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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.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, on Tuesday passed a bill in committee that would improve public access to athletic training through reciprocity among member states. Senate Bill 1813 would adopt the Athletic Trainer Compact, aligning Oklahoma's licensure standards with those set by the Athletic Trainer Compact Commission. This would include guidelines for examination and education requirements, criminal background checks, conducting investigations, continuing competence and participation in the commission’s shared data system. "This legislation would allow the governor to enter into compacts to certain jurisdictions for the purpose of expanding the mobility of the athletic trainer practice to improve public access to service by providing qualified, licensed athletic trainers," Ford said. "This would give these members the ability to practice in other states. The compact also would preserve the regulatory authority of the state to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensing." SB1813 passed the House Business Committee and now awaits consideration in the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee. If it passes on third reading on the House floor, it will be sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today secured passage off the House floor of House Bill 3705, which would give more students the ability to attend the school of their choice by increasing the Parental Choice Tax Credit cap to $275 million. “Our tax dollars should follow Oklahoma students to the school that best meets their needs,” said Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, who presented the bill on the House floor Thursday. “Oklahoma families clearly value this program, as shown by record application numbers this year. We must continue expanding access to educational options so every student has the opportunity to succeed in the environment that works best for them.” The Parental Choice Tax Credit program was established through House Bill 1934 in 2023. The program provides families with greater flexibility to choose educational settings that best suit their children. Under the program’s tiered structure, eligible families may receive refundable tax credits ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 per student for private school tuition, depending on household income. Additionally, families who homeschool may qualify for a $1,000 per-student tax credit for approved educational expenses. Currently, tax credits for private school expenses are capped at $250 million annually, while homeschooling credits are capped at $5 million per year. The cap is now increased to $275 million. "Parents should have the choice to find a school that best fits the needs of their child," said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow and author of the bill. “For my daughters, the best choice for them is Bristow Public Schools. But the government shouldn’t tell other parents what is the best school for their children. This legislation simply allows parents to take some of their tax dollars to a school of their choice." House Bill 3705 passed the House by a vote of 70-19 and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives today approved the general appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2027, delivering the largest investment in education in state history while also strengthening funding for mental health services, health care and other core state priorities. The general appropriations bill serves as the foundation of the state budget, establishing the framework for funding state agencies. This also includes a $232 million increase for common education, supporting teacher pay raises and investing in initiatives that strengthen early literacy and ensure students build a solid foundation in math; the biggest investment in education in state history. The budget also increases funding for the Department of Mental Health to support efforts with the ongoing consent decree, the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority for increased Medicaid utilization and the Department of Human Services for Advantage waiver, changes to the SNAP program and child care teacher recruitment and retention. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, released the following statements after the measure passed the House floor by a vote of 76-18. "This budget reflects our commitment to investing in Oklahoma’s future while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Hilbert said. “By making historic investments in education while maintaining a disciplined approach to spending, this plan focuses on the core priorities that matter most to Oklahomans and ensures we are using public funds wisely." "We started working on this budget in July of 2025 and I have had open office hours that began in February so members could talk through their requests and hesitations," Caldwell said. "I have made it my mission to make this budget process the most transparent in state history. Every detail of this budget is about making Oklahoma better than it was the year before. There is never a perfect budget, but I am certain that this moves our state forward." More details on the FY27 budget can be found on the Oklahoma House website at  https://former.okhouse.gov/fiscal/FiscalPortal.aspx . “Oklahomans expect us to lead, and that means coming to the table with solutions,” Hilbert said. “Throughout this process, leadership has remained focused on delivering a responsible budget that protects services without unnecessary spending increases.”

OKLAHOMA CITY — Senate Bill 640 by Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has passed the House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances Committee, which aims at addressing abandoned and improperly maintained medical marijuana grow operations. The measure would require licensed medical marijuana businesses to properly remove and dispose of surface trash, debris and waste tied to their operations. It also would mandate that commercial growers clean up sites within 30 days after a license is revoked, expired or becomes inactive. Failure to do so would classify the property as a public nuisance, allowing for abatement. "Over the interim, I had the opportunity to hear directly from landowners and law enforcement throughout our communities who spoke about the real challenges these abandoned grow sites are creating," Roe said. "We need to set clear expectations and make sure marijuana operators clean up after themselves so these properties do not become hazards." The measure would also establish fines for violations and gives the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority the authority to implement rules and enforcement measures. Roe, who serves as chair of the House Public Health Committee, said the amendment stems from extensive research and input gathered during an interim study. "We learned a lot through the interim study process, and it was clear that stronger standards were needed," Roe said. "This bill is about putting the responsibility where it belongs. It also would give the state tools to address bad actors while supporting responsible businesses that are doing things the right way to protect our land." The measure now moves to the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee for further consideration.