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OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation authored by Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, to support first responders who suffer serious medical emergencies after strenuous duty work passed the Oklahoma House floor today. House Bill 4260 would allow firefighters, peace officers and emergency medical technicians to receive workers’ compensation benefits if they experience a heart attack or stroke within eight hours of completing a shift involving strenuous emergency response activity or training. "I am glad my colleagues understand the importance of this bill and that when our first responders run toward danger, they put more than their safety on the line," Hays said. "The physical strain of fighting a fire, pursuing a suspect or responding to a medical emergency can take a serious toll on the heart. This bill simply recognizes that reality and ensures they are not left fighting for benefits after giving everything on the job." Under the bill, qualifying incidents must occur following activities such as fire suppression, rescue operations, law enforcement response, hazardous material incidents or emergency medical care, as well as related training exercises. The legislation would apply to first responders employed by the state or a political subdivision and does not include clerical or administrative duties. HB4260 also includes a sunset date of Nov. 1, 2031, to allow lawmakers to review the fiscal impact of the policy. If signed into law, the measure would take effect Nov. 1. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration, where Sen. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, is the Senate author.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, filed a concurrent resolution recognizing Oklahoma native Chuck Norris for a lifetime of achievement and contributions to the state and nation. The measure was heard on the House floor Monday and adopted. "Chuck Norris is one of our own, and his story is something Oklahomans can really take pride in," Adams said. "From serving our country to becoming a global name in martial arts and entertainment, he’s always carried himself with strength and character. This resolution is just a small way to recognize all he’s accomplished and the example he continues to set." House Concurrent Resolution 1021 honors Norris, who was born March 10, 1940, in Ryan, for his impact as a serviceman, martial artist, actor and philanthropist. Norris served in the United States Air Force, where he first demonstrated the discipline and commitment that would define his career. He later became a world-renowned martial artist, earning multiple championships and helping bring martial arts into the national spotlight. He went on to achieve international recognition as an actor, starring in numerous films and the television series "Walker, Texas Ranger," becoming a cultural figure known across generations. In addition to his work in entertainment, Norris has supported numerous philanthropic efforts, including programs focused on youth development and character education. Through HCR1021, the Oklahoma Legislature formally honors Norris' contributions to the arts, athletics and charitable causes. The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, is the Senate author.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bipartisan package of reforms aimed at strengthening oversight of taxpayer dollars and reinforcing ethical standards in state and local government passed the House floor today and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. The initiative is led by Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, who worked with members of both parties after concerns surfaced about gaps in government spending oversight. Lawmakers also collaborated with State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd following an audit that identified $93.4 million in questionable expenditures over the past year. "I appreciate the House’s support and recognition of the need for these bills," Strom said. "Ultimately, the responsibility to act falls on us as lawmakers, and as chair of the General Government Committee, I take that responsibility seriously. These measures are about identifying inaccuracies, addressing them directly and eliminating fraud, waste and abuse within our agencies. When we approve funding, we must ensure those dollars are going exactly where they are intended. I look forward to advancing these measures to the Senate and working with Senate authors to get them across the finish line and signed into law." Lawmakers who worked alongside Strom on the bills include Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus; Rep. Denise Crosswhite-Hader, R-Piedmont; Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene; Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond; and Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City. The reform package includes the following measures: House Bill 3413 would expand transparency in state agency contracting by requiring agencies to publicly list contractors, contract values and project status. It would also mandate posting consultant reports and disclosing whether contracts are for outside services or to supplement staffing. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville. House Bill 3414 would direct the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to improve accounting systems to distinguish between service contracts and staff augmentation clearly. It also requires permanent documentation for digital and intangible assets purchased by agencies. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City. House Bill 3415 would require vendors to disclose subcontractors, set stronger documentation standards and mandate post-project reviews to confirm work was completed on time and within budget. The bill also creates a publicly accessible database of state contracts. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville. House Bill 3418 would update the Public Competitive Bidding Act by refining procedures for public construction projects, clarifying definitions and ensuring consistent bidding practices, including for school district contracts. The Senate author of the measure is also Sen. Daniels. House Bill 3416 would allow counties to seek quotes for certain smaller purchases instead of always using a lengthy bidding process, while maintaining safeguards and documentation requirements to prevent misuse. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson. House Bill 3417 would clarify that cities and towns must follow state competitive bidding laws and may not adopt local rules that weaken or bypass those standards. The Senate author of the measure is also Sen. Alvord. House Bill 3419 would strengthen state ethics laws by making it a felony for current or former state or local officials, employees or contractors to use confidential government information for personal financial gain. Convictions could include prison time, fines and a prohibition on holding public office or entering into state contracts. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Jack Stewart, R-Yukon. House Bill 3420 would amend the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act to strengthen oversight when contracts are negotiated rather than competitively bid. It would require stronger justification, clearer documentation and public reporting of procurement activity, and directs OMES to publish purchasing reports online for public review. The Senate author of the measure is Sen. Carrie Hicks, D-Oklahoma City. A video of Strom presenting the bills on the House floor is available here .

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives yesterday unanimously passed House Bill 4425, authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, establishing the Good Faith Reporting for Child Protection Act to encourage prompt reporting of sexually inappropriate conduct involving minors while protecting those who report in good faith. House Bill 4425 provides civil liability protection for charitable organizations and volunteers who report suspected sexually inappropriate conduct involving a minor, provided the report is made in good faith and follows clear reporting guidelines. To qualify for the protections, the report must be made within 72 hours to both law enforcement and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The legislation also creates a presumption of good faith when a report is made in accordance with an organization’s established reporting policy defining sexually inappropriate conduct. The immunity does not apply to individuals reporting their own misconduct. Speaker Hilbert said the bill is designed to ensure adults feel supported and obligated to speak up quickly when a child may be in danger. “Protecting children must always come first,” said Hilbert. “This bill makes it clear that when someone sees warning signs of inappropriate conduct involving a child, they should report it immediately. By protecting those who act in good faith, we’re removing barriers that might prevent someone from speaking up and ensuring potential abuse is reported as quickly as possible.” Representative Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, also helped champion the legislation. “House Bill 4425 sends a clear message that protecting children must always come first,” Duel said. “This bill empowers people to speak up when they see suspicious behavior involving a child and establishes clear standards for how those reports are made. Just as importantly, it protects those who act in good faith and ensures law enforcement receives critical information quickly so potential threats can be addressed before a child is harmed.” Both the Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma Baptists applaud this legislation. "I commend Speaker Hilbert's legislation and his leadership in protecting children from abuse," said Archbishop Coakley. It is imperative that we encourage all adults aware of potential abuse to swiftly report their concerns without fear to proper authorities to ensure children are protected." “It is essential that children are protected from harm, and a key to help in that is to create a culture of timely reporting and accountability," said Dr. Todd Fisher, Executive Director-Treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists. "This bill does just that.”  House Bill 4425 now advances to the Oklahoma Senate for consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, which aims to shield Oklahoma families and small businesses from higher utility costs tied to large-scale energy users like data centers, is one step closer to becoming law. Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, is the author of House Bill 2992 , which passed the House floor with a 92-2 vote. The measure establishes guidelines for how all Oklahoma electric suppliers and regulators manage the growing energy demands of data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence facilities. "I am grateful to my colleagues in the House for their overwhelming bipartisan support to pass this bill and truly appreciate that so many of my colleagues have signed on as co-authors of this bill," Rep. Boles said. "I look forward to working with Senator Green to carry this effort forward and get it across the finish line in the Senate. We have a duty to our constituents to put proper ratepayer protections and safeguards in place in state statute. Oklahoma families and small businesses should not be expected to finance major system upgrades required for high-demand users. Those costs should rest with the companies driving the need." The bill defines "large load customers" as new facilities adding 75 megawatts or more of demand and clarifies that residential, commercial and traditional industrial customers are not included in that classification. Currently, 23 House and Senate lawmakers from both parties have signed on as co-authors of this bill alongside Rep. Boles and Sen. Green, R-Wellston, who are the primary authors. The Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 2961 , now named the TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa. The measure honors the life and sacrifice of Tech. Sgt. Marshal Dakota Roberts of Claremore, who was killed in action on March 11, 2020. Roberts, a friend of Hildebrant, served in the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, part of the 138th Fighter Wing, where Hildebrant also served. Roberts and his wife, Kristie, were both members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, and Hildebrant shared a friendship with them both through years of service together. "I am grateful my colleagues recognized the weight of this bill, named for a fellow Airman and brother-in-arms who gave his life in service," Hildebrant said. "His family lives with that loss every single day, and this time of year is especially heavy for them. I wear his memorial bracelet in honor of his name and service dates and as a reminder of his sacrifice, and that of so many others, every day.  HB2961 provides spouses and children of fallen service members with free tuition, fees and room and board at Oklahoma public universities and career technology centers. Eligible recipients would have to maintain Oklahoma residency, and the fallen service member must have been an Oklahoma resident at the time of death. The Gold Star designation is given to those who lost their lives in the line of duty or in a combat zone since Sept. 11, 2001. Hildebrant, who is the chairman of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, said the legislation was driven by both personal conviction and a gap in state law. "When I reviewed the statute and realized Gold Star families were not explicitly named among survivors eligible for education benefits, I knew something needed to be done," Hildebrant said. "Oklahoma should stand with Gold Star families and ensure every opportunity is available for them to pursue the best education our state has to offer after their loved one gave everything in service of our state and nation." Roberts is survived by his wife and daughter, who was 8 years old at the time of his death. Hildebrant says that the TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act is about standing beside families like theirs and ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten. "I made a promise to Marshal’s family that his name would never be forgotten," Hildebrant said. "Today, we were able to make good on that promise. TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts’ name will live on through the benefits it provides to every Oklahoma Gold Star family." Hildebrant said his role was to also support the family in the aftermath of Roberts’ death. "At the time of Marshal’s death, I was assigned by the Wing Commander to serve as the family’s representative, and I walked with them every step of the way, even to the point of preaching Marshal’s funeral," Hildebrant said. "One of the hardest moments of my life was speaking with his 8-year-old daughter. I told her that her dad was a hero, but he is not coming home. That moment has never left me." A Gold Star family  refers to those who have lost a loved one in military service. The term comes from service flags used during World War I, when a blue star representing a service member was replaced with gold to signify a life lost in defense of the nation. "I was proud the bill was heard on the anniversary of Marshal’s death, because it serves as a solemn reminder of the weight of this sacrifice and the responsibility we carry to honor it," Hildebrant said. "If we, as the legislature, can lift even a small part of that burden by ensuring their children can pursue an education and a future, then we are doing what is right." The bill now moves to the Senate, where Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville, also a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard’s 138th Fighter Wing, is the Senate author. "This effort continues our service to Marshal and his family," Hildebrant said. "As brothers in arms, we have the duty to carry this bill forward and see it through to the Governor."

A comprehensive bill strengthening data privacy protections for Oklahomans has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 546 , authored by House Majority Floor Leader Josh West, R-Grove, and Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, establishes new consumer rights regarding personal data and creates clear rules for businesses that collect and process information from Oklahoma residents. Under the new law, Oklahomans will be able to access, correct, delete and obtain copies of their personal data, as well as opt out of the sale of their personal data and certain targeted advertising practices.  West, who has pushed for strong data privacy laws in Oklahoma since 2019, said Oklahomans deserve to have a say in how their private information is used.  "In the age of the internet, personal data is valuable currency," West said. "People deserve to know how their data is being used and have the ability to make decisions about that information. Senate Bill 546 gives Oklahomans meaningful control over their own data while establishing clear standards for businesses operating in our state."  SB546 applies to businesses operating in Oklahoma that either process personal data of over 100,000 consumers or process data of 25,000 consumers while earning a majority of their revenue from selling data. The legislation also requires businesses to provide transparent privacy notices, maintain reasonable data security practices and obtain consent before processing sensitive personal information. If companies fail to comply, the Oklahoma Attorney General could take action against them.  "Senate Bill 546 puts Oklahomans back in control of their personal data," Howard said. "For too long, technology companies and online platforms have collected and sold consumers’ personal information, including search histories, spending habits and other browsing data, without giving them the chance to opt out. This new law protects Oklahomans’ privacy online by giving every individual the right to know what data is being collected, while also giving them the power to delete that information and prevent it from being sold."  West said the policy has been a long time coming. In 2021, he authored legislation that would have implemented the strongest data privacy law in the nation. The measure, which was coauthored by 44 legislators, passed the House broadly but stalled in the legislative process.  "I started working on this legislation in 2019 after a conversation with former Representative Collin Walke," West said. "After seven years and five drafts, Oklahomans will finally have the say they deserve in how their personal data is used. I appreciate Senator Howard's work to push Senate Bill 546 across the finish line and thank the governor for signing it into law."  There are exemptions for certain entities, including state agencies, nonprofits and higher education institutions, as well as exemptions for organizations working with data already regulated by federal laws, such as HIPAA.  SB546 will take effect January 1, 2027. 

OKLAHOMA CITY - A measure to help ensure the long-term stability of Oklahoma’s 988 Mental Health Crisis Lifeline passed the House floor with a unanimous vote and now moves to the Senate for consideration. House Bill 4092 , authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, creates the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund. The fund is designed to support the continued operation of the statewide crisis line as federal funding is set to expire in September. "Creating this revolving fund gives us a responsible path forward," Norwood said. "It allows the state to plan ahead, coordinate resources and ensure continuity of care for individuals in crisis. I am thankful to my colleagues for understanding this need and getting this one step closer to the finish line." According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the contract with Solari to operate the 988 Lifeline totals $5,760,886. The increased cost reflects both the loss of federal support and the expansion of services. The bill would not appropriate funding, but it would establish a dedicated fund to receive future federal dollars, state appropriations, grants and private contributions. Currently, the 988 Lifeline handles more than 7,000 calls each month statewide, showing the growing need for immediate, accessible mental health support. The program’s operations will remain unchanged, with trained professionals continuing to respond to calls, texts and chats. The measure also designates the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the lead agency for oversight of suicide prevention and crisis services. The department will coordinate with designated 988 Lifeline crisis centers and establish rules to improve communication, data sharing and service delivery across emergency response systems. "The 988 Lifeline has become a critical resource for Oklahomans facing mental health crises," Norwood said. "This measure is about making sure that help is always there when someone needs it most, regardless of changes in federal funding." The bill now advances to the Senate, where Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, is the Senate author.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation by Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, to ensure Oklahoma participates in the federal Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children program has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for consideration. Beginning with the 2027 program year, House Bill 3638 requires the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to administer the program in coordination with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, which will assist in determining eligibility. "This is a fiscally conservative, targeted approach to support Oklahoma families while responsibly leveraging federal resources," Gise said. "For every state dollar invested, Oklahoma can draw down roughly twelve dollars in federal funds. That is a strong return for taxpayers and a smart use of dollars already being collected at the federal level." Gise says she believes benefits should be a trampoline to self-sufficiency, not a hammock for dependency. "This program reflects that principle. It is temporary, targeted and focused solely on low-income children during a gap in the school year when meals are not otherwise available because we know that hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation," Gise said. Under HB3638, benefits would only allow for essential food purchases and would not be used for soda, candy or other non-nutritive products, something she says ensures strong guardrails and accountability for taxpayers. Gise gave the example of a $4.9 million state investment under the measure, Oklahoma would unlock more than $63 million in federal funds to support over half a million low-income children. "That’s a strong return for taxpayers, with an estimated $75 million in economic activity benefiting local communities across the state," Gise said. The legislation also would create the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program Revolving Fund, structured to operate with both public and private support. This fund would allow Oklahoma to accept private donations and partner with community organizations to offset administrative costs and reduce the burden on taxpayers. "We are building this the right way," Gise said. "A revolving fund supported by both public and private partners ensures long-term sustainability without growing government. This is about maximizing resources, minimizing state cost and ensuring Oklahoma’s most vulnerable children don’t go hungry." HB3638 now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, is the Senate author.