Speaker Kyle Hilbert

R

District 29

Hi, I’m Kyle Hilbert and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 29th District.


representative

Leadership

Speaker Pro Tempore

59th Legislature

Speaker Pro Tempore

58th Legislature

Speaker of the House

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Apr 15, 2025
Recent Posts

House Speaker Announces Select Committee to Review Mental Health Finances

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert announced today the formation of a select committee to review the finances at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). Majority Leader Mark Lawson will chair the committee for the House and the following members have been appointed to the committee: Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa – chair Rep. T.J. Marti, R-Tulsa Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany Rep. Josh West, R-Grove Rep. Kevin West. R-Moore Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater "It is our constitutional duty to oversee and appropriate state funds, and we take that role very seriously," said Hilbert, R-Bristow. "We have just over a month left in this legislative session and we still don't have a clear understanding of how much state funding ODMHSAS needs. This public hearing will help us get to the bottom of what has happened and what needs to happen moving forward." The Speaker first announced his desire to form this committee last week. Additionally, the state Auditor and Inspector is doing a forensic audit of the agency and Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) is reviewing existing contracts and finances to help give a third party perspective to the way the department has handled state appropriated dollars. The Governor also announced yesterday he will appoint a special investigator to review the agency's finances and actions. "The people of Oklahoma are depending on the critical mental health services provided by the department and we need more information than what we have in front of us right now to make a decision on if state funds have been spent appropriately, and what additional dollars may be needed to ensure continuity of care," said Lawson. "We have seen contracts cancelled and have been told money appropriated by the Legislature for specific purposes is unaccounted for. The Legislature needs more confidence in what it will take to adequately fund mental health services both in the short and long term. This is an all-hands-on-deck approach as we near the end of the legislative session." The Commissioner of ODMHSAS Allie Friesen will be called before the committee to address recent issues at the department, including but not limited to: The current financial condition of the ODMHSAS The unknown use of specific fund allocations such as the $5 million allocated for upgraded electronic medical records system, which was never implemented The use of current year appropriations to pay prior years expenses Cancelled CCBHC contracts The department's need for a FY25 supplemental to fulfill its financial obligations in the current fiscal year and the amount needed to do so Future budget needs for FY26 Give an update of the current state of the federal court-ordered consent decree on the Department of Mental Health The select committee will meet on Thursday, April 17, at 1:30 p.m. in Room 450 at the state Capitol.

Apr 14, 2025
Recent Posts

Oklahoma Legislature Hosts Joint Session Honoring 30th Anniversary of Oklahoma City Bombing

OKLAHOMA CITY – In a solemn joint session of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate on Monday, state lawmakers gathered to mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, honoring the 168 lives lost and recognizing the strength and resilience that emerged in the wake of the tragedy. The House and Senate honored survivors, family members, first responders and dignitaries as members of both legislative bodies paused to reflect on the events of April 19, 1995, and the enduring legacy that followed. Members heard from former Governor Frank Keating, who served as governor during the bombing. “Thirty years ago, our state endured unimaginable heartbreak,” said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. “But from that devastation rose the Oklahoma Standard—a spirit of service, compassion and strength that continues to define us today. As we remember the victims and honor the heroes and survivors, we also recommit ourselves to building a future that reflects the best of who we are.” Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and collective resolve. ?“The bombing changed us forever, but it did not defeat us,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “What emerged from the rubble was not only grief, but an extraordinary sense of resolve and determination that captured the hearts of people across the nation. We will never forget the pain of that day, but we also hold fast to the hope and determination that helped us heal. We come together today not only to mourn, but to honor. Honor those we lost. Honor those who served. And honor the unbreakable spirit of Oklahoma in the face of unimaginable tragedy.” During the ceremony, the names of all 168 victims were displayed and a Journey of Hope video was played. The Legislature also recognized the work of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and encouraged all Oklahomans to participate in remembrance events throughout the week.

Apr 9, 2025
Recent Posts

House Speaker Comments on Governor Executive Order

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert today commended Governor Kevin Stitt for issuing an executive order inquiring about contract employees across state agencies—a move Hilbert recently called for during his weekly press conference. The Governor’s action aligns closely with legislation recently passed by the House aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the use of contract labor within state government. The House passed House Bill 1607, authored by Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, in a unanimous 96-0 vote. “I want to thank Governor Stitt for taking decisive action to rein in unnecessary contract hiring,” said Speaker Hilbert, R-Bristow. “This is exactly the type of fiscal responsibility Oklahomans expect. By closely evaluating contract hires, we can take a hard look at how our agencies are spending taxpayer dollars and ensure that every dollar is accounted for and spent according to legislative intent.” Speaker Hilbert has cited an example he heard directly from the head of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse where the agency is paying contract nurses $200/hour when they could pay an internally-hired nurse $65/hour. This is just one example of many that have come to light as agencies have been told by the executive branch they cannot hire additional FTEs or ask for additional appropriations from the Legislature. Despite that directive, agencies have more than $1 billion in appropriations asks in front of the Legislature currently.  “This executive order complements our legislative efforts to shine a light on how the state utilizes contracted workers,” Hilbert continued. “We’re not saying contract work doesn’t have its place—but we are saying it deserves the same level of scrutiny as any other line item in the budget. We must continue to balance the need for core government services and those employees best suited to provide those services with private sector solutions that can provide better or more efficient services. Transparency allows for open dialogue between agencies and the Legislature on how to best spend taxpayer dollars and ensure Oklahomans are getting the critical services they need.” The House has already asked LOFT to evaluate every state agency and the contract labor they have on the books to determine what is needed spending on core services vs. what is superfluous and could potentially be cut or brought in-house for cheaper. ?House Bill 1607 requires state agencies to report the number and salaries of contract employees to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) using existing payroll software like Workday. The goal is to provide increased visibility into the scope and cost of contract labor across state government. Following its passage in the House, HB1607 is now in the Senate for further consideration. If signed into law, it would take effect on November 1.