Representative Tammy West

R

District 84

Hi, I’m Tammy West and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 84th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Whip

58th Legislature

Majority Whip

60th Legislature

Majority Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 12, 2025
Recent Posts

Legislation Prioritizing Victim Restitution Payments Approved by House

A bill to encourage the prioritization of victim restitution fees has been unanimously approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, carried House Bill 1462 to ensure victims of crimes receive their owed compensation before administrative fees are paid. The measure would direct courts to prioritize the payment of restitution before administrative fees when an individual owes both after being convicted of a crime and serving time. While judges may currently order the prioritization of restitution, Oklahoma's statutes do not explicitly require them to. "Surviving a crime can be deeply traumatic for the victim, as is reliving that time throughout the legal process and trial," West said. "House Bill 1462 makes it clear that our first priority is supporting the victims, not the courts. This bill ensures that victims are rightfully compensated in a timely manner before administrative costs are covered." HB1462 also directs Court Clerks to confirm with the District Attorney that restitution has been paid when allocating payments toward fees. The bill passed the House 89-0 and now proceeds to the Senate for consideration. 

Mar 11, 2025
Recent Posts

Bill to Provide Due Process for School Districts Passes House Floor

The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved legislation that would provide public school districts with the opportunity to be heard by the State Board of Education (SBE) before any changes are made to their accreditation status. House Bill 1466 , authored by Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, would allow for due process procedures for public school districts to be heard by the SBE prior to the issuance of an accreditation deficiency or accreditation status downgrade. The bill adds requirements for accreditation standards to address deficiencies, warnings, probation, or nonaccredited status for non-compliance. "This is a win for transparency in education," West said. "House Bill 1466 will bring more accountability to the process and help schools navigate the accreditation system with greater clarity and fairness. Every school district deserves a fair chance to be heard before major changes are made to their accreditation status, and this measure ensures that their voices are not only heard but considered in the decision-making process." Currently, Oklahoma school districts are not entitled to a hearing or notice before the SBE prior to their accreditation status is downgraded. HB1466 would give school districts the chance to appear before the SBE if the State Department of Education (SDE) recommends downgrading a school's accreditation from "Accredited with Warning" to "Accredited with Probation" or from "Accredited with Probation" to "Non-Accredited." Under HB1466, school districts would have ten days to request a hearing after receiving notice of a recommendation to downgrade their accreditation status. If the district does not request a hearing within this timeframe, they waive their right to one. Additionally, districts that fail to address accreditation issues within 90 days of receiving notice risk having their accreditation status withdrawn. HB1466 passed 89-0 and now moves to the Senate for consideration, where it is carried by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond.

Feb 10, 2025
Recent Posts

Rep. Tammy West Reminds Oklahomans to Apply for Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, is encouraging eligible Oklahomans to apply for the Caring for Caregivers tax credit while filing their 2024 taxes.  In 2023, the Oklahoma Legislature created the Caring for Caregivers Act , designed to help offset some out-of-pocket expenses family caregivers pay for. This spring marks the first time qualifying Oklahomans can file for the credit.  Individuals must be a dependent, spouse, parent or other relation by blood or marriage to the family caregiver. Oklahomans receiving care from a family caregiver must be 62 years of age or older and require assistance with at least two activities of daily living as certified by a licensed health care provider.  "Whenever someone cares for a loved one, unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, sometimes totaling thousands of dollars, inevitably arise," West said. "This legislation is truly significant—not only for the families receiving the tax credit but for strengthening Oklahoma’s family structure as a whole. I encourage every eligible Oklahoman to take advantage of this important support."  The Caring for Caregivers tax credit is capped at $2,000 per year for family caregivers with a federally adjusted gross income below $50,000 for single filers or $100,000 for joint filers. Those caring for veterans or people with a dementia-related diagnosis are eligible for up to $3,000 per year. The total cap for the state is $1.5 million per year.  According to the AARP, Oklahoma’s 490,000 family caregivers contribute an astounding $6.6 billion in unpaid care and dedicate more than 450 million hours annually to caring for loved ones.  Other states offer smaller tax credits to certain caregivers or for expenses like home modifications, but Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to adopt an expansive tax credit for family caregivers.  West said she may run future legislation to expand the tax credit if there are enough Oklahomans who file for it this year.  Oklahomans who believe they may qualify can visit www.aarp.org/OKCaregiverTaxCredit to view the Caring for Caregivers Act Tax Credit Eligibility Tool and read frequently asked questions. The deadline to file 2024 taxes is April 15.