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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.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation modernizing Oklahoma’s laws surrounding advance health care directives and medical decision-making to give patients more control over their care has been signed into law. House Bill 1687 , authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, and Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, creates the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act of 2025. "House Bill 1687 is the first major update to Oklahoma’s advance directive laws since the 1990s, and this legislation has been the result of a long and thoughtful process," Roe said. “We began this work during the 2025 legislative session and continued working closely with Oklahoma for Life and many other stakeholders to make sure the language was compassionate, clear and carefully crafted for families facing very difficult medical decisions. I am proud to see this legislation now signed into law." The measure updates state law related to health care decision-making, advance directives and surrogate decision-making for individuals who may lose the ability to communicate or make medical decisions for themselves. It will allows individuals to create advance health care directives, including directives specifically addressing mental health care, and outlines processes for appointing health care agents and default surrogates. The law establishes a presumption that individuals have the capacity to make or revoke health care decisions unless a court determines otherwise or the presumption is properly rebutted by qualified medical professionals. HB1687 includes safeguards to protect patients’ rights while providing clearer guidance for families, health care providers and courts. The law clarifies that food and liquids necessary to sustain life may not be withheld unless specifically directed by the patient in their advance directive. It will also provide legal protections for health care professionals and institutions acting in good faith under the provisions of the measure. Roe says HB1687 will give patients greater control over their care and will help provide certainty for loved ones and providers during emotionally challenging situations. "This law is about protecting the dignity, wishes and rights of patients while also giving families and medical professionals clearer direction during some of life’s most difficult moments," Roe said. "As a nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand how important it is for people to have their voices respected in health care decisions, and this legislation helps ensure those protections are in place." The measure takes effect July 1, 2027

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation requiring insurance companies to submit proposed rate increases to the Oklahoma Insurance Department for review prior to taking, rather than raising rates first and notifying the state afterward, has been signed into law. House Bill 3781 , authored by Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, and Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, changes how property and casualty insurance rate filings are handled in Oklahoma by moving the state from a use-and-file system to a file-and-wait system. Adams says the new law will require insurance rate increases to be publicly posted so Oklahomans can see exactly what changes are being proposed and when. "This is a win for Oklahoma and it will bring transparency to the rate filing system in Oklahoma," Adams said. "No longer will carriers be able to raise rates and notify the Insurance Department after the fact. This new law requires insurance companies to file the new rate and give the insurance commissioner time to review them and request actuarial information. It also gives the commissioner a way to potentially challenge rates that are unreasonably high, discriminatory or unfair." Under the new law, insurers must submit proposed rate changes and supporting information to the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner before rates can take effect. In competitive markets, filings must be submitted at least 30 days in advance, while filings in noncompetitive markets must be submitted at least 60 days before implementation. The measure also gives the Insurance Commissioner additional authority to review filings and request actuarial data when rates appear excessively high, unfair or discriminatory. If a rate increase affects private passenger automobile, homeowner’s multi-peril or dwelling fire policies, notice of the increase and the overall percentage change must be published on the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s website. Adams said the measure creates a stronger process to oversee that rate increases are supported by data before they impact consumers. "Oklahomans deserve to understand what is driving these insurance increases and to know that rates are based on real data, not just timing or process," Adams said. "This gives the commissioner a way to potentially challenge rates that are unreasonably high, discriminatory or unfair. On top of that, rate increases will now be published publicly. This is a win for Oklahoma consumers." HB3781 takes effect July 1, 2027.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Those who commit repeat peeping Tom offenses will face harsher penalties under an act recently signed into law by the governor. Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, is the author of House Bill 4104 . The measure would require repeat offenders and those who record others secretly in private spaces to register as a sex offender. "Peeping Tom offenders degrade their victims and erode public trust," Ford said. "Victims of these crimes should be assured the perpetrators will face justice for their actions. The public will be better protected with this update in law."  Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Sapulpa, is the Senate author of the legislation. “Peeping Toms who repeatedly spy on people and invade their privacy are sex offenders, plain and simple,” Gollihare said. “This law makes sure chronic offenders and those who secretly record people in locker rooms or changing rooms face the serious consequences that they deserve for this deeply disturbing behavior.” Ford explained the bill deals with three subsections of Oklahoma's Peeping Tom statute. One addresses watching people changing clothes through a window, which is currently a misdemeanor. Another deals with attempting to take photos of peoples' private areas while they are in the public – also a misdemeanor. A third addresses an individual who hides a camera in a private area such as a locker or dressing room or a space where people would assume privacy when the offense involves three or more victims. This bill would turn second or subsequent misdemeanor offenses under this area of statute into felonies and require any felony offender to register as a sex offender. Perpetrators will face imprisonment of between one to five years and fines of up to $5,000.  Ford said requiring offenders to register as sex offenders will grant greater public transparency and allow law enforcement to better protect the public moving forward.  The measure was requested by the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board, which is staffed by the office of the state's attorney general. HB4104 takes effect Nov. 1.