Representative Judd Strom

R

District 10

Hi, I'm Judd Strom and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 10th District.


representative

News & Announcements

Jan 29, 2025
Recent Posts

Strom Files Bill Requiring Student Seat Belts on School Buses

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, has introduced, House Bill 1244 , a bill that would require all school buses to be equipped with seat belts or harnesses, providing vital protection for some of Oklahoma’s youngest passengers. The proposed legislation would amend state statute to require all new vehicles with a capacity of 10 or more passengers, purchased or contracted for use by school districts on or after July 1, 2025, to be equipped with seat belts or harnesses for every passenger. This measure would align Oklahoma with similar policies in other states which reflects the growing trend to improve safety features on school transportation. According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) , eight other states have laws requiring seat belts or harnesses on school buses. these states include Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nevada, Florida, California, New York and New Jersey. “The addition of seat belts for students riding to school or school events on our school buses would put parents' minds at ease and provide an important layer of security for Oklahoma students," Strom said. "By implementing this proposed requirement, we would not only be in the small number of states that are on the forefront of aligning Oklahoma with school bus seat belt requirements but also give parents greater peace of mind knowing their children are as safe as possible during their daily commute." Under HB1244, the proposed requirement would apply to school buses purchased or contracted for use after the emergency July 1, 2025, effective date, ensuring that the law would take effect before next school year. "I believe this is an issue we can all agree on. It is about protecting Oklahoma’s most precious cargo—our children—plain and simple," Strom said. "This measure is a proactive investment in the well-being of our students and reinforces our commitment to putting their safety first.” HB1244 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3.

May 16, 2024
Recent Posts

House Sends Disaster Relief Bills to Senate

Following numerous tornadoes across the state this spring, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed two bills Tuesday to assist communities affected by recent tornadoes. House Bill 2912 and House Bill 2913 were coauthored by and presented on the House floor by Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, whose district includes the town of Barnsdall. The town suffered severe damage as a result of an EF4 tornado on May 6, which led to the deaths of two people and numerous injuries. "The outpouring of support from across the state and country has been tremendous, and I want to thank everyone who has already reached out," Strom said. "This funding represents a major step toward filling a crucial gap in hazard mitigation and restoring the communities across Oklahoma that have been or will be affected by natural disasters, and I'm glad to see strong support for these measures as they move through the process." HB2912 creates the State Assistance Dedicated for Disaster-impacted Local Economies Revolving Fund. The fund would provide advanced financial liquidity to governmental subdivisions directly impacted by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-declared emergency or disaster event. Governmental subdivisions could put the funds toward infrastructure repair, temporary housing and shelter, to fund gaps in required matching funds necessary to participate in FEMA programs, and to mitigate revenue losses. HB2913 appropriates $15 million to the State Emergency Fund and $30 million to the fund created by HB2912. Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, whose district is still grappling with the after-effects of a tornado in April 2023, expressed strong support for both bills. "Last year, I saw firsthand the incredible spirit of the Oklahoma standard as people traveled from across the state to provide support," Kerbs said. "Having resources like this funding available is crucial for meeting the minimum funding requirement for specific federal programs and assisting our affected neighbors in their rebuilding efforts." Both bills passed the House 80-0 on Tuesday and now move to the Senate for consideration.