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OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation expanding alternative pathways for individuals seeking to become certified teachers in Oklahoma has been signed into law. House Bill 3076 , authored by Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, and Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, allows teachers to receive certification through alternative teacher preparation programs, including programs offered by public schools, regional service agencies and private or nonprofit entities. "We know Oklahoma needs strong teachers in every classroom, and this bill helps open more doors for qualified individuals who want to answer that call," Lepak said. "By creating additional pathways into the profession while maintaining oversight and accreditation requirements, we are helping schools recruit talented educators and giving future teachers more opportunities to succeed. Programs like this in other states get candidates certified quicker and at less cost, plus their 5-year retention rates are comparable to those of teachers graduating from our colleges of education, without seeing any decline in student performance. Furthermore, some actually work with school districts to fill their specific needs. Thousands of teaching positions have been filled through this process in other states, and I'm hopeful Oklahoma will see the number of emergency certifications decline when this pathway is fully developed." Under the new law, the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability will oversee the approval process for alternative teacher preparation programs and must approve or deny applicants within 60 days. Applicants denied approval must be given the opportunity to address deficiencies identified by the commission. Seifried said the measure will help strengthen Oklahoma’s teacher pipeline while maintaining accountability and quality standards. "Great teachers can come from all different backgrounds and career paths," Seifried said. "This new law creates more opportunities for qualified individuals to become passionate educators while setting them up for success in the classroom. Expanding these pathways will help address Oklahoma’s teacher shortage while ensuring all students receive a quality education." Private or nonprofit programs approved under the measure will be required to obtain accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation within three years or risk losing approval. The legislation also requires the commission to promote alternative teacher preparation programs to potential educators, while the State Board of Education must maintain and publish a list of approved providers on its website. HB3076 takes effect July 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill requiring all youth camps and outdoor programs to conduct a site-specific hazard assessment and develop an emergency action plan by the end of the year has become law. Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, is the author of House Bill 1675 . "Camp should be a fun time for our kids," Cantrell said. "But in Oklahoma, we have a lot of severe weather. Making sure our camps are as prepared as they can be will help keep young campers safe and give parents and everyone else involved much more peace of mind." Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, is the Senate author of the bill. “As someone who has consistently worked on policies encouraging kids to put down their digital devices and spend more time playing outdoors, I’m proud to have been the primary Senate author of House Bill 1675," Seifried said. "Summer camps are an important rite of passage, and I want every child who goes to camp to have nothing but positive experiences. Under this new law, camp operators and staff will be better prepared for unexpected storms so kids can spend the summer making new friends and lifelong memories.”  HB 1675 requires all camp facilities, youth camps and outdoor programs to conduct a site-specific hazard assessment and develop an emergency action plan before Jan. 1, 2027. The assessments and plans then must be reviewed every three years. The emergency action plan must include response protocols for each severe weather hazard applicable to the site, evacuation routes and other items as outlined in the measure. Hazards include potential for flooding, exposure to high winds or tornadic systems, hail, lightning, extreme heat or cold, wildfires or smoke from fires and other weather-related conditions.  Additionally, the camps and programs must maintain two independent methods of receiving severe weather alerts, including one method that does not rely on cellular service. They also must have an internal communication system, procedures for notifying guardians, and be able to provide access to shelters.  Potential threats of severe weather and emergency response procedures must be disclosed to all participants. Camp staff are required to receive annual emergency procedure and hazard recognition training and conduct periodic drills. A copy of the hazard assessment and the emergency action plan must be kept on file with the applicable regulating authority. Regulating authorities are authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement these provisions and can impose corrective action plans, civil penalties, and close camp facilities, youth camps and outdoor programs for material noncompliance. Lastly, the measure requires recreational campgrounds to have an emergency action plan and procedures in place for natural disasters and severe weather events. The plan must identify site specific hazards that might require evacuation, outline evacuation routes, and include methods for issuing emergency alerts. Emergency action plans must be kept on file with the local emergency management agency and updated annually.  "We're not trying to make this too hard for our camp owners or facility operators," Cantrell said. "We're just trying to make sure our youth are safe, our parents are aware of what plans are in place, and our emergency responders have up-to-date and accurate information should the need arise." The bill becomes effective Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, and Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, today commented on the signing of House Bill 2979 , known as the “Talyn Bain Act,” a measure to improve safety for students by establishing lower speed limits on certain highways near schools. The legislation is named in honor of Talyn Bain, a nine-year-old Glenpool student who lost his life in a crash near his school in 2025. Banning, the House author of the bill, said he hopes the bill will help prevent similar accidents. "House Bill 2979 is in honor of a young man we lost too soon, Talyn Bain," Banning said. "This legislation ensures we’re addressing dangerous situations where high-speed highways run too close to schools. If we can prevent even one tragedy like this from happening again, then this effort is worth it." Talyn’s family said they are grateful the legislation will help protect other Oklahoma children and families. "The Talyn Bain Act becoming law means Talyn's name will forever stand for protecting children across Oklahoma," the Bain family said. "While we would give anything to have our son back, we are incredibly grateful that his life is creating change that could help save other families from this kind of heartbreak. "Thank you to Representative Chris Banning, Senator Gollihare and everyone who stood beside us, believed in this bill and helped make this happen. Talyn was so deeply loved, and we will continue doing everything we can to make sure his life matters far louder than the tragedy that took him from us." HB2979 directs the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to create 45 mph school zones on portions of state highways upon request from a local jurisdiction, provided specific safety conditions are met. These include highways with speed limits of 65 mph or higher that run within 150 yards of a school and lack a direct exit ramp into the school zone. The measure allows local communities to partner with ODOT to identify qualifying locations and implement the reduced speed zones. The agency has identified approximately 14 locations statewide that meet the criteria outlined in the bill. "This law is about protecting our children and making sure no family has to endure the kind of loss the Bain family has experienced," Gollihare said. "By slowing traffic in high-risk areas near schools, we are taking a commonsense step to improve safety and potentially save lives. Talyn’s legacy will be one of lasting impact, helping safeguard students across Oklahoma for years to come. This was a collaborative effort and I’m grateful to Representative Banning and all those who worked to move this bill forward. I appreciate the governor’s support in signing it into law." Under the law, ODOT will install appropriate signage, while local jurisdictions will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and operational costs. The Tayln Bain Act will take effect Nov. 1, 2026.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The governor has signed into law a bill that modernizes the process for creating a newspaper of record when none exists in a county. House Bill 2166 is authored by Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Orlando. "This ensures high standards and government transparency are maintained, but it allows the state to put a new process in place for the posting of public notices without having to go through the strictures of the postal service," Pfeiffer said. "This hopefully will make it easier for those wanting to start a newspaper, particularly in some of the state's smaller counties." HB 2166 clarifies what constitutes a legal newspaper of general circulation within Oklahoma by defining two different classes of newspapers: periodical permit newspaper and a non-periodical permit newspaper. Specific requirements for each class of newspaper are outlined in the measure. Both classes of newspapers will need to register ownership with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. They will need to publish all legal notices on the newspaper website in a timely manner and in front of pay walls, if applicable, as well as place notices on the statewide website established as a joint venture of a majority of Oklahoma newspapers qualified as legal newspapers when applicable. Publishing a promotional ad in each issue in which a public notice appears is a requirement, as is maintaining an archive of printed issues containing legal notices for at least three years. Another duty will be to maintain ownership independent of any governmental entity such as a political party, state agency, political subdivision or a fraternal or religious organization.  The bill also reduces the number of weeks by which a newspaper can be established if none exists in a county from 104 weeks to 52. Additionally, it raises the threshold from 14 to 21 days, without penalty, in which a newspaper can fail to publish due to an accident, emergency or natural disaster.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that requires first responders to notify law enforcement when treating a drug overdose has been signed into law by the governor. Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of House Bill 2941 . The bill requires first responders to notify law enforcement as soon as practicable after attending to the medical needs of the person they are treating when a drug overdose is suspected. Legal immunity will be granted to those who make the notification in good faith. "The hope is that by bringing first responders, health care workers and law enforcement together we can save lives, better educate our population, design prevention strategies and target resources to communities that need them most," Bashore said. The measure also establishes that in cases of fatal overdoses involving fentanyl, that will be the presumed cause of death. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports fentanyl was involved in 86% of opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024, compared to approximately 10-20% annually prior to 2020.  "Fentanyl is a growing problem in our state and in the nation," Bashore said. "Having better data on the spread of fentanyl in our state will help us better track where help is needed most." The new law becomes effective Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill making a sales tax exemption for commercial forestry equipment permanent has been signed into law. House Bill 3661 , authored by Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, and Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, removes the January 2027 sunset date on the sales tax exemption for commercial forestry service equipment used by logging, timber and tree farming businesses. Dempsey said the measure will continue supporting one of southeast Oklahoma’s longstanding industries and help forestry businesses reinvest in their operations. "Forestry is an important part of the economy in my district, southeast Oklahoma and across many rural communities in our state," Dempsey said. "Making this exemption permanent gives businesses certainty and helps keep operating costs manageable so they can continue investing in equipment and the future of the industry." By removing the sunset date, qualifying equipment will continue to include forwarders, fellers, bunchers, skidders, hydraulic excavators, delimbers, soil compactors and skid steer loaders used in commercial forestry operations. HB3661 takes effect Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, has been named a 2026 Achievers Under 40 honoree by The Journal Record, which recognizes young professionals across Oklahoma who are making a meaningful impact in their careers and communities. "I am incredibly honored to be recognized as one of The Journal Record’s Achievers Under 40," Gise said. "Serving the people of Oklahoma City at the Capitol is a responsibility I take very seriously, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated leaders who care deeply about our state and its future." During her time in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Gise has championed legislation focused on empowering women and families, protecting children, strengthening consumer protections, and increasing transparency and accountability in government. She said the recognition reflects the work being done to strengthen families and communities across the state. Gise says she authored 15 measures she expects to be signed into law during her first legislative year. She says this reflects her strong work ethic, her results-driven approach and her steadfast commitment to delivering for her district. "I never lose sight of who sent me to the Capitol and why I serve," Gise said. "I am honored by this recognition, but I remain focused on the work ahead: protecting children, supporting women and families, strengthening consumer protections, and helping build an Oklahoma where the next generation has every opportunity to succeed." The Journal Record’s Achievers Under 40 program highlights leaders under the age of 40 from a wide range of industries who are helping shape a stronger future for the state through professional achievement and community involvement. Honorees are selected for their leadership and commitment to improving Oklahoma. Achievers Under 40 honorees were honored at an awards event on May 13.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill requiring allegations of abuse or neglect by a school employee to be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours has been signed into law by the governor. Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami, is the author of House Bill 2959 . The measure would require independent law enforcement to be notified prior of any formal investigation by the school or school board or the questioning of the subject of the accusation. "Our most important priority is to protect our youth," Bashore said. "This legislation will ensure that law enforcement is made immediately aware of any allegation of misconduct so they can properly investigate the situation. This will keep students and the larger community safe from any potential abusers." Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, is the Senate author of the legislation. “Children's safety is always my top priority,” Thompson said. “That’s why this new law strengthens reporting requirements and accountability whenever abuse or neglect is alleged at a school. Quickly notifying law enforcement when serious accusations are made against a school employee can help protect other students and prevent additional trauma.” HB2959 specifies the reporting must be done by any superintendent or school administrator of a private or public school district who has reason to believe, or receives an allegation or disclosure, that a school employee is involved in the abuse or neglect of a student. The law enforcement agency to whom they report must be independent of the school district. The only exception would be if law enforcement determines an immediate school response is necessary to protect student safety. If a school resource officer is utilized, the officer must submit a detailed written report to the investigating independent law enforcement agency. The law also would not relieve any person of the duty to report to law enforcement because of the resignation, termination, transfer or other separation from employment of the subject of the allegation. Every school employee must annually sign an attestation acknowledging his or her responsibility to report suspected child abuse or neglect pursuant to the new law. Failure to sign does not relieve school personnel from the obligations created in the act. Bashore said schools still will be able to conduct their own internal investigations and determine best policies, but this is a necessary step to ensure student safety. HB2959 passed with an emergency clause, meaning it is immediately in effect. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill aimed at providing more flexibility for Oklahoma mobile food vendors by allowing alternatives to automatic fire suppression has been signed into law. House Bill 3369 , authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, and Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, allows certain mobile food vendors to use alternative fire suppression methods in place of automatic fire suppression systems if specific safety requirements are met. "This legislation works within the adopted fire code to provide an equivalent alternative method of fire suppression for food trucks," Hildebrant said. "House Bill 3369 provides flexibility for mobile food vendors by allowing alternatives to automatic fire suppression systems, as long as they have proper fire extinguishers and complete annual safety training. This helps small business owners continue operating while still prioritizing public safety." Gillespie agrees that this new law will remove regulations that make it difficult for mobile vendors to succeed. "Last year, Representative Hildebrant and I cut red tape for mobile food vendors through the landmark Food Truck Freedom Act," Gillespie said. "This measure builds on that progress by removing costly and unnecessary regulations in state law that make it difficult to operate these mobile businesses. This bill removes the sole mandate for overhead fire suppression systems by allowing practical alternative safety standards and makes liquefied petroleum gas inspections more convenient for food truck owners."  Current fire code standards state that mobile food vendors which produce smoke or grease-laden vapors are required to install automatic fire suppression systems. Under HB3369, mobile food preparation vehicles without automatic fire extinguishing systems will not be required to install them if they instead carry at least two portable Class K-rated fire extinguishers and require all employees complete annual fire safety training. "For many food truck operators across Oklahoma, the cost of installing automatic fire suppression systems created serious financial challenges," Hildebrant said. "This law provides a practical alternative that keeps safety standards in place while helping these small businesses continue serving their communities." The measure also simplifies the process for mobile vendors to obtain their permits from the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board and the State Fire Marshal. HB3369 takes effect Nov. 1.