may be the most cost-effective option. Jeffrey Ellis, director of distribution planning for Public Service Company of Oklahoma, said utilities are already using these technologies as they evaluate how to best serve ratepayers. He emphasized that grid-enhancing technologies are not a replacement for traditional transmission in every circumstance. "GETs and traditional transmission are not competitors," he said . "Advanced technologies may increase capability or address particular transmission constraints in the right circumstances, but they do not eliminate situations where maybe rebuilding is necessary." Richard Ross, director of transmission readiness and seams planning for the Southwest Power Pool, discussed the challenges of meeting long-term transmission needs, noting that many of the best long-term solutions can involve large transmission lines that take years to bring into service. David Parsons, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, echoed that sentiment, telling legislators demand is changing faster than many of the core infrastructure processes traditionally relied upon to serve it. The discussion comes as Oklahoma considers how to prepare its electric system for increasing demand while making efficient use of existing infrastructure. Last session, Archer and Murdock authored House Bill 3183 , the GET Over Congestion Act, which would have required utilities to analyze the cost effectiveness of deploying advanced transmission and grid-enhancing technologies to address congestion. Archer said the discussion provided lawmakers with a better understanding of how utilities and regional planners evaluate transmission needs and where emerging technologies may fit within that process.