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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, and Sen. Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, praised  Senate Bill 1344  being signed into law, creating the Oklahoma Insulin Access and Affordability Program to help expand access to affordable insulin and encourage domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. The new law places the Insulin Access and Affordability Program within the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The program is designed to increase patient access to affordable insulin, reduce prescription drug costs, encourage American manufacturing, increase marketplace competition and address shortages of generic insulin. "For too many families, insulin is not just expensive, it is a life-sustaining medication they cannot go without," Stinson said. "I am proud the Legislature saw the need and answered the call. This will improve access to affordable insulin while also supporting innovation and American manufacturing. No Oklahoman should have to choose between paying their bills and getting the medication they need to stay alive." Rosino also praised the signing of the bill into law. "With Senate Bill 1344 now law, we are opening the door to more competition, greater transparency, and lower insulin costs for patients across Oklahoma," Rosino said. "Our state is leading the way in ensuring affordable insulin is in reach for every Oklahoman. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues, advocates, and healthcare professionals to deliver meaningful relief for families who depend on insulin every day." The Department of Health will be authorized to provide financial support to one or more pharmaceutical manufacturers that are producing or developing fast-acting biosimilar insulin in the United States under the law. Before receiving funding, manufacturers must enter into a memorandum of understanding with the department and provide a match of non-state funds equal to the amount received from the state, along with meeting additional requirements outlined in the legislation. Manufacturers participating in the program will also be required to submit annual reports detailing the development, production and distribution of fast-acting biosimilar insulin. The Department of Health will compile those reports into a single annual report for submission to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. SB1344 becomes effective Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill increasing the services dental assistants and hygienists are allowed to perform for patients has been signed into law by the governor. Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, is the author of House Bill 3934 . The measure also expands the list of recognized accrediting agencies.  "This will help us fill gaps, particularly in rural Oklahoma, where people lack access to dentists," Smith said. "This becoming law means people can get necessary dental care where they are instead of having to travel long distances or suffering without treatment." Smith worked with the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry, the Oklahoma Dental Hygiene Association and the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry on the language for the bill. Among other changes, the measure removes language that would permit a dental assistant to assist the dentist only under the direct supervision or direct visual supervision and control of the dentist. A dental assistant instead now will be allowed to work under general supervision of a dentist to assist a dental hygienist with procedures that the hygienist is allowed to perform under general supervision. The measure also updates the definition of treatment facility to include a church with a non-profit clinic. In addition, the measure allows a patient of record to be established by teledentistry for emergency or hygiene treatment if the patient is physically located at the office or facility and the dentist is not readily available. Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, is the Senate author of the legislation. “This new law will help strengthen Oklahoma’s dental workforce by streamlining the path for qualified dentists and dental hygienists to practice in our state,” Pederson said. “This legislation removes barriers while maintaining high professional standards, helping fill critical roles and improving access to dental care for Oklahomans.” The bill passed with an emergency clause, meaning it is now effective.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, and Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, applauded the signing of House Bill 4274 , a measure to support military families by improving school transfer access for their children. HB4274 updates Oklahoma’s open transfer law to better support active-duty military families during relocation. The measure requires school districts to treat military students relocating under official orders as in-district residents during enrollment periods, allowing schools to begin processing enrollment paperwork earlier and giving families greater certainty and stability as they transition to a new community. Currently, many military families must wait until out-of-district enrollment opens in the summer before beginning the process, often leaving them without confirmation of placement until just weeks before the school year begins. HB4274 helps remove that uncertainty by allowing families to start enrollment before establishing residency, helping students remain on track academically and providing military families reassurance during an already demanding move process. "When your family is relocating on military orders, everything moves quickly and there’s a lot to navigate all at once," Miller said. "Getting your kids enrolled in school shouldn’t be the part that slows you down. This helps ensure continuity in their education so students can get established in their new school right away. I’m grateful to Sen. Pugh for partnering with me to get this across the finish line so families can settle in and students can start strong from day one." Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the Senate author of the measure. "Military families already sacrifice so much in service to our country, and frequent moves are part of that reality," Pugh said. "As an Air Force veteran, I know how important stability and continuity are for children during those transitions. This bill helps ensure students can get enrolled quickly and seamlessly so families can focus on settling into their new community instead of navigating red tape. It’s a commonsense step that shows Oklahoma values and supports the men and women who serve. I appreciate Representative Miller for getting this through on the House side." HB4274 has been signed into law and will take effect July 1, 2026.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that strengthens punishments for organized retail crime and identity theft and closes loopholes to protect the vulnerable has been signed into law. Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of House Bill 3244 ,which expands the definition and pattern of these crimes to better encapsulate fraud techniques used by criminals. It closes a loophole where criminals exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and minors. Third, it greatly enhances Oklahoma identity theft laws by expanding the scope of which items or modes are utilized by criminals. "Retail, identity theft and overall fraud cases are a growing crisis here in Oklahoma and the nation," Bashore said. "These thieves are creative and ruthless when it comes to stealing personal information and using it to defraud citizens of their assets. They also often prey upon the vulnerable to get their participation in their crimes. This law will enhance punishment for these criminals and give law enforcement greater tools to stop their activity." Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry. Hall is the Senate author of the legislation. “As a banker, it’s deeply concerning how often I see Oklahomans fall victim to identity theft or fraud because their personal financial information was not properly secured or because they trusted the wrong person,” Hall said. “This new law sends a strong message that these crimes will not be taken lightly, especially when criminals target the elderly or other vulnerable Oklahomans.” The Oklahoma Bankers Association, law enforcement agencies statewide, the AARP Oklahoma and others supported the legislation. It is reported that fraud cases have risen sharply in recent years. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission received 3.5 million fraud reports. By 2025, that number had jumped to 6.5 million, with an estimated $12.5 billion in losses. HB3244 includes criminals operating in two or more municipalities, or when offenses are committed within and without the state or combined with online or phone fraud. The bill also adds the crime of organized retail theft, when groups work together to rob retailers. The measure clarifies and broadens punishment for the crime of using coercion, deception, enticement, intimidation, bartering, recruiting or other means to exploit someone into committing these crimes. This includes someone who has a mental illness, is vulnerable, homeless, intellectually or developmentally disabled, elderly, a user of drugs or alcohol or is a minor. Again, this adds in the pattern aspect of these crimes, making the punishment more severe for those who commit these types of crimes more than once. HB 3244 also strengthens identity theft laws by expanding the list of personal information someone can illegally possess or use with fraudulent intent to include fingerprints, PIN numbers, DNA, usernames, passwords and more. The bill strengthens penalties for repeat offenders and improves coordination between law enforcement and financial institutions investigating suspected fraud. Punishment ranges from 10 to 20 years in prison, fines of between $20,000 and $100,000, or both. The new law becomes effective Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to prevent the misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, has been signed into law. House Bill 1933 , authored by Rep. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, and known as the Maddix Bias Act, makes it a misdemeanor to possess, buy, sell or transfer nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication. Violators could face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Sterling said the issue is deeply personal to him, as he served as a school administrator for Maddix’s mother and has known the family for years. "When the family came to me in October 2024, they wanted to know what we as a Legislature could do to help prevent another tragedy like this from happening," Sterling said. "From that moment on, I knew we needed to take this issue seriously and work toward meaningful change to protect Oklahoma families." The new law is named in honor of Maddix Bias, a 2023 Tecumseh High School graduate and standout baseball player whose life was tragically cut short in a car crash caused by his boss, who was under the influence of nitrous oxide. "I am proud the Governor signed this bill into law and recognized the serious dangers these whippets can pose," Sterling said. "Maddix was a great young man, and I hope this effort helps preserve his legacy by raising awareness and helping create safer communities across Oklahoma." The measure also will increase penalties for possession of larger quantities and for those who sell or provide nitrous oxide to minors, including potential jail time, steeper fines and suspension of business licenses. HB1933 aligns with national efforts like H.R 7945 , the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act of 2026, which aims to curb the sale and misuse of nitrous oxide consumer products while preserving its legitimate applications. "This is something we had to address, and I am proud of my colleagues for consistently stepping up and doing what is right through unanimous votes throughout the legislative session," Sterling said. "These young people are the future of Oklahoma, and we have a responsibility to protect them. This new law helps do exactly that." The Maddix Bias Act becomes effective Aug. 14.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation authored by Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, updating Oklahoma’s process for correcting death certificates has become law without the governor’s signature.  House Bill 3931 updates state law governing requests to correct a death certificate. Under current law, corrections may only be made within one year of issuance. The measure extends that timeframe, allowing individuals to file a petition through the administrative hearing process to correct false information beyond the one-year limit.  "Oklahomans deserve to have an accurate record of their life and death," Stark said. "When a family is grieving, paperwork is not always the first thing on their mind. If an error is discovered later, they should still have a fair opportunity to make it right. We heard from families who had been waiting and following this bill closely because these records matter deeply to them and their loved ones."  The measure helps ensure official records remain accurate while providing families additional flexibility to address errors that may not be identified immediately following a loved one’s death.  Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, is the Senate author of the bill.

Legislation expanding Oklahoma’s Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit has become law, providing additional relief to families who care for loved ones at home. Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, authored House Bill 4118 to broaden eligibility for the tax credit and recognize additional expenses incurred by unpaid family caregivers. The measure removes the minimum age requirement for eligible family members receiving care, increases the income cap and adds mileage for medical appointments as a qualifying expense. Additionally, all filers would qualify for up to $3,000. "Family caregivers are quietly stepping up every day to meet critical needs, often without recognition or support," West said. "By expanding the Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit, we're acknowledging the real financial burden they carry and making sure more Oklahoman can access meaningful relief. This is a practical way to support strong families and keep care close to home." The credit took effect in 2024, and Oklahomans could begin claiming it on their 2025 tax returns. According to AARP, family caregivers spend around $7,200 annually caring for a family member, including transportation, medical needs and daily support. "Oklahoma’s Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit was the first of its kind when it was established a few years ago to help Oklahomans supporting an elderly family member," Hall said. "The unpaid responsibilities that many Oklahomans take on as a parent or grandparent ages often come with thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses for medical care, in-home health aides and transportation to and from doctor’s visits. House Bill 4118 updates this successful tax credit to better reflect the challenges these residents face as they lovingly care for an aging family member at home." HB4118 takes effect Nov. 1, 2026. Oklahomans can begin claiming the credit's additional provisions on their 2026 tax returns.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Jonathan Wilk, R-Goldsby, and Tim Turner, R-Kinta, along with Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, issued the following statements on Senate Bill 137 , legislation relating to Oklahoma’s Electronic Monitoring Program for inmates in the custody of the Department of Corrections. "Drunk driving can leave victims and families carrying the consequences for the rest of their lives," Wilk said. "When someone causes great bodily injury while driving under the influence, accountability matters. Victims deserve to know sentences handed down by the courts will be taken seriously and reviewed through the proper judicial process." "The Oklahoma Legislature will continue working to make sure victims receive the justice they deserve," Wilk added. "I also look forward to the Senate considering House Bill 3114 , which follows the grand jury’s recommendation to require offenders to serve at least 20% of their sentence before becoming eligible for the program."  "I am honored to be a small part of the effort to correct this oversight in our laws and make Oklahoma a safer place," said Hamilton. "Every crime eligible for the electronic monitoring program is an offense in which another person is not physically harmed. This bill was a true team effort consisting of input from both chambers, as well as prosecutors, judges, justices and citizens." "Protecting Oklahoma streets matters," Turner said. "When someone chooses to drink and drive and causes great bodily harm, that victim’s life is changed forever. Causing that kind of injury with a vehicle should be treated with the seriousness it deserves."  "Oklahomans deserve safe roads, and they deserve legislators who stand with law enforcement and victims," Turner added. "If someone seriously injures another person in a DUI crash, there should not be special treatment or special privileges that allow them to avoid serving their sentence."  SB137 modifies eligibility requirements for the state’s electronic monitoring program and adds additional restrictions for certain offenders. The measure is authored by Sen. Warren Hamilton in the Senate and Reps. Wilk and Turner in the House. The bill became law without the Governor's signature and takes effect Nov. 1, 2026.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution 1058 , recognizing Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week and honoring the law enforcement officers who protect communities across Oklahoma.  Authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, HR1058 acknowledges the courage, sacrifice and dedication of peace officers, while paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Harris said the resolution serves as an important reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day in order to keep Oklahoma families safe. "Our law enforcement officers willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, uphold the rule of law and serve others before themselves," Harris said. "This resolution is one way we can honor the brave men and women who wear the badge and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state and nation. Oklahoma stands firmly behind the heroes in law enforcement who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe." Rep. John George, R-Newalla, who coauthored the resolution, served with the Oklahoma Police Department for more than 30 years. "As someone who spent most of their life in law enforcement, this week is of course meaningful to me," George said. "I've seen firsthand the horrors that sometimes come with being the first on the scene of a violent crime. But I've also seen the moments when officers change someone's life for the better just by showing up to provide protection or to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. To all the men and women who put on a uniform and serve the public at great risk, I say thank you. You deserve our recognition and our appreciation. I especially want to take time to remember our fallen officers, those who didn't make it back from their last call. Your ultimate sacrifice is not forgotten. We will keep your families lifted in our prayers, and we will do everything in our power to make sure your service will never be said to have been in vain." The resolution names six law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty within the last year: Deputy Sheriff Thomas "Walker" Lemay of the LeFlore County Sheriff's Office, Trooper Vernon Brake of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Sergeant Thomas Duran of the El Reno Police Department, Deputy Gary Brooks of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Recruit Franklin Leinen of the Broken Arrow Police Department, and Reserve Officer Clint Lawrence of the Haileyville Police Department. Following the adoption of the resolution, the House took a moment of silence in remembrance of the six fallen officers and other fallen law enforcement across the nation. National Police Week was established to recognize the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually on May 15.