Representative Cody Maynard

R

District 21

Hi, I'm Cody Maynard and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 21st District.


representative

News & Announcements

Feb 2, 2026
Recent Posts

Maynard Files Youth Entrepreneurs Act

Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, has filed legislation that would exempt sales tax for businesses owned and operated primarily by individuals who are under the age of 18. House Bill 3548 would create the Oklahoma Youth Entrepreneurs Promotion and Development Act of 2026. If enacted, it would be offered beginning in tax year 2027. "Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of our nation and the backbone of our state's economy," Maynard said. "This legislation encourages Oklahoma youth to start and maintain businesses that could benefit them in numerous ways, from saving for their own education to providing the first step for business ownership in their future." Maynard said the legislation complements Gov. Stitt's recently signed Executive Order 2026-04, which makes it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Oklahoma. Key actions of the governor's order include the exploration of tax waivers for startups and fairer access to state contracts for young businesses. Reports on fees, taxes, education and contracts are to be shared with legislative leaders by the end of our legislative session. HB3548 would exempt from tax the sales of tangible personal property or services made by a business that is owned and operated primarily by one or more individuals who have not attained 18 years of age, who are conducting such business as a sole proprietorship and not through any other legal entity. The exemption would extend only if the business receives limited assistance from adults in the form of supervision, transportation, safety oversight or other incidental support that does not constitute material management or operation of the business; if the business generates gross revenue of less than $1,000 during the calendar year; and if the business operates only on private property with the consent of the owner or lawful possessor of the property, or as part of a community event that separately registers youth vendors. This tax exemption shall not apply if an adult exercises primary control over the business decisions, management, or operations or if the business is materially operated for the benefit of any adult. The measure has been first read in the House and awaits assignment to a committee.

Jan 15, 2026
Recent Posts

Maynard Files Trio of AI Safeguards

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, has filed a three-bill legislative package establishing commonsense safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence in Oklahoma. The measures seek to clarify that artificial intelligence systems are not persons and cannot hold legal rights, ensure state agencies use AI responsibly with human oversight, and protect minors from harmful AI chatbots and social AI companions. “This is not anti-technology, it’s pro people,” Maynard said. “We can embrace innovation while defending constitutional principles, parental rights and basic human dignity. AI should assist humans, not replace human responsibility.” House Bill 3546 would affirm that AI systems and algorithms may not be granted legal personhood under the Constitution or laws of Oklahoma. Maynard said the measure reinforces a foundational principle reflected in the Declaration of Independence: that our rights do not come from government but are endowed by our Creator and recognized by our Constitution. "Machines are created by man, and they must never be elevated to the status of the people they were designed to serve," Maynard said. House Bill 3545 would create guardrails for AI use in state government. It would restrict high-risk uses such as manipulation, unlawful discrimination through automated classification systems, real-time remote biometric surveillance in public spaces, and deceptive or malicious deepfakes. It also would require human review of certain AI-driven recommendations and would strengthen transparency by requiring agency reporting and an annual statewide AI report published by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. House Bill 3544 would protect minors from AI systems designed to simulate human-like relationships. It would prohibit the deployment of social AI companions and human-like AI chatbots to minors and would require reasonable age certification measures, with a narrow exception for certain therapeutic tools under strict professional oversight. Maynard said the bill reflects growing national concern, including widely reported lawsuits alleging that some AI-companion platforms foster emotional dependency in minors and, in tragic cases, encouraged self-harm. All measures will be eligible for consideration in the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which convenes Feb. 2.

Sep 8, 2025
Recent Posts

Maynard Named Legislator of the Year by Child Care Association

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cody Maynard, R-Durant, was honored Saturday as the Legislative/Government Official of the Year  for 2025 by the Licensed Child Care Association of Oklahoma (LCA). He received the award during the organization’s annual gala at the Grand Casino in Shawnee. The LCA hosts its gala each year to recognize early education professionals and individuals who make a positive impact on the field. “When the Department of Human Services introduced abrupt rule changes that threatened to close daycare centers across Oklahoma, the Licensed Child Care Association stepped forward to make sure lawmakers understood what was at stake,” Maynard said. “After hearing their concerns, I was able to work with DHS to modify those rules and protect an essential service for families in every community. I’m humbled by this recognition, but the real win is that we preserved vital child care options for parents and children across our state.” Maynard currently serves on the House Common Education Committee and chairs the House Government Modernization & Technology Committee. He is also a member of the House Commerce & Economic Development Oversight Committee, the Administrative Rules Committee, and the Appropriations & Budget Finance Subcommittee. LCA Executive Board member Tina Feltman said Maynard was selected for the award primarily because of his work on administrative rules. She said Maynard was always agreeable to sitting down and discussing matters with board members. His taking time to listen and to check into issues for them, proved invaluable to the organization. Feltman noted that every LCA member across the state votes on the award recipient. She said members especially appreciated Maynard’s openness to questioning rules when necessary and his commitment to ensuring that early childhood educators have a voice in the process.