Representative Scott Fetgatter

Hi, I'm Scott Fetgatter and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 16th District.


representative

Leadership

Tribal & External Affairs

60th Legislature

News & Announcements


Apr 10, 2025
Recent Posts

RELEASE: Fetgatter to Further Study Storm Chasing Licensing Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, today announced he has decided to take a deeper dive into the issue of storm chasing in Oklahoma before advancing House Bill 2426 . He said Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, will be holding an interim study on the legislation that would allow professional storm chasers to obtain state licensing giving them special accommodations while tracking severe weather. The bill earlier passed the House and was engrossed to the Senate. "Many people have concerns on all sides of this issue," Fetgatter said. "I would encourage them to sit down together to work out reasonable solutions. In the meantime, it's worthy that we keep this bill alive as we dig deeper into the details surrounding storm chasing in our state. "I appreciate all those who work to keep citizens alert and aware of severe weather conditions in Oklahoma. Tornadoes and other natural disasters create so much destruction annually in our state, and our meteorologists and storm chasers help to keep us all safe. It's important we give them the appropriate tools to do their jobs safely and well." HB2426 would create an optional severe weather tracker license for those professionally employed by a media outlet or affiliated research program at specified universities. This would have allowed licensed storm trackers, during severe weather events, to be authorized to use green and yellow flashing lights on their vehicles so they could proceed through red traffic lights and travel on closed roads and highways.  Storm chasers choosing not to purchase the license would still be allowed to operate as they do now. Fetgatter said many misunderstood the intent of the legislation. "This was not to stop or disrupting any storm chaser that currently comes to Oklahoma to help residents stay aware of dangerous weather," he said. "Our interim study will help continue this conversation and determine the path of the legislation going forward. I believe the proper role of government is public safety, and this is a necessary discussion." Mann, the Senate author of the bill, added, "Oklahoma is known for our severe weather, and our media meteorologists and storm trackers have been on the cutting edge of innovation in the collection and delivery of vital lifesaving information. We have also seen a rise in storm-related traffic and congestion, which has resulted in delays in the ability of those media outlets to deliver that information and our first responders to quickly respond. This was the impetus for writing House Bill 2426. "As Representative Fetgatter worked in the House, it became clear there were concerns from law enforcement and our first responder agencies. "With today’s announcement, I am excited to hold a joint study this legislative interim to bring those stakeholders to the table and work out the specifics on this legislation, which will empower our media trackers to continue protecting and informing the public while also addressing the legitimate concerns of our law enforcement and first responder communities.” Travis Meyer, chief meteorologist for KOTV Channel 6 and David Payne, chief meteorologist with KWTV Channel 9, issued the following joint statement in support of the legislation. "We support a bill that protects the citizens of Oklahoma from our extreme and violent weather. This includes fires, winter weather, and of course severe weather. This bill would enable the people who have the highest and farthest reach to the viewers of Oklahoma the ability to give them lifesaving information three hundred and sixty-five days a year.  "The bill would by no means restrict anyone from anywhere from chasing our extreme weather. This bill just gives the small amount of us the ability to warn Oklahomans of dangerous and life-threatening weather.  "We are looking forward to working with Representative Fetgatter and Senator Mann over the summer on this important legislation." 



Mar 13, 2025
Recent Posts

Red Earth Inc. Leadership Recognized on House Floor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Wednesday – Red Earth Day at the Capitol – recognized several leaders of Red Earth Inc. on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and presented them with a citation honoring their organization. Fetgatter is the House Leader of Tribal and External Affairs. "Oklahoma is Indian country, and no matter if you are a citizen of one of our 39 tribes or not, our culture, history and art are a part of every fiber of who we are as a state and how we are recognized around the world," said Fetgatter who is a member of the Choctaw Tribe. "I want to thank Red Earth for continuing to keep those traditions alive." Recognized Wednesday were Executive Director Chelsey Curry (Tlingit), President Jeff Hargrave (Muscogee Creek/Choctaw), Board members Amanda Williams (Cheyenne and Arapaho) and LaRenda Morgan (Cheyenne and Arapaho), and Understanding Regalia Presenters Verna Street (Cherokee and Meherrin) and Domingo Whiteman (Cheyenne and Arapaho). Also helping to welcome the members of Red Earth Inc. was Rep. Ken Luttrell, co-chair of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Native American Caucus. Luttrell is Cherokee. The citation presented notes that Red Earth Inc. has been a leader in preserving and promoting Indigenous art, culture, and traditions for nearly four decades, educating the public and fostering appreciation for Native American heritage through world-class exhibitions, cultural programming and community events. The organization first held the Red Earth Festival in 1987, which is recognized as one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Indigenous arts, bringing together artists, dancers, and cultural leaders from across North America to showcase both contemporary and traditional Native expression. The organization also holds Red Earth Day at the Capitol, an event that celebrates Indigenous artistry, educates the public on Native traditions, and highlights the importance of cultural preservation through live demonstrations, exhibits, and educational outreach. The citation further noted that Red Earth Inc. continues to enrich Oklahoma’s cultural landscape by ensuring that Indigenous art remains a thriving and celebrated part of Oklahoma’s identity, inspiring future generations to honor and appreciate the artistic and historical contributions of Native communities.



Mar 11, 2025
Recent Posts

Fetgatter Passes Bill to Protect Public from Sexual Predators

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Monday in the House passed a bill that would require child sex offenders to undergo chemical castration before they would be eligible for parole. House Bill 2422 is fashioned after Knight's Law, which Fetgatter passed in the House last year. That bill was named after young victims that attended Henryetta Public Schools who were killed by a released sex offender. The Knight is the mascot of the school district. "A known sex offender in my district was let out of prison even after he was accused of committing additional sex crimes while incarcerated," Fetgatter said. "He murdered his wife, her children and several of the children's friends before he could be tried on those new crimes. This should never have been allowed. "I have promised the families of these victims that as long as I'm in this building, I will fight for stricter laws against such offenders to better protect our kids. While I know this bill doesn't fix all issues dealing with sexual predators, it's a step in the right direction." Fetgatter explained that HB2422 would make chemical castration an option for child sex offenders who are seeking parole, or they would be required to serve 100% of the sentence imposed.  HB2422 would affect those who are over the age of 21 who have committed a crime involving physical touch against a minor under the age of 13 that requires registration as a sex offender, and who has received a mental health evaluation determining the likelihood they would commit subsequent offenses if released on parole. Knight's Law was named in honor of Ivy Webster, 14, and Brittany Brewer, 15, both of Henryetta, and Rylee Allen, 17, Michael Mayo, 15, and Tiffany Guess, 13. All were found dead in 2023 on a property in Henryetta in Okmulgee County in Fetgatter's House District 16. The victims were shot by Jesse McFadden, 39, who had served 16 years in prison for conviction of first-degree rape. He was a registered sex offender who was facing additional sex-crime charges for allegedly soliciting sexual conduct/communication with a minor by use of technology while he was still in prison. He was scheduled to be in court on those charges May 1, 2023. When he didn't appear, authorities issued a bench warrant and discovered seven dead. Law enforcement said it looked as if McFadden shot himself in the head after killing the other six. Also killed was Holley McFadden, Jesse McFadden's wife. HB2422 now moves to the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville.