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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, is addressing concerns raised by Adair County commissioners regarding the potential economic impact of major reductions in poultry operations in northeastern Oklahoma and the importance of the poultry industry to Oklahoma agriculture.  This week, Adair County commissioners sent a letter to Attorney General Gentner Drummond outlining the role poultry production plays in local economies and the significant effect a large-scale reduction could have on county governments, school districts, farm families and small businesses across the region. The commissioners noted that poultry production has long been one of the primary economic drivers in Adair County and supports hundreds of families while generating revenue that helps sustain rural communities. Reports indicating that Tyson Foods is evaluating possible changes to its Oklahoma operations come as the state continues navigating a long-running federal lawsuit over water quality in the Illinois River watershed. The litigation, now more than 20 years old, centers on pollution concerns shared by Oklahoma and Arkansas.  Federal and state agencies have documented water quality improvements in portions of the watershed following decades of targeted conservation work. An Environmental Protection Agency success story published in 2020 highlighted reduced bacteria and nutrient levels, the removal of five waterbody segments from the impaired waters list and ongoing cooperative efforts involving Oklahoma, Arkansas and the Cherokee Nation. Population growth in northwest Arkansas, which now exceeds 700,000 residents, has increased pressure on the watershed and prompted both states to update monitoring and long-term planning. “While the Environmental Protection Agency promotes the Illinois River watershed as a water quality success story and the Oklahoma Tourism Department promotes the water quality of Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller, Attorney General Drummond’s office is telling a federal judge the Illinois River is polluted to the point that poultry companies should be fined hundreds of millions of dollars,” Hardin said. "The Attorney General's proposal would devastate county governments, school districts, small businesses and countless Oklahoma families."  Hardin agreed with the commissioners' concerns and emphasized the importance of balancing environmental goals with economic stability.  “Eastern Oklahoma should not be put at risk while decisions are made without fully weighing the progress that has been achieved or the families who depend on this industry,” Hardin said. “Water quality challenges deserve meaningful attention, but we can address those concerns with science, long-term planning and cooperation between both states. I stand with the Adair County commissioners in supporting solutions that protect our natural resources and preserve the jobs, investment and economic health of our rural communities.”  Hardin noted that decades of coordinated conservation work have produced measurable improvements in the Illinois River watershed.  “Local, state and federal partners have invested years into improving the Illinois River, and the data show those efforts are working," said Hardin. "We should continue building on that progress while also safeguarding the economic stability of the counties that rely on agriculture to survive. “Frankly, our neighbors in Arkansas have shown more interest in water quality than we have and have invested in tens of millions of dollars in improvements for recreation and water quality monitoring and improvement. We need to focus on investment in water quality, not litigation."  Hardin said he supports continued collaboration among agencies, landowners and state leaders to protect water quality and maintain the long-term economic well-being of eastern Oklahoma.  -END-  Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes portions of Adair, Cherokee, Delaware and Mayes counties.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, today announced his intent to refile a bill that creates punishments for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep-fake technology without consent of the person whose name, image, likeness or voice is used to create digital content and advertising that is disseminated to the public with the intent to harm. Hays filed House Bill 3073 in 2024. The bill passed the House but was not advanced in the state Senate. Hays will refile the measure with some minor changes for the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 2. “As we awaken each day to more sophisticated AI-generated media, we must recommit to the fundamental truth in advertising and the basic rights of every Oklahoman,” Hays said. “Every Oklahoman deserves to control their name, image, likeness and voice — and to know that when they are depicted, especially in an effort to influence the public, that they’re portrayed accurately.” Hays said AI now allows realistic substitutions of a person’s face, voice or image in video, audio and digital advertisements — often without the person’s permission and sometimes with harmful intent.  HB 3073 sought to criminalize publishing or distributing digitized representations of another individual’s name, image, voice or likeness without written consent and with intent to harm. The measure set criminal penalties, including elevation to a felony on a second offense.  Hays emphasized the marketplace and public discourse depend on trust. “If we erode trust because people are unsure whether what they see or hear is real, then we erode the very foundation of free and fair communication,” he said. "Technology isn’t slowing down, and legislation must keep pace,” Hays said. “By refiling this bill, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting Oklahomans’ rights in this new digital era. I'm asking my legislative colleagues to join me and return to the basics of integrity, transparency and individual consent.”

LAWTON, OK — House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and members of the Oklahoma House Republican Caucus visited Lawton this past weekend for the fifth stop of the ongoing Capitol to Community tour, an initiative designed to connect state lawmakers directly with community leaders, businesses and local organizations. This stop was especially meaningful as it also served as the kickoff to the Caucus’ annual retreat weekend, which continued at Quartz Mountain Lodge in Altus.   The day in Lawton featured tours highlighting the region’s military partnerships, economic development, correctional operations and manufacturing leadership. Members began the morning at FISTA Innovation Park, where local officials and defense-sector partners detailed Lawton’s growing role in military technology development and private-sector collaboration.   Legislators then toured the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company facility, one of Oklahoma’s major manufacturing hubs, where they met with plant leadership to discuss workforce needs and the company’s long-term investment in southwest Oklahoma.   In the afternoon, members visited the Red Rock Correctional Center, gaining insight into facility operations, and to better understand the role of the role of private contractors in meeting the state’s correctional system needs.   The day concluded with lawmakers traveling to Quartz Mountain Lodge, where the annual House Republican Caucus retreat officially kicked off. The weekend concluded with an overnight stay in the heart of southwest Oklahoma, Medicine Park.     “Lawton showed us the incredible impact that strong partnerships between industry and innovation can have on a region," said Speaker Hilbert. "This stop offered valuable insight into a major public safety hub of our state as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session.”   House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, who represents parts of the Lawton area, said the visit showcased the strengths and potential of southwest Oklahoma.   “Lawton is a powerhouse for our state, whether it’s defense innovation at FISTA, world-class manufacturing at Goodyear or the critical work happening at Red Rock,” said Caldwell. “I was proud to welcome my colleagues to our community and show them firsthand the economic drivers and challenges that shape southwest Oklahoma. This kind of engagement helps ensure that decisions at the Capitol reflect the real needs of the great people of Comanche County.”   The Capitol to Community tour will conclude in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on December 18th.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today praised the clemency granted death-row inmate Tremane Wood. "I support the governor's decision," Humphrey said. "The Oklahoma public needs to know that this pardon is based on judicial corruption. I will continue fighting to make sure all corruption in our legal and judicial system and in our state agencies and government is kept before the public until it is rooted out. Justice was secured for Mr. Wood today and for his family and even for the victim's family in this crime, but we must not give up our efforts to secure justice for all." Humphrey is the vice chair of the Oklahoma House of Representative's Public Safety Committee. He's been a vocal supporter of granting clemency to Wood.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, and Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, presented a citation this week to students in Southern Nazarene University’s international management class in recognition of their recent food drive benefiting local families facing food insecurity.  Students in the class collected more than 1,000 nonperishable food items this semester as part of a service-learning project that connected course lessons to community need.  The idea began after the class learned about a local family struggling with food insecurity due to the loss of their SNAP benefits. What started as a simple donation drive quickly grew into a campuswide effort to meet a real and urgent need.  "The students’ compassion and commitment to serving others is truly inspiring," Stark said. "They saw a need close to home and stepped up in a meaningful way. I was honored to present this citation alongside Rep. West and to recognize the work these students put into helping families in our community."  "The strength of our state lies in the strength of our communities," West said. "The loss of SNAP benefits this month has unfortunately hit many Oklahoma families hard, but our state has rallied together to support our neighbors. These students heard about a need and took it upon themselves to answer the call. I am proud of how their kindness and initiative has made a difference in these families' lives."  The citation was presented during class on campus earlier this week.

Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, who lead the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Human Services Subcommittee, released the following statements after Congress passed a bipartisan agreement late Wednesday to reopen the federal government and restore funding to critical programs: "We’re relieved to see the federal government reopened and critical services fully restored," Pae said. "Throughout the shutdown, we have closely monitored its impact on SNAP recipients and local food providers across Oklahoma. This agreement allows us to move forward with implementing the SNAP provisions of H.R. 1, which eases access for families in need."  Gise added, "The shutdown was a gut punch for working families, and Oklahomans deserve better than D.C. drama that gambles with their groceries. Now it’s time to restore trust, improve SNAP accountability and keep families fed instead of forgotten."  House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said, "The end of this shutdown is long overdue. Oklahomans shouldn’t have to bear the cost of Washington gridlock caused by Democrats’ refusal to advance responsible funding bills. Now, the focus must return to governance that keeps our economy strong, holds programs accountable and puts working families first." The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to working with state and federal partners to ensure a smooth rollout of the SNAP updates under H.R. 1 and to maintain consistent communication with state agencies and recipients moving forward.

OKLAHOMA CITY – In a brief filed Monday, State Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, reiterated his challenge to $250 million in recent rate increases and more than $1 billion of bond payments approved by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) and currently being collected from customers of electric utility Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO). PSO primarily serves customers in Tulsa, McAlester, Lawton and surrounding areas. Gann’s appeal before the Oklahoma Supreme Court argues that the OCC failed to perform legally required audits related to February 2021’s Winter Storm “Uri,” making the OCC’s orders void and requiring refunds. He also argues the OCC violated PSO customers’ due process rights by allowing Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett to participate in cases involving witnesses of Hiett’s alleged criminal conduct. Hiett has been publicly accused of alleged sexual harassment and drunk driving at a 2023 party hosted by PSO attorneys Thompson Tillotson PLLC. Gann says state ethics rules require Hiett to disqualify from cases in which a reasonable person might question his impartiality, including cases involving those attorneys. In October, Attorney General Gentner Drummond, the OCC, PSO and the Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers (OIEC) all filed briefs defending Hiett. “Parties to legislative rate cases are not entitled to due process,” the attorney general wrote.  In its brief, the OCC specifically asked the court to dismiss the appeal claims against Hiett. Gann has been joined by State Reps. Kevin West and Rick West in five similar appeals brought in cases for OG&E and ONG. On Oct. 17, the attorney general and OCC filed a joint motion asking the court to suspend the other the utility appeals. The court’s Oct. 29 response denying that request was unequivocal: “This appeal shall proceed.”  The AG, OCC and PSO also defended allowing the utility to internally audit its own $700 million of 2021 Winter Storm “Uri” costs, as well as the OCC’s subsequent one-page “audits” of the ratepayer-backed bonds issued to pay for them. Gann argues none of these audits were lawful because they were not performed by independent CPAs.  In their briefs, the AG, OCC and PSO all argued the audits were lawful because licensed CPAs were not required. Gann writes their reading of the law “would permit OCC janitors and AG security guards to give financial testimony in OCC cases.”   “To allow State Agencies to make up their own standardless definition of ‘audit’ is absurd,” Gann writes. He predicts that this misinterpretation of the law will lead to “financial chaos across state government if it is allowed to stand.” Oklahoma utilities PSO, OG&E, ONG and CenterPoint/Summit paid some of the highest natural gas prices in U.S. history during two weeks in February 2021, incurring some $2.8 billion in debt. Interest and other expenses added another $2 billion, bringing the total cost of the winter storm bonds being paid by Oklahoma utility customers close to $5 billion.   Payments for PSO’s bonds have been collected as “Winter Storm Cost Recovery Rider” charges on the monthly bills of its customers since the bonds were issued in September 2022. They are scheduled to continue for another 17 years. The securitization law required those bond charges to be audited as part of the utilities’ subsequent rate cases. Gann says that hasn’t happened. Unless it decides to request additional briefs from the parties, Gann’s appeal is now in the hands of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Gann writes that he “has full confidence in this court’s ability to read and offer first-impression interpretations of the plain language of unambiguous laws, and to properly determine their applicability to the OCC.” Gann’s full Reply Brief can be read online here: https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetDocument.aspx?ct=appellate&bc=1063629140&cn=CU-122861&fmt=pdf See also: Feb. 14, 2025: https://www.okhouse.gov/posts/News-20250214_1 August 21, 2025: https://www.okhouse.gov/posts/news-20250821_1 The progress of all the appeals can be followed on the Oklahoma Supreme Court website: PSO rate case: https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=122861 ONG, PSO & OG&E CY2023 fuel cases: (I'm showing this one does not list PSO) https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=122991 OG&E rate case: https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=123021 ONG rate case: https://oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=appellate&number=123348

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. T.J. Marti, R-Broken Arrow, and Sen. Spencer Kern, R-Duncan, hosted an interim study Monday examining the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Oklahoma’s health care system and how their practices affect patient access, local pharmacies, and state health care costs. "I’ve seen firsthand how PBM practices can harm both patients and independent pharmacies," Marti said. "Our goal is to ensure every Oklahoman receives fair pricing and quality care while protecting the local pharmacies that keep our communities healthy." Experts testified about the financial pressures PBMs place on community pharmacies and the complexity of the drug supply chain. Jonathan Buxton of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association said PBMs aim to maintain pharmacy access while controlling costs for plan sponsors. However, several witnesses noted that pharmacies are often reimbursed below acquisition costs, threatening their long-term viability and patient access, especially in rural areas. Marti expressed concern over the continued decline of community pharmacies and questioned whether PBMs are ensuring fair reimbursement rates to keep them sustainable. Antonio Ciaccia, CEO of 46Brooklyn Research and 3 Axis Advisors, said nearly every participant in the drug supply chain, from manufacturers to PBMs, has financial incentives that can obscure transparency and drive up prices. Independent pharmacists shared firsthand challenges. Todd Pendergraft, co-owner of Broken Arrow Family Drug Stores, reported nearly $30,000 in underpayments on workers’ compensation prescriptions last year and described PBMs steering patients to PBM-owned pharmacies. Lucas Coody, PharmD, Director of Government Affairs at AlignRx, said the burdensome and ever-changing PBM appeals process, combined with disregard for Oklahoma statutes, often causes pharmacies to abandon reimbursement disputes altogether. Scott Biggs, Commissioner of the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission, explained that while his agency enforces maximum reimbursement rates, PBMs are regulated by the Attorney General’s Office and the Insurance Department. Michael Leake, Deputy Attorney General and Director, PBM Compliance and Enforcement Unit, said enforcement actions have recovered $32 million for the state health plan and made Oklahoma a national leader in PBM oversight and transparency. Kern said the findings highlight the need for stronger regulation. "PBMs play an important role, but we cannot allow practices that harm our state budget or limit patient access to essential medications." Marti thanked participants for their testimony and announced plans to pursue PBM reform legislation in the 2026 session to ensure fair treatment for both pharmacies and patients statewide. The Second Regular Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature will convene on Feb. 2, 2026.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, and Tim Turner, R-Kinta, this week held an interim study reviewing Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) eligibility and transfer rules as well as usage of school athletic facilities. The study, held before the House Common Education Committee, specifically examined the implementation of OSSAA Rule 24, commonly referred to as the "Link Rule," which is intended to discourage student athletes from changing school districts to follow a trainer and/or coach for athletic purposes. Lawmakers said they wanted to consider the rule in relation to Senate Bill 783 , passed in 2021, which amended provisions of the Education Open Transfer Act. The act governs student mobility and participation in public school extracurricular activity. "We took a close look at how Rule 24 is being applied and whether it reflects the intent of the Open Transfer law," Miller said. "Families make school decisions for many different reasons, and kids should still be able to stay connected to the activities and teams that give them a sense of belonging. We also heard how restrictions on the use of public school fields for camps or training during the school year can create challenges, particularly when they limit opportunities for Oklahoma student athletes to demonstrate their skills and talent. These are real situations for real students. Moving forward, I want to ensure our rules are clear, fair and truly supportive of the opportunities our students work so hard for." Turner said, "Today's study was not a witch hunt but to look at concerns brought to legislators by parents, coaches and citizens about the OSSAA. We want to keep high school sports fun and make sure student athletes are able to better themselves to go to the next level. We want to stay on facts and present evidence gathered by each speaker to help the legislative body determine the way they would like OSSAA to proceed." OSSAA Executive Director David Jackson said the association is not just some outside entity imposing rules on schools. It's an organization created and governed by school administrators who voluntarily join in order to operate on a level playing field in athletic and other competitions. The intent is to keep the focus on education rather than on winning at all costs. The 482 member schools themselves set the rules by which they're governed, and they can change them if necessary. It's also important to note OSSAA oversees about 30 co-curricular activities, including the arts such as vocal and instrumental music, theater, speech and debate, among others. About 150,000 students are served through the organization each year. Jackson said OSSAA's foundational rule of residence eligibility states that a student is eligible to compete only in the school district where the parents reside. If a student transfers to a school outside the district, then they are required to sit out one year from varsity-level participation unless they are given an exception, or what OSSAA would call a hardship waiver. During the first two-and-a-half months of the current school year, OSSAA tracked 1,060 exceptions requested by students transferring out of their district who wanted to be granted eligibility. Jackson said 1,003 of those requests – about 95% - were approved. In recent years, Jackson said member schools of the association determined to allow students 9th grade and above to select whatever school they would like to attend and then be granted one free transfer. He said they are fielding requests, however, from students who are unhappy with the school where they transferred. They either want to transfer back to their original school or onto another school. There are some guardrails and timelines around when transfers can occur, he said. Jackson also addressed the Link Rule. "Schools have always been concerned about students that want to follow a coach that maybe changed jobs. When the exception – the free transfer – came about, they (school administrators) absolutely anticipated that's even going to magnify that issue a great deal more, and they're right about that." Several parents and a student spoke at the meeting as did former Rep. Mark Vancuren, who also previously worked as a coach.  Chris Adamson, a Deer Creek School Board member and the parent of student athletes, spoke about restrictions on high school sports facilities for use by outside entities. His son, who played quarterback, frequently had to attend camps and other events outside of the state to get before college recruiters. Sixty-one events between January and May and not one of them was in Oklahoma, he said. He knows for a fact there have been inquiries about running them in the state, but there have been obstacles to getting these events run on high school campuses. "These are incredibly important exposure and recruiting events," Adamson said. "This impacts Oklahomans to find the best opportunities for college." From a school board perspective, Adamson said there is a lot of lost revenue for schools because of these restrictions. Additional study presenters included Tom George, chief executive officer and founder of QB Impact; Cindy Morey, a parent of a student athlete; Hannah Whitten, an attorney with Whitten Burrage; and Kent Rossander, one of four Glencoe High School students initially deemed ineligible to play after transferring earlier this year. The entire study can be viewed here .