Representative Chris Banning

R

District 24

Hi, I'm Chris Banning and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 24th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Feb 26, 2025
Recent Posts

Bill to Shift School Board Election Dates Advances in Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Bill 1151 , authored by Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, passed through the House Government Oversight Committee Tuesday, moving one step closer to making school board elections more accessible for Oklahoma voters. The bill proposes shifting school board elections from February and April to June and November, aligning them with larger election cycles. It also standardizes term lengths for school board members, setting four-year terms for both elementary and independent district boards. Banning emphasized the importance of increasing voter participation by making the voting process more convenient and accessible. “This bill will create more accessibility for Oklahomans to vote by aligning school board elections with general election cycles,” Banning said. “By reducing the number of separate trips to the polls, we can enhance voter turnout and ensure community voices are better represented in school board decisions.” Low voter turnout in school board elections has been an ongoing concern. In April 2024, only 146 voters participated in the Union Public Schools Board election for Zone 4. Banning believes aligning these elections with larger cycles will lead to greater community engagement and a more accurate reflection of public sentiment. “This change isn’t just about convenience—it’s about strengthening our democracy,” Banning added. “When more people participate, we ensure that school board decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the entire community.” Additionally, HB1151 would help school districts save on election costs. In 2023, Oklahoma school districts spent $16.8 million on off-cycle school elections. By consolidating election dates, districts could redirect significant funds toward educational needs. With today’s committee approval, HB1151 is eligible to be heard on the House floor.

Feb 13, 2025
Recent Posts

Tulsa Area Reps Respond to Delay in TPS Audit Release

OKLAHOMA CITY — Reps. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, and Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, commented on the recent delay in releasing the state audit of Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) and its management of federal relief funds, calling for greater transparency. "I find it unfortunate and deeply frustrating that Tulsa Public Schools delayed the audit findings," Banning said. "I believe many legislators share this concern, and the public has been waiting for two years. They deserve answers and full transparency regarding how their tax dollars were used." The audit, initiated in 2022 at the request of Gov. Kevin Stitt, followed reports of potential financial mismanagement, including questionable expenses within the district's talent management department. Since then, the audit process has faced repeated delays. State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd stated that while her office completed the audit, TPS invoked Oklahoma Statute Title 70, Section 5-127.1, which allows school districts to withhold audit findings for up to two weeks. The report was originally scheduled for release on Tuesday. Hall, whose district includes TPS, commended Auditor Byrd’s work but questioned the district’s decision to postpone public access.   "I appreciate State Auditor Byrd's work on financial transparency in Tulsa Public Schools," Hall said. "It's disappointing that while the audit findings will now be discussed with district officials, the public must wait two more weeks to review these long-awaited findings for themselves." "There has been a long wait for this audit to be released, and it is a disservice to the stakeholders of TPS to not immediately release these audit findings," Tedford said. The full release of the audit is expected within two weeks.

Feb 10, 2025
Recent Posts

House Committee Passes School Board Elections

Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today passed House Bill 1151 through the House Elections and Ethics Committee today. HB1151 would shift school board elections to June and November from the current February and April election dates. The measure also standardizes term lengths for board members by making both elementary district boards and independent district boards four-year terms.  State law requires school districts to cover the expenses of school board elections. In 2023, these elections totaled $16.8 million of taxpayer money that Banning believes could be more effectively invested in education. “Aligning school board elections with legislative cycles makes sense for taxpayers and voters,” Banning said. “This change will increase turnout, save school districts millions, and ensure board members are elected in a way that better reflects community engagement.” Banning said low voter turnout has also been an ongoing concern. In April 2024, just 146 people voted in the Union Public Schools Board election for Zone 4. He said moving these elections to larger election cycles will help increase engagement and ensure greater community representation in school board races. Banning ran a similar bill, House Bill 3563, that passed the House Elections and Ethics Committee last year but was not heard on the House floor. With today’s committee approval, HB1151 advances to the House Government Oversight Committee.