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OKLAHOMA CITY – Two measures by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, aimed at strengthening Oklahoma’s crisis response systems, have advanced in the legislative process. House Bill 4092 , which addresses the state’s 988 mental health crisis system, passed unanimously out of the Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee with a 6-0 vote and now heads to the full Appropriations and Budget Committee. House Bill 4095 , which updates governance of the state’s 211 system, passed the Children, Youth and Family Services Committee with a 6-0 vote and now moves to the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. "I’m encouraged to see both of these bills advance to oversight," Norwood said. "Whether someone is facing a mental health crisis or simply needs help finding food, housing or other basic services, these systems have to work. Moving these measures forward means we are taking the next step toward strengthening the support networks Oklahomans rely on every day." HB4092 would designate the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the lead agency for suicide prevention and crisis services and require designated 988 centers to meet national standards and best practices. The measure would establish a statewide 988 Trust Fund to be administered by the department. The fund would support the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive, statewide 988 Lifeline system. The measure directs the state to implement strategies to ensure the behavioral health crisis system is adequately funded. The bill also calls for enhanced use of technology to improve coordination, data collection and analysis in the delivery of behavioral health crisis services. "988 has become a vital lifeline for Oklahomans facing mental health crises," Norwood said. "This bill makes sure we have clear oversight, strong coordination and sustainable funding so that when someone calls for help, the system is ready to respond." House Bill 4095, which focuses on the governance structure of the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative, passed the Children, Youth and Family Services Policy Committee unanimously and now moves to the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. The Oklahoma 211 Collaborative is the lead entity for 211 call centers that connect Oklahomans to services such as food, housing, clothing, transportation and medical assistance. The measure would reduce the collaborative’s membership from 15 to nine members, with three from the public sector and six from the private sector. Under current law, the body consists of five public and 10 private sector members. The bill outlines appointment authority and would establish staggered initial terms to ensure continuity. Three members would serve one-year initial terms, three would serve two-year initial terms and three would serve three-year initial terms. After the initial terms, members would serve three-year terms and may be reappointed. Vacancies would be filled by the original appointing authority, rather than by the collaborative itself. "Our 211 system connects families to essential services every single day," Norwood said. "This update strengthens accountability and creates a clearer structure so the collaborative can continue serving Oklahomans effectively."

Legislation directing postsecondary educational institutions to designate certain degrees, certificates, licenses and industry-recognized credentials as "credentials of value" has passed its first committee.  House Bill 2398 , authored by Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, would establish a statewide framework allowing the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to designate “credentials of value.” To receive the designation, programs must demonstrate a positive return on investment for students and align with state and regional workforce demand.  Hill said the goal of the legislation is to ensure Oklahoma students are set up for long-term success while strengthening the state’s workforce pipeline.  "Our students deserve data-driven information about which programs will help them build meaningful careers and achieve financial stability," Hill said. "House Bill 2398 ensures education leads to opportunities for students and a strong return on investment for the state. By aligning education with real workforce demand, we can strengthen families, businesses and communities across Oklahoma."  The measure also includes safeguards to protect and support high-need workforce areas, including education and public safety, which Hill said would help keep critical government services roles strong and sustainable for Oklahoma's future. Additionally, HB2398 also requires annual reporting on program outcomes, including completion rates, employment, earnings and cost information.  HB2398 passed the House Postsecondary Education Committee on Wednesday and can now be heard in the House Education Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to protect Oklahomans from the harmful use of artificial intelligence and deepfake content passed unanimously out of the House Criminal Judiciary Committee. House Bill 3299 , authored by Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, would make it unlawful to create and distribute digitized or synthetic media depicting another person’s name, image, voice or likeness without written consent when done with the intent to cause emotional, financial, reputational or physical harm. "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, likeness and voice and to know that when they are depicted, especially in an effort to influence the public, that they’re portrayed accurately." Under the measure, violations would be considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. If the offense results in financial harm exceeding $25,000 or involves extortion, coercion or blackmail, the crime would be elevated to a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The bill also addresses political advertising. Any digital or synthetic media used in political ads would have to be clearly disclosed. Failure to disclose would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail or a fine of up to $2,500. Media advertising agencies would be required to obtain a signed attestation from content creators stating whether the advertisement contains digitized or synthetically altered material. If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, House Bill 3299 would place Oklahoma alongside Tennessee, which enacted the Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act (ELVIS Act) in 2024, in extending these protections to all individuals. While some states have enacted similar laws for minors or public figures, Hays said this measure recognizes that every person has a fundamental right to control his or her own name, image, likeness and voice as personal property. "This technology is moving faster than most people realize," Hays said. "We need guardrails in place to protect individuals from having their identity manipulated and used against them." HB3299 now moves to the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee.

Legislation aimed at safeguarding voluntary religious expression in Oklahoma public schools moved forward Wednesday as House Bill 3240 cleared the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Education. Authored by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, HB3240 would require school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy providing students and school employees the opportunity to participate in a voluntary period of prayer or reading of religious texts during noninstructional time. Hasenbeck said she filed the bill to provide clarity for school districts who may fear litigation following the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court case Kennedy v. Bremerton School District . "House Bill 3240 ensures that students and school employees who wish to voluntarily express their faith have the opportunity to do so," said Hasenbeck, a former educator. "This legislation is structured carefully to create a clear, constitutional framework for our schools while protecting the rights of those who choose not to participate." Under the bill, written consent from a parent or guardian is required before participation, and consent may be revoked at any time. The legislation also prohibits prayer or readings over public address systems and ensures the designated period does not replace instructional time. HB3240 also directs the Oklahoma Attorney General to provide compliance guidance, a model consent form and legal defense for districts adopting policies in accordance with state law. If enacted, the measure would apply beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. HB3240 is now eligible for consideration by the full House Appropriations & Budget Committee. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Wednesday passed a bill in the Public Health Committee that would allow ivermectin suitable for human use to be sold over-the-counter in pharmacies. House Bill 4124 would permit a pharmacist to supply ivermectin to a person without requiring a prescription from a health care professional. Notwithstanding any other law, a pharmacy would not be criminally or civilly liable for supplying ivermectin. "Many people throughout Oklahoma and the nation take ivermectin for a variety of ailments," Fetgatter said. "And while it can be prescribed by doctors, many currently choose to purchase this product over the counter at the local farm supply store. We're just asking that pharmacies be able to offer this the same way." Fetgatter said the bill was a constituent request. He said in rural communities, it can be a long commute to get to a healthcare practitioner if one is available. This bill would give his constituents the freedom and discretion to purchase a product they feel works best for them. The bill passed in the House Public Health Committee on a vote of 5-1. It now is eligible to be heard in the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, secured House passage today of House Bill 4275, legislation aimed at expanding opportunities for certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to serve in more community settings. House Bill 4275 would update state law to allow certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to maintain their certification while working for municipalities and counties as integral members of mental health support teams at the local level.  Under current law, certification is largely tied to employment with the state, certain state contractors, tribal entities or veterans facilities. Expanding eligibility to the county and municipal level would allow these professionals to directly support county sheriffs and first responders, including police and fire personnel, as part of coordinated mental health response efforts.  HB4275 would create uniformity in the rules and standards for certification of both behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists. It also would maintain existing education, examination, supervision and continuing education requirements.  "Allied mental health professionals are a critical part of Oklahoma’s behavioral health system," Miller said. "As we continue strengthening that system, we have to make sure the professionals who are trained and certified to help can serve where they are needed most. This bill removes unnecessary barriers so behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists can work in places like fire departments and courts while maintaining the credentials that ensure quality and accountability."  Allied mental health professionals often work directly with individuals navigating mental illness or substance use recovery, helping connect them to services, monitor progress and provide peer support based on lived experience. As part of municipal and county mental health response teams, case managers and peer recovery support specialists would be able to assist sheriffs and first responders in crisis situations, helping connect individuals to appropriate treatment and community-based resources.  Expanding where these professionals can serve reflects widely recognized best practices and allows licensed clinicians to focus on clinical care while case managers and peers provide critical day-to-day support.  HB4275 passed the House 91-5 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Legislation restoring the eighth-grade literacy requirement to receive a driving permit has passed its first committee. House Bill 4153 , authored by Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, would require minors applying for an Oklahoma driver license to demonstrate an eighth-grade reading level by passing the statewide reading assessment prior being issued a permit. Under the bill, students with an Individualized Education Program (IEPs) related to reading may provide alternative documentation of proficiency. Hasenbeck, a former middle school English teacher, said she saw firsthand how the possibility of receiving driver licenses at 16 motivated her students to take their literacy seriously. "House Bill 4153 is about making sure our young people are equipped with the basic skills they need to succeed both in school and out on the road," Hasenbeck said. "By tying reading proficiency to driver eligibility, we’re encouraging students to strengthen essential literacy skills that will help them throughout life while also promoting safer roads for all Oklahomans." The requirement, which had been in place for several decades, was eliminated in 2022. HB4153 passed the House Public Safety Committee and must pass the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee before it can be heard on the floor.

OKLAHOMA CITY –  The House Common Education Committee today advanced House Bill 4427, authored by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, strengthening Oklahoma’s adjunct teacher policy while prioritizing student success in early grades. House Bill 4427 updates existing statute to ensure adjunct teachers bring meaningful experience into classrooms while maintaining strong standards for student learning, particularly in the earliest grades. “We value the professionals who step into our schools with real-world experience and subject-matter expertise," Hilbert said. "We also have a responsibility to protect the quality of instruction our youngest students receive. This bill ensures we do both.” The measure clarifies that public and charter schools may hire adjunct teachers who possess distinguished qualifications in their field, as defined by the State Board of Education through formal rulemaking. For adjunct teachers who do not hold a baccalaureate degree, the bill requires they either be within two years of completing a degree program or have at least 20 years of distinguished, verifiable experience in the subject area they are hired to teach. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, adjunct teachers will no longer be permitted to teach core curriculum subjects, specifically math, English, language arts, science or social studies, in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. However, school districts may apply for a waiver for adjunct teachers who were previously employed in those roles, provided the teacher has completed professional development in the science of reading and receives approval from the State Board of Education. The bill also establishes that adjunct teachers may not serve longer than five years unless they earn a standard or alternative teaching certificate, complete the requirements for certification, or are actively on a pathway to becoming certified within two years. If certification is not achieved within that timeframe, continued employment as an adjunct teacher would not be permitted. Additionally, the State Department of Education will be required to publish an annual report outlining adjunct teacher qualifications, the subject areas in which they are teaching, and the types of distinguished experience that qualified them for the classroom. Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, who presented the bill in committee said the legislation strengthens accountability while maintaining flexibility to address workforce needs. “We are setting clearer expectations, giving direct paths to certification, and protecting early-grade instruction, all while keeping the door open for highly qualified professionals to contribute in our schools,” Lowe said. “This is a thoughtful step forward for students, parents and educators.” House Bill 4427 passed the Common Education Committee unanimously and will now advance to the Education Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Newly elected Rep. Dillon Travis, R-Maramec, took his oath of office Wednesday in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He was elected in a special election Feb. 10 to represent House District 35, which includes portions of Pawnee County and parts of Creek, Noble, Osage and Payne counties. "I am honored to be sworn in as the newest state representative," said Travis. "I promise to represent House District 35 well and continue working hard for rural Oklahoma. I am thankful for everyone who has helped me get here, especially my wife, mom, brother and all friends from across the district. I am blessed to be here and excited to get to work." Travis is a sixth-generation Oklahoman from Pawnee County with a background in agriculture and small business. He owns and operates an agriculture company serving producers across four states and manages his family's cattle and hay operation. Through his work in production agriculture and agribusiness, Travis has experience with land management, business operations, supply chains, input costs and regulatory policy affecting rural communities. He and his wife have one daughter and live in Maramec. Following Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony, the Oklahoma House is now comprised of 81 Republicans and 18 Democrats. -END- Rep. Dillon Travis serves District 35 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes Pawnee County and parts of Creek, Noble, Osage and Payne counties.