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OKLAHOMA CITY – A study examining a statewide emergency communications system was held before the House Appropriations & Budget Public Safety Subcommittee last week. Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, who chairs the committee and is a former longtime police officer, led the discussion. "Those of us in law enforcement have been hearing since the 1980s that we are just around the corner from getting a statewide radio system," Ford said. "Here, it's now 40 some years later, and we are no closer to getting a statewide radio system than we were in 1981." Ford's hope is to find ways to fund a system that would reach all parts of the state. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, said he wanted to ensure the rural county perspective was represented in the study. "As great as having a statewide system sounds, we obviously have a lot of areas of this state that can't even talk to each other, let alone statewide," he said.  Dobrinski represents five rural counties and said with the exception of a few larger cities, most emergency operators are frustrated and scared because they can't talk to each other during wildfires, severe weather events or other emergencies. He asked Justin Carnagey, 911 director for the Texas County 911 Trust Authority in the center of the Oklahoma Panhandle, to discuss how he has been able to access funding to upgrade their radio system to better communicate in the county and with surrounding areas. Carnagey said they secured American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other grant funding as well as a dedicated county tax to purchase new radios, a new tower and additional systems to support the county's fire, law enforcement and emergency services.  They recently helped Cimarron County get a grant for one channel on a new radio system. That has been a gamechanger for first responders in that county that had no radio communication and very limited cellphone coverage. Pricing is the biggest hurdle for rural counties, Carnagey said. He also said any statewide system that's deployed will have to accommodate interoperability between rural and metro areas as well as state agencies.  "When we talk about governance of this system, it's key that we have representation from everybody involved," he said. His county trust worked with ODOT, the Department of Public Safety and even Homeland Security to save money on the system they now have, he said.  Ford said if this can be done in the Panhandle, surely this can be duplicated throughout the state, especially in the more rural areas. He invited Mark Ketchum, director of communications for Wagoner County and a former communications engineer for the City of Broken Arrow, to speak about the system he helped build in Broken Arrow and surrounding communities. Ketchum said he worked to build partnerships between multiple agencies from law enforcement, fire, emergency management services (EMS), public schools, hospitals, military and others to bring them into the same network. That was back when technology was proprietary. Now, P25 radios work together, regardless of vendors, with the proper programming. "I did this to show people in Oklahoma that you can communicate across systems," Ketchum said. "You can build partnerships, but infrastructure is the key. In a crisis situation, you have to be able to talk to each other." Bobby Howard, Acting Public Safety Commissioner with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, gave a perspective from tribal nations. He spoke about partnering with Okfuskee County, building infrastructure and bringing various departments into their network at no cost other than the purchase of radios. This was to assist all law enforcement officers and other first responders who were responding jointly to emergency calls. "You have to have people that want to work together," Howard said. There are some counties and departments that don't want to talk with the tribe until they have a problem. Then they want to patch in to talk to his S.W.A.T., drone or other special teams within the nation. "I think a statewide system would force their hand to talk," Howard said.  Taylor Henderson, assistant director of operations with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), spoke of the department's work with various government and non-governmental organizations, beginning in 2022, to create an interoperable statewide radio strategic plan that would cover as much as 93% of the state. He said one challenge is many of the systems are approaching their use expectancy limits. Many of the towers were built in the 1960s and need to be completely replaced.  "We're just trying to keep it together with bailing wire and Band-Aids," Henderson said.  The price estimated in 2022 for creating and maintaining a system that would include 190 towers, was about $600 million over the lifetime of the buildout. With inflation, it would likely cost as much as 60% more now. Ford said he will request additional funding from the Legislature to help ODOT replace deficient radio towers throughout the state. He also suggested pursuing reciprocity agreements with surrounding states to use their radio towers when possible. ODOT does allow other entities to share their towers. They also make use of microwave and fiber optics. Lauren Kirkland, vice president of Motorola Solutions, spoke of how the company has a dedicated Oklahoma emergency response team that has equipped many state first responders with radios and technology  "Interoperability is the backbone of public safety communications," she said. "It allows emergency responders from different agencies, jurisdictions and disciplines to effectively communicate and coordinate during incidents whether it's a natural disaster like a tornado, a public health emergency or large-scale security events. Interoperability communications save lives." Mike Miller, an owner of Eastern Communication LTD with headquarters in New York City, Iowa and Washington state, suggested his company – an integrator of technologies and not a manufacturer – might be able to help the state plan for better interoperability between manufacturers of different systems. He said interoperability for emergency communication systems is possible, just like cellphone coverage between various carriers can be seamless. But states have to get beyond the first step of just buying radios. Infrastructure and continual upgrade plans to support the technology that connects all radios and systems, regardless of the manufacturer, also have to be factored. States need to pan 50% of cost for equipment and 50% to maintain the system. He mentioned hacking by hostile nations into water treatment plants and power systems has happened because of outdated equipment or the failure to patch with software updates.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today praised efforts by the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Administration (OLPGA) for completing the development and implementation of the new food truck permitting process outlined in House Bill 2459 . The bill, which goes into effect Nov. 1, requires all mobile food preparation vehicles utilizing, handling, or transporting liquefied petroleum gas (propane) or any liquefied petroleum gas system, equipment, container, apparatus or appliance to obtain and maintain a permit from, and be inspected annually by the OLPGA. "My goal with this new law was to centralize the permitting process for food trucks instead of them having to get permits from multiple municipalities while maintaining they are properly equipped with fire suppression methods to keep workers and the public safe," Fetgatter said. "I'm extremely grateful to the Oklahoma LP Gas Administration for their quick work to ensure there are limited disruptions to these operators in getting the proper permits to comply with this new law. Great work by all." To be compliant with the new law, operators will need to submit a food truck permit application and attestation to the OLPGA by Oct. 31 this year. They will have until Nov. 1, 2026, to get the physical inspection completed. Both will need to be renewed annually. Applications received after the deadline will still be accepted, but operators may be temporarily disrupted in certain cities until the application is approved and the permit issued. The OLPGA said it worked with lawmakers, stakeholders and food truck operators to complete the new permitting process. The goal was supporting business continuity and minimizing disruption to food truck operations while ensuring compliance with new statutory public safety requirements. To implement the requirements of the new law, the administration wrote emergency rules that have been reviewed and endorsed by its Rules Committee. Legal counsel for the group has confirmed that formal approval from the Board was not required to publish and implement the new process. The Legislature will later be tasked with approving the rules to make them permanent, but they can stand as they are for now. The full process, permit and attestation forms, and additional resources can be found online at https://oklahoma.gov/lpgas/food-trucks.html . In addition, all mobile food preparation vehicles generating grease-laden vapors must obtain inspections from the State Fire Marshal and be licensed by the State Department of Health. Political subdivision regulations also must be followed. 

Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, today provided an update on the potential distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. Federal officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have notified states that, without congressional action to approve additional funding, SNAP benefits could be delayed or reduced beginning November 1st. Pae and Gise, who lead the House Human Services Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee, said they have been in constant contact with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), who is working closely with federal partners to ensure Oklahomans who rely on SNAP are informed and supported. As of May 2025, Oklahoma has 696,842 active SNAP participants. "We understand how critical SNAP benefits are for Oklahoma families, seniors and children," Pae said. "No family should have to worry about putting food on the table because of uncertainty in Washington. The House is committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure Oklahoma families have the support they need." Gise added, "So many Oklahoma families are already doing everything they can to stretch each dollar, and the threat of losing access to food assistance is deeply unsettling. While we continue to push for solutions at the state and federal level, we also know the strength of our communities lies in how we show up for one another. If you’re in a position to give or volunteer, reach out to your local food banks and community organizations. This is a time that calls for compassion and unity, not politics." On Tuesday, Pae and Gise co-hosted an interim study at the State Capitol examining the effectiveness and future of SNAP in Oklahoma, focusing on ways to reduce the state’s payment error rate and fraud. The study brought together state agencies, food security advocates and policy experts to discuss how to strengthen access to nutrition assistance and improve outcomes for families across the state. "It’s deeply frustrating that gridlock in Washington, driven by Senator Chuck Schumer and the majority of Senate Democrats’ unwillingness to act, is putting critical programs like SNAP at risk," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "Oklahoma families shouldn’t have to pay the price for partisan inaction. The Oklahoma House remains focused on protecting our citizens and ensuring families, seniors and children have access to the support they need, regardless of what happens in D.C."  As more information becomes available, OKDHS will provide updates regarding the effects of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits at oklahoma.gov/okdhs/shutdown .

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, announced he will host an interim study to explore implementing a policy that retains students in literacy-focused grade levels until they have mastered essential reading skills. The study will examine current retention and intervention practices across Oklahoma and consider ways to strengthen support for students in kindergarten through third grade. It will also look at successful literacy models in other states and how early interventions such as tutoring, reading specialists and parental engagement can help students meet literacy benchmarks before moving to higher grade levels. "The ability to read well is the foundation on which all future educational achievement is built," Hall said. "Research has consistently shown that if we don't ensure our youngest students are reading at an age-appropriate level by the time they leave third grade, we're setting them up for challenges throughout their entire education." "Education begins with strong literacy skills, and I’m glad we’re taking a closer look at how to strengthen that foundation," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "I thank Rep. Hall for setting up this important study. I look forward to hearing the discussion and learning from the findings."  Lindel Fields, newly appointed state superintendent of public instruction, will be in attendance to contribute to the discussion. The House Common Education Committee will hear the interim study on Oct. 22 at 12 p.m. in Room 206 at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, convened state leaders, industry experts and innovators at the State Capitol last week to present findings from an interim study on Oklahoma’s innovation economy and the challenges facing businesses within the state. This is Hill's eighth annual study on this topic. He told attendees that he has pursued this study every year because the business landscape in the state is continually evolving. "I believe we'll be able to identify certain factors that have changed since we began this work," Hill said . "And I hope by that, we can actually find solutions to current problems for our largest employers across this great state." The study, which included presentations from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST), the Oklahoma Defense Industry Association (ODIA), and the Oklahoma City Innovation District, highlighted measurable progress toward a coordinated innovation framework statewide. Dr. Krista Ratliff, president and CEO of Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA) Innovation Park in Lawton, told attendees about how FISTA converted underused real estate into a thriving defense innovation hub and is now home to 28 partners. Ratliff said she continually receives questions about how to replicate FISTA's model in other states. "No one can do it like FISTA," she added . Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) Executive Director Dr. Jennifer McGrail shared about how the agency is helping startups access capital and connections. "Our commitment is clear: innovation in Oklahoma is statewide," McGrail stated . "A founder in Woodward or McAllister or Guymon deserves the same access to the resources as does a founder in downtown Oklahoma City or Tulsa." She said OCAST has already begun to address access to capital by removing some funding barriers and are now identifying pathways that help startups move from concept to customer. She said Oklahoma needs to concentrate on moving from singular successes to a "coordinated statewide innovation economy." "The real question before us is what should come next for Oklahoma?" McGrail said . "We've proven that startups can thrive here. We've proven that investment, talent and bold ideas exist in every region. Now our challenge is to connect them, scale them and position them to compete nationally." She said that, in addition to closing capital gaps and focusing on the future, Oklahoma must begin by rewarding innovation and risk-taking rather than simply incentivizing "what's familiar and safe." Wheeler Bio CEO Pat Lucy said of the 42 new employees hired in the last year, 80% of them have been Oklahomans. He also pointed out how one of the biggest challenges their company faces is out-of-state travel, which has been a headache as they work with clients from across the country. He suggested working with airlines to increase frequency of flights to biotech hubs, like Boston or San Francisco, to help the field grow in the state. Other speakers included Petroleum Alliance President Brook Simmons; Oklahoma Farm Bureau's Amarie Bartel; Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey; Oklahoma Defense Industry Association Executive Director Allyson Carson; Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Executive Director Grayson Ardies; Dr. Sharon Harrison representing Harrison Consulting Group; Oklahoma Motion Picture Alliance Chair Cassidy Lunnen; Chase Beasley with Tulsa Innovation Lab; OKC Innovation District President and CEO Jeff Seymour; and Chuck Gray, chair of the Governor's Council on Workforce and Economic Development. Hill said that an innovation economy and a thriving workforce is crucial for Oklahoma. "Regardless of partisanship and all of the rural versus urban divide, at the end of the day, we all want better for our children and our grandchildren than what we had," he said . "And by investing in ourselves and infrastructure across this great state, not just two urban hubs, but literally moving our state towards the idea of 10 economic hubs [where] every kid is within one hour of an economic opportunity, that, to me, is success for our long-term play."

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, made the following statement regarding investigations into the office of Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City: "Yesterday, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed an investigation into serious allegations involving Rep. Pittman. While that investigation remains ongoing, the recent findings from the Ethics Commission make it inappropriate for her to continue serving in a role overseeing State-Tribal relations. Therefore, I have removed Rep. Pittman from the State-Tribal Relations Committee, effective immediately."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today released a statement following reports that multiple Bixby students were asked to remove or turn their shirts inside out for wearing apparel referencing conservative public figures. According to reports, staff told two students to adjust their clothing under the district’s dress code policy, which allows intervention when attire is considered disruptive to the educational environment. “I have great respect for our public schools and the teachers who work hard to support students every day, but school policies must be applied equally to all students,” Banning said. “When students are told to turn a shirt inside out in one class and then complimented for it in another, that sends a confusing message. We can do better at applying our policies fairly and consistently.” "Our schools should be a place where students feel comfortable expressing their views respectfully and learning from one another, said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. It is a violation of the student's first amendment rights to prohibit him from honoring Charlie Kirk with a simple t-shirt. I appreciate Rep. Banning’s commitment to ensuring fairness in how school policies are applied." Banning added, “Our students have First Amendment rights and they should be free to express them respectfully in our classrooms. Students should be able to stand up for what they believe in, especially our younger kids. We can support our schools and still hold them accountable when they get it wrong.” Banning said he plans to author legislation to reinforce students’ constitutional rights to wear patriotic clothing at school. While such protections already exist, he said clarifying them in law is worth pursuing if it helps educators uphold those freedoms. Rep. Chris Banning serves House District 24, which includes Bixby and parts of Creek, Okmulgee and Tulsa counties. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, shared insights from an interim study examining workforce services across Oklahoma. “There are many institutions providing workforce services in our state,” Tedford said. “A measure of success for these institutions should be closer partnerships that drive better outcomes for the economy and reduce duplication or waste through braided programs and funding. Now that the study is complete, I encourage the legislature to review the findings closely to determine how best to support this work moving forward.” As a member of the Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development, Tedford emphasized that the focus of workforce policy should be building a sufficient and qualified workforce. “Skilled labor has virtually no unemployment and consistently earns above a living wage. Unskilled labor often struggles to make a living wage and, in many cases, does not participate in the workforce. Investments in workforce development produce tremendous returns, from a stronger economy to reduced dependence on social programs and the dignity that comes from building a career.” He also recognized the efforts of OESC Director Trae Rahill in fostering collaboration between agencies and evaluating program effectiveness. “I look forward to continuing work on workforce issues during the next legislative session,” Tedford said.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, along with Reps. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond and Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, hosted an interim study examining the potential impacts of HR1, known as the Big Beautiful Bill, on Oklahoma’s health care system and Medicaid services. “I was honored to host an interim study on the impact of HR1 and the potential effects it may have on health care and Medicaid services here in Oklahoma,” Chapman said. “It’s apparent that Oklahoma has some dependence on the federal government’s participation in paying for health care, and it’s important to know how that impacts our state budget and the delivery of health care services and outcomes.” Participants in the study included representatives from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the Oklahoma Hospital Association, SoonerSelect and a practicing physician. Each offered a unique perspective on how proposed federal changes could affect access to care, provider reimbursements and the stability of the state’s health care network.  Panelists included Christina Foss, assistant director of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Scott Tohlen and Maggie Martin representing the Oklahoma Hospital Association, Haley Falkenberry with SoonerSelect and Dr. Tracy Hoos, a pediatrician from Muskogee.  Chapman said hearing from experts across four areas, state agencies, hospitals, insurers and rural health providers, offered a valuable look at how policy shifts could affect Oklahomans on multiple levels.  “Our goal is to closely work with the federal delegation and stay ahead of the game so that we can deliver improved health care to Oklahoma and not experience anything that abruptly affects our state budget,” Chapman said. “There are still challenges and problems, but I’m confident we can stay ahead of it to take care of the most vulnerable in our population.” Chapman said he plans to continue monitoring federal policy changes over the next six to 12 months and work with other legislators in the upcoming session to strengthen health care delivery for all Oklahomans.