Representative Daniel Pae

R

District 62

Hi, I’m Daniel Pae and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 62nd District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 26, 2025
Recent Posts

House Votes to Extend Harm-Reduction Programs Through 2027

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed House Bill 2012, which would extend the operations of state harm-reduction programs through July 1, 2027. The bill, authored by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, ensures harm-reduction services such as needle exchange programs and rapid sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing can continue their work. The programs, which must be registered with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) but cannot use state funding, are currently set to expire in 2026.  "Harm-reduction programs are an essential tool in saving lives and protecting public health," Pae said. "These programs not only combat the spread of disease but also provide critical resources for individuals in need. This is a step forward for Oklahoma, as we work to support our communities and provide better access to life-saving services." The bill extends legislation Pae coauthored in 2021 that authorized harm-reduction programs to register with the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The four programs currently registered with OSDH distributed 578,330 syringes and 25,125 naloxone kits between 2022 and 2024. Additionally, they reported 1,212 overdose reversals and referred 1,528 individuals for substance use education or STI/HIV testing. Syringe exchange programs are linked to a decrease of HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV), both of which can spread through shared needles. In 2022, Oklahoma ranked among the top seven states in the U.S. with the highest rural burden of HIV. Each case costs the state over $500,000 throughout a person's life. That same year, Oklahoma also had the highest rate of new HCV infections. "Allowing these programs, which don't receive any state funding, to continue their work will later save the state millions of dollars," Pae said. "Additionally, extending this work will allow us more opportunities to learn about the long-term impact of these programs. Through House Bill 2012, we can continue to provide individuals with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and protect their health, ultimately creating a healthier and safer state for everyone." HB2012 passed the House floor 52-41 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Mar 26, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes Bill to Strengthen School Bullying Policies

A measure aimed at improving school board policies on bullying has been passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Currently, each school board must adopt a policy regarding bullying. House Bill 2017 would require a process for parental notification of bullying within 24 hours of notification of a bullying incident. Additionally, if a student expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions or encourages another student to commit suicide, the parents or legal guardians of the student must be notified immediately. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, filed the bill to strengthen school district policies regarding bullying. "House Bill 2017 protects the well-being of all Oklahoma’s students," Pae said. "We have a responsibility to ensure that every student feels safe and supported, and that starts with clear policies, effective communication and a commitment to minimizing bullying in all its forms. Schools, parents and communities must work together to protect the well-being of our students." Under HB2017, the measure would require the adoption of procedures for students, school employees, school volunteers, or parents or legal guardians to report acts of bullying. Additionally, the school board must hold public hearings before the adoption or modification of the bullying policy. HB2017 also requires the addition of a statement prohibiting retaliation against a school employee who notifies the district board of education or the State Department of Education of noncompliance with the established bullying policy. The bill specifies that these provisions do not apply to speech protected under the First Amendment, nor do they apply to any other activity authorized by law. The House passed HB2017 62-32. It now moves to the Senate.

Mar 24, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes Dylan's Law to Enhance Support for Epilepsy Patients

A bill designed to better support individuals living with epilepsy has successfully passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House Bill 2013 , known as Dylan's Law, is named in honor of Dylan Whitten, who tragically passed away in 2017 at the age of 25 due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is a fatal complication of epilepsy, referring to the sudden death of a person with epilepsy where no other cause is found. Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, authored Dylan's Law, which he is working on with Dylan's sister, Hannah Whitten. The bill would require the State Commissioner of Health to provide epilepsy education for medical professionals to help them identify patients at risk for SUDEP. The Chief Medical Examiner’s office would also train staff to recognize SUDEP. "Dylan's Law is a crucial step in providing people with epilepsy the support they need," said Pae. "By ensuring medical professionals are properly educated about the risks associated with epilepsy, including the dangers of SUDEP, we can significantly improve the way individuals with epilepsy are treated and help prevent future tragedies." If HB2013 is signed into law, the Division of Health Care Information would be required to create a program to raise awareness of SUDEP risks among people with epilepsy. Additionally, autopsies of individuals with epilepsy would include an investigation into whether SUDEP caused their death, with the findings reported on the death certificate and to the North American SUDEP Registry. Starting June 1, 2026, people with epilepsy could voluntarily add a symbol to their state-issued driver’s license or ID card to help law enforcement and emergency responders identify them. The symbol could also be added to the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, and individuals could remove it at any time. HB2013 passed the House 59-30 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.