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OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, Tim Turner, R-Kinta, and Rick West, R-Heavener, today offered their condolences for the family of LeFlore County Sheriff's Deputy Thomas "Walker" LeMay, who was killed Sunday while conducting a wellness check near Wister. Also injured was Wister Police Chief William "Andy" Thompson. "This is a tragedy for our entire area," the representatives said in a joint statement. "We know especially that these families are hurting as is the law enforcement community that served alongside this deputy who was killed and the police chief who was wounded. It's sad that our law enforcement have to risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe, but we're grateful for their bravery and faithfulness to perform their duties. This sacrifice will not be forgotten. We must pray for quick recovery for Chief Thompson and for the family of Deputy LeMay, and we must offer support in every way we can." Dempsey asked for a moment of silence on the House floor on Monday to say prayers and express throughs for those affected by this tragic shooting. West said it's his understanding the governor will order state flags to be flown at half-staff in Deputy LeMay's honor.  Dempsey and West serve House Districts 1 and 3, respectively, which include Wister and parts of LeFlore County. Turner serves House District 15, which also includes a portion of LeFlore County. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the LeFlore County Sheriff's Office, Wister Police Department, the United Forest Service responded to the welfare check at a residence along U.S. Highway 270, near Wister. They were fired upon when arriving on the scene. An individual identified as the shooter has been arrested. Others assisting in the investigation included the Pocola Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Heavener Police Department, District 16 District Attorney's Office, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing was remembered in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday with a special presentation. Reps. Rick West, R-Heavener, and Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, recognized a number of speakers who shared personal memories from April 19, 1995, and encouraging messages for the future. On that day, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed, resulting in the deaths of 168 people. More than 850 others were injured. It is the worst domestic terrorist attack ever to occur in United States history. West also read House Resolution 1046 which recalls the events of the bombing and expresses gratitude to those who responded to the act of terrorism. West worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the time of the bombing. He lost seven co-workers that day. Each year that he's served as a state representative, he's presented a resolution in the House to remember his coworkers and others killed or injured in the bombing. "We owe it to ourselves, our children and our future generations to never forget what happened in Oklahoma City," West said. "We do this every year to remember those we loved who were killed, but also with the hope of building a better and more peaceful future. We must never let hatred and division define us. We seek love above all." Hefner, who represents a portion of Oklahoma City, and has participated in multiple remembrance ceremonies, said, "Today in the House, we remember April 19, 1995, and the 168 people who died. We remember the example given by how we responded as Oklahoman‘s on that day and after that day. Today, we listened to Justice Stephen Taylor. He reminded us of Better Conversations and the importance of listening, engaging, and leading with respect, even in the hardest moments." In addition to comments from Justice Taylor, Monday's floor presentation featured Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell who spoke about Oklahoma's response to the bombing. Senior Master Sergeant Brian Curtius with the Tulsa Air National Guard 138th Fighter Wing Fire Department, shared his experience as a first responder.  Also speaking was Kari Watkins, director of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, and Chris Fleming, the chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Memorial & Museum. They honored state agency survivors and family members and explained Journey of Hope, which teaches about the bombing to students in all 77 counties in Oklahoma and encourages Better Conversations to help students learn virtues like patience, humility and civility. Ronnie Fields, a Guthrie pastor whose mother was killed in the bombing, closed the ceremony with prayer. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure by Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, is now eligible to be heard on the House floor after advancing this past week from the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee.  Senate Bill 933, also known as the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act, would allow eligible patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to access customized investigational treatments developed specifically for their genetic profile when no other approved options remain.  The measure establishes eligibility requirements for patients, including physician approval and informed consent, and allows treatment to be provided by manufacturers operating within approved facilities. Participation would be voluntary for manufacturers and the bill does not require insurance coverage for the treatments.  "We’re talking about people who are facing serious, often end-of-life situations where standard treatments just aren’t working," Stark said. "This gives them a chance to look at something more targeted and make that decision with their doctor."  The legislation also includes protections for health care providers and manufacturers acting in good faith and prohibits state entities from blocking a patient’s access to treatment.  SB933 passed the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee unanimously and is now eligible for consideration on the House floor.

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, secured passage Tuesday of a measure that would allow expert testimony to be admissible in court when evidence of human trafficking is presented. Senate Bill 1810 would ensure qualified experts can explain how trafficking impacts a victim’s beliefs, behavior and perception, providing juries and judges with further context when evaluating cases. Currently, expert testimony is already permitted in domestic violence cases, and SB1810 extends that same standard to human trafficking prosecutions. "Human trafficking cases are complex, and victims often endure severe psychological trauma that can affect how they respond in court," West said. "This bill helps ensure that juries hear the full picture so justice can be properly served." In addition to evidentiary changes, the bill expands the scope of the Attorney General’s Victims Services Unit to better support survivors of human trafficking. Services may include counseling, case management, referrals and other critical resources to help victims recover and rebuild their lives. SB1810 passed the Government Oversight Committee unanimously on Tuesday and is eligible to be heard on the House floor. Its Senate author is Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore. 

The Oklahoma House of Representatives today passed legislation that would submit a measure for a statewide ballot to give Oklahomans the lowest fixed cap on property tax increases in the entire country for homestead properties. The measure, Senate Joint Resolution 39, proposes amendments to the Oklahoma Constitution that would lower the caps on annual increases in the fair cash value of property and create a tiered system to better protect seniors from rising property taxes. The proposal will be submitted to voters at a statewide election on August 25, 2026. Under the proposal, the current caps on annual increases in fair cash value would be reduced beginning in tax year 2027. The cap for homestead property and agricultural land would decrease from 3 percent to 1.75 percent, while the cap for all other real property would decrease from 5 percent to 4 percent. “This ballot question would give Oklahomans the lowest fixed rate cap on personal property in the nation," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, who is the House author. "Oklahomans deserve real protection against the rapid rise in the value of their homes for tax purposes. At a time when families are already struggling to keep up with the cost of inflation, property taxes shouldn’t rise at the same pace as everything else.” The resolution also updates Oklahoma’s existing “senior freeze” by establishing a tiered cap structure for homestead property owned by seniors age 65 and older, based on household income relative to the median income in their county. Hilbert said the proposal is designed to provide broad property tax stability while directing the strongest protections to seniors with lower incomes. "Seniors often live on a fixed income, so tax relief for them ensures they are not priced out of their homes," said Hilbert. "This senior freeze is tiered so it does not disincentivize work, but also gives older Oklahomans much-needed tax relief."

The Oklahoma Legislature welcomed a delegation from Taiwan to the State Capitol this week. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, introduced Director-General Yvonne Hsiao and Consul Michelle Lu from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) on the House floor. The House also adopted House Resolution 1050, which highlights the 46 year sister-state partnership between Oklahoma and Taiwan. "Oklahoma shares a strong and enduring friendship with Taiwan," Pae said. "As we continue to grow our state’s economy, international partnerships like the one we share with Taiwan are more important than ever. This visit reinforces the importance of that relationship and opens the door for even greater collaboration in the years ahead." Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, hosted Hsiao and Lu in the Senate. "It was an honor to welcome our long-standing partners from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office to the Capitol and recognize the strength of our relationship and the opportunities it continues to create for Oklahoma," Pederson said. "Our partnership with Taiwan continues to connect Oklahoma businesses to new markets and supports a mutually beneficial economic relationship." Last year, Pederson and Pae authored Senate Bill 209, which establishes the Taiwan Regional Trade Office under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help connect Oklahoma-based businesses with new international opportunities.

The ten finalists for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year were recognized Friday during a ceremony at the State Capitol,  hosted by House Common Education Chairman Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber. During the ceremony, each finalist was presented with a check provided by the Masonic Charity Foundation.  Earlier that day, Lowe joined other members of the 2026 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year selection committee for interviews with the ten finalists. He praised the finalists for their dedication to students and communities across the state.  "It’s an honor to recognize these outstanding educators who are making a real difference in the lives of Oklahoma students every single day," Lowe said. "The impact of these educators reaches far beyond test scores and directly shapes the character of and opportunities for the next generation. They continually serve with excellence, compassion and an unwavering commitment to their students. I’m grateful for their service to our state, and I’m proud to celebrate the example they set for educators across Oklahoma." Senate Education Committee and Education Subcommittee Chair Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, also offered his congratulations. "I am incredibly proud to celebrate these ten remarkable educators who represent the very best of their profession," Pugh said. "These finalists have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their students, their communities and the future of our state. Oklahoma educators are second to none, and it is their dedication in the classroom every day that builds the foundation for our children’s success. Since taking office, my primary motivation has been improving education at every level. We have fought for historic teacher pay raises and common-sense reforms because we know that nothing can replace a high-quality, dedicated teacher in front of the classroom. To our 2026 finalists, I thank you for your passion and for being shining examples of excellence in Oklahoma schools. You have earned this distinction and I applaud your continued efforts."  The 2026 Teacher of the Year will be named in June. The ten finalists are: Vanessa Jones, Bethel High School, Bethel Serena Neely, Will Rogers Elementary, Shawnee Tracie Grunewald, Oklahoma Virtual High School, Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy Tobi Gordon, Brink Junior High School, Moore Mary Tyree, Alva High School, Alva Ellie Pryor, Cedar Heights, Highland Park, and Horace Mann Elementary, Woodward LeeAnn Pressler, Central Middle School, Bartlesville Kasey Bennett, Northwest Heights Elementary, Durant Keely Flynn, Lindbergh Elementary, Tulsa Public Schools Elizabeth Reed, Owasso Eighth Grade Center, Owasso

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved Senate Bill 1290 , creating the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund. The measure is authored in the House by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, and passed with a vote of 82-5. SB1290 would establish a revolving fund within the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to provide stable, ongoing funding for the state’s 211 system. Under the measure, the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund includes a $3 million appropriation. "The 211 hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, connecting people in every corner of our state with the help they need," Norwood said. "This ensures we keep that support strong and reliable so Oklahomans can find stability in times of need. When someone calls, Oklahoma should be there to answer." The fund would serve as a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and would support efforts to maintain and strengthen access to critical services for Oklahomans across all 77 counties. "I am grateful to my colleagues in the House who recognized the importance of this measure and stood behind it," Norwood said. "They understand that access to these services can be the difference between hardship and hope for many families." The measure's House committee substitute includes clear provisions prohibiting the use of funds for abortion-related services. The amendment directs the system to prioritize referrals to crisis pregnancy centers, adoption agencies and other life-affirming resources. "It is important that we continue to recognize the sanctity of life in our policies," Norwood said. "This legislation makes clear that these resources will support mothers, families and children while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used in a way that reflects those values." The measure now heads back to the Senate for a final vote. If signed into law, SB1290 will take effect July 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today the Oklahoma House of Representatives showed its overwhelming, bipartisan support for legislation strengthening the state’s Strong Readers Act, giving teachers additional training and support and ensuring students can read by the third grade. Senate Bill 1778 includes early identification of reading deficiencies through consistent, statewide screening; targeted intervention grounded in the science of reading; clear communication with parents about their child’s reading progress and available at-home supports; accountability measures to ensure students demonstrate reading ability before advancing to the next grade; giving 2nd graders the option of taking the state test; expanded teacher training and classroom support to improve instruction outcomes; new requirements and accountability for colleges of education preparing our state’s future teachers; a new funding formula that supports all students, while also giving additional funds to students who need more help and rewarding schools seeing growth; and creates a revolving fund to encourage public-private partnerships. “Before third grade, students learn to read. After third grade, they read to learn. When that transition does not happen, the consequences compound quickly and follow students for life,” said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow and author of the bill. “ We want to talk about career pathways and dream jobs for our students, but our children will be perpetually underemployed if they cannot read. I am proud of the House members who supported this important legislation today and I believe we will look back to this moment years from now and know this is when we made the decision to do better for all Oklahoma students." To support this reform, the Legislature is making targeted investments to strengthen teacher preparation and student literacy. The budget includes over $43 million for reading instruction and interventions in schools, $5 million in supplemental investment for teacher training academies this summer, and $5 million in ongoing annual funding for teacher training programs. In addition, the state will invest over $5 million in reading at home initiatives and dedicated funding for math and reading screeners to help educators identify and address student learning needs earlier. The legislation has received bipartisan support, largely because the statistics around Oklahoma’s reading levels are alarming. In 2015, Oklahoma students performed near the national average in reading. Today, we trail peer states by more than a full grade level. Based on Spring 2025 testing, just 27 percent of Oklahoma third graders are reading at or above grade level. The bill passed the House floor with a bipartisan vote of 87-5. The Senate will now consider the proposed amendments before the legislation moves to the governor's desk for final consideration.