Representative Mike Osburn

Hi, I’m Mike Osburn and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 81st District.


representative

Leadership

Rules Committee Chair

60th Legislature

News & Announcements


Mar 5, 2025
Recent Posts

House Oversight Committee Passes Bill Modifying Election Dates

A measure modifying the dates certain elections may be held is now eligible for consideration on the House floor. Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, authored  House Bill 2106  to increase voter turnout for all elections while ensuring voters have ample opportunity to have their voices heard at the ballot box. Under current law, there are 12 possible election dates in odd-numbered years and seven possible dates in even-numbered years. HB2106 provides for five election days in every year to be held in February, April, June, August and November.  "House Bill 2106 is a commonsense reform that helps combat voter fatigue by streamlining our election calendar," Osburn said. "Part of the reason we have low voter turnout is because we have too many elections. By reducing the number of low-turnout elections, we make it easier for Oklahomans to participate in the democratic process while also ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective system. This bill is a win for voters, a win for election integrity and a win for fiscal responsibility."   HB2106 ensures major election dates remain in the months where they have traditionally been held while reducing the number of special election dates. The bill maintains exceptions for special elections called by the governor and outlines specific circumstances for additional election dates, specifying when they can be held.  Currently, special elections, propositions and candidate races scheduled for these specific dates would be affected. All other elections, as well as the absentee and early voting processes, would remain unaffected. HB2106 passed the House Government Oversight Committee 12-4 and may now be considered on the House floor.



May 29, 2024
Recent Posts

Historic Felony Sentencing Modernization Bill Approved by House

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Wednesdays approved the final language of a measure that would make major changes to Oklahoma's criminal code. House Bill 1792 by Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, categorizes all felonies into classes according to the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Reclassification Council’s recommendations, which followed three years of study. The Council was created by the Legislature in 2018 to review the criminal code and propose a felony classification system that strengthened public safety without increasing the prison population. Primarily, HB1792 places Oklahoma’s over 2,000 felonies into 14 different categories based on the severity of the crime. Furthermore, it aligns sentence ranges with current practices based on data derived from judicial sentencing orders rather than actual time served. The measure sets standard sentencing ranges and minimum time served requirements for Class C and D felonies, with the severity of these sentences increasing after repeat offenses. "I firmly believe House Bill 1792 represents our best path forward to provide a reformed, clear and consistent felony classification system while ensuring the safety of Oklahomans comes first," Osburn said. "This bill is the result of over two years of collaboration, discussion and hard work by law enforcement, prosecutors, criminal justice reform advocates, policymakers, and other stakeholders. I greatly appreciate the work of all the stakeholders who stepped up to the task and dived into the details over the last several years."  HB1792 addresses less serious prior felony convictions differently than more serious prior felony convictions. The measure also provides that minimum time served requirements will be included in jury instructions, as well as clarifies that inmates will not be released from prison on ankle monitors before their minimum time served. Osburn emphasized that HB1792 does not change any sentencing ranges for violent felonies in the Y, A and B classes, which include murder, sexual abuse, arson, assault and first-degree burglary. Additionally, the measure does not change sentence ranges for any misdemeanor or address any fines and fees, nor does it change punishments or sentences for crimes related to animal theft and abuse, abortion, or oil and gas, pipeline, and critical infrastructure. HB1792 passed the House 67-26 and now moves to the Senate for consideration of the conference committee report. If signed into law, HB1792 would take effect Jan. 1, 2026, granting policymakers time to analyze data and make adjustments before the new system goes live. These sentencing changes are not retroactive and would only apply to felonies committed after the enacting date. 



Mar 14, 2024
Recent Posts

Representatives Issue Joint Statement After Death of Nex Benedict

OKLAHOMA CITY – A group of Oklahoma House representatives today released a statement about the death of Nex Benedict. The Owasso High School student's death was ruled an overdose according to the state medical examiner. Benedict died one day after being injured in an altercation inside an Owasso High School bathroom. "The tragic suicide of Nex Benedict is a harsh reminder of the power that words have. As public officials and policy makers, we have a sacred obligation to ensure that as we do the work of the people, we do so with respect and dignity. Every human life is precious and created in the image of God regardless of who they are or who they love. We call on all Oklahomans to join us in our commitment to being respectful and deliberate in our language." The statement is issued by Reps. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan; Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City; Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa; Mike Osburn, R-Edmond; Mark McBride, R-Moore; Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City; Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso; Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks. The lawmakers reminded the public that anyone feeling suicidal or experiencing thoughts of suicide should contact 988 or 911 immediately. LGBTQ youth also can call (866) 488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678 to reach the Trevor Project."