Representative Gabe Woolley

R

District 98

Hi, I’m Gabe Woolley and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 98th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Dec 31, 2025
Recent Posts

Woolley Files Resolution to Expand Voter Accountability Over Public Universities

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, has filed House Joint Resolution 1037 , a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at increasing public accountability and oversight of Oklahoma’s publicly funded colleges and universities. HJR1037 would give lawmakers limited authority to temporarily freeze, suspend or withhold state-appropriated funding from institutions within the State System of Higher Education through a joint resolution, placing ultimate authority with Oklahoma voters. "This measure, if passed, would allow the people of Oklahoma to hold our publicly funded universities and colleges accountable," Woolley said. "How tax dollars are utilized should always be subject to the will of the people." Under the proposed amendment, any funding action would apply only to state-appropriated dollars and would not affect tuition, fees or private funds. Any freeze, suspension or withholding of funds would be limited to a maximum of two years, with funding automatically restored at the end of that period unless lawmakers take further action. The Legislature would also have the ability to modify, extend within the allowed timeframe or terminate the action early. "The practices that take place within our educational institutions have implications that reach every Oklahoman when graduates enter the workforce, the classroom or the public square," Woolley said. "We must make sure that entities using taxpayer dollars are working in the best interest of the people of Oklahoma." Woolley said the resolution is intended to strengthen accountability while preserving voter control. "Our universities and colleges should be grounded in truth, reality and science when it comes to academic content, school climate and culture," he said. "A stronger system of accountability through the people of Oklahoma will help ensure quality education and responsible use of tax dollars." HJR1037 must be approved by a majority of both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma State Senate before being placed on a statewide ballot for voter consideration. The resolution is eligible to be heard beginning Feb. 2, when the Second Regular Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature convenes.

Jan 29, 2025
Recent Posts

Woolley Addresses Illegal Immigration with Bills to Protect Oklahoma Jobs, Track School Funds

OKLAHOMA CITY - Amid growing concerns over the impact illegal immigration has on Oklahoma’s workforce and public resources, Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, has filed two pieces of legislation aimed at enforcing employment laws and ensuring transparency in public education enrollment and funding. House Bill 1962 , co-authored by Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, would require all employers in Oklahoma to use an electronic verification system to confirm the legal work eligibility of new hires. This measure would ensure that jobs are reserved for legal citizens and authorized workers. Woolley believes this would protect opportunities for Oklahomans while discouraging illegal employment practices. “Oklahoma jobs should go to Oklahoma citizens and legal workers first,” Woolley said. "We must support and encourage ethical and legal behavior. Requiring an electronic verification system is a commonsense solution to prevent businesses from hiring undocumented workers, which undercuts wages and takes jobs away from hardworking Oklahomans.” A second bill by Woolley, House Bill 1165 , would mandate the disclosure of citizenship status when enrolling students in taxpayer-funded public schools. The aim is to provide accurate data on non-citizen student populations while ensuring that state resources are appropriately allocated. “This bill does not deny education to any child but simply requires disclosure so we can make informed policy decisions," Woolley said. "Our public schools are funded by Oklahoma taxpayers, and we need full transparency in enrollment to understand what impact illegal immigration has on our education system. When the people of Oklahoma know exactly where their tax dollars are going, they can continue to work with their elected officials to better our state.” Woolley said both proposed measures ensure fairness in employment and transparency in education while protecting protect Oklahoma taxpayers. “These bills reinforce that Oklahoma is serious about enforcing immigration laws and protecting our citizens from the economic burdens of illegal immigration,” Woolley said. “It’s time we put Oklahoma families and workers first.” HB1962 and HB1165 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3.

Jan 13, 2025
Recent Posts

New Bill Calls for DHS Accountability to Protect Families and Uphold Due Process

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, has introduced House Bill 1100 , a legislative measure aimed at ensuring accountability within the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). The bill would require clear and convincing evidence to keep a child away from their parent or guardian. HB1100 would also impose felony kidnapping charges on the DHS employee who is responsible for approving the continued holding or release of a child for noncompliance. “Due process appears to be an idea that has gone out the window in many cases here in Oklahoma,” said Woolley. “House Bill 1100 ensures the government is not above the law and requires concrete evidence of a crime or misconduct before the Department of Human Services can keep a child away from their family.” Woolley authored HB1100 to prevent children from being wrongfully taken or kept from their families by DHS, even in cases where charges were dropped or no evidence of misconduct was found. HB1100 would mandate that DHS present “clear and convincing evidence” of abuse or criminal behavior to justify separating a child from their family. If DHS fails to meet this new standard and refuses to return a child, the agency employee responsible for making that decision could face felony kidnapping charges. “No one is above the law,” Woolley stated. “If a private individual refuses to return someone’s child, they would face charges of kidnapping. DHS should be held to the same standard. Too often, Oklahomans have seen families torn apart without evidence or due process, and that must stop.” Woolley emphasized the importance of balancing the scales of justice and addressing the lack of accountability and transparency within DHS. “Oklahoma families should not live in fear of their own government,” he said. “This bill helps ensure DHS and the courts do not abuse their power and that families are protected at all costs.” HB1100 also seeks to replace the phrase "preponderance of evidence" with "clear and convincing evidence." Currently in Oklahoma child custody cases, "preponderance of evidence" refers to a legal standard requiring a more likely than not chance of misconduct to justify keeping a child from their family. By replacing this term with "clear and convincing evidence," HB1100 would require DHS to present strong, concrete proof that leaves little room for doubt about its validity. “Preponderance of evidence does not prove guilt,” Woolley noted. “The vague language in our laws has been weaponized to divide and destroy innocent families. It’s time to bring clarity, justice and accountability back into our system.” This bill still allows the court to hold review and follow-up hearings if DHS presents legitimate evidence of abuse to protect children. Woolley concluded, “In Oklahoma and in America, we believe in due process and the principle of being innocent until proven guilty. House Bill 1100 reflects these values and ensures that the government entity designed to protect children is held to the highest standards of justice.”