Representative Gabe Woolley

R

District 98

Hi, I’m Gabe Woolley and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 98th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Jan 29, 2025
Recent Posts

Woolley Addresses Illegal Immigration with Bills to Protect Oklahoma Jobs, Track School Funds

OKLAHOMA CITY - Amid growing concerns over the impact illegal immigration has on Oklahoma’s workforce and public resources, Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, has filed two pieces of legislation aimed at enforcing employment laws and ensuring transparency in public education enrollment and funding. House Bill 1962 , co-authored by Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, would require all employers in Oklahoma to use an electronic verification system to confirm the legal work eligibility of new hires. This measure would ensure that jobs are reserved for legal citizens and authorized workers. Woolley believes this would protect opportunities for Oklahomans while discouraging illegal employment practices. “Oklahoma jobs should go to Oklahoma citizens and legal workers first,” Woolley said. "We must support and encourage ethical and legal behavior. Requiring an electronic verification system is a commonsense solution to prevent businesses from hiring undocumented workers, which undercuts wages and takes jobs away from hardworking Oklahomans.” A second bill by Woolley, House Bill 1165 , would mandate the disclosure of citizenship status when enrolling students in taxpayer-funded public schools. The aim is to provide accurate data on non-citizen student populations while ensuring that state resources are appropriately allocated. “This bill does not deny education to any child but simply requires disclosure so we can make informed policy decisions," Woolley said. "Our public schools are funded by Oklahoma taxpayers, and we need full transparency in enrollment to understand what impact illegal immigration has on our education system. When the people of Oklahoma know exactly where their tax dollars are going, they can continue to work with their elected officials to better our state.” Woolley said both proposed measures ensure fairness in employment and transparency in education while protecting protect Oklahoma taxpayers. “These bills reinforce that Oklahoma is serious about enforcing immigration laws and protecting our citizens from the economic burdens of illegal immigration,” Woolley said. “It’s time we put Oklahoma families and workers first.” HB1962 and HB1165 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3.

Jan 13, 2025
Recent Posts

New Bill Calls for DHS Accountability to Protect Families and Uphold Due Process

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, has introduced House Bill 1100 , a legislative measure aimed at ensuring accountability within the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). The bill would require clear and convincing evidence to keep a child away from their parent or guardian. HB1100 would also impose felony kidnapping charges on the DHS employee who is responsible for approving the continued holding or release of a child for noncompliance. “Due process appears to be an idea that has gone out the window in many cases here in Oklahoma,” said Woolley. “House Bill 1100 ensures the government is not above the law and requires concrete evidence of a crime or misconduct before the Department of Human Services can keep a child away from their family.” Woolley authored HB1100 to prevent children from being wrongfully taken or kept from their families by DHS, even in cases where charges were dropped or no evidence of misconduct was found. HB1100 would mandate that DHS present “clear and convincing evidence” of abuse or criminal behavior to justify separating a child from their family. If DHS fails to meet this new standard and refuses to return a child, the agency employee responsible for making that decision could face felony kidnapping charges. “No one is above the law,” Woolley stated. “If a private individual refuses to return someone’s child, they would face charges of kidnapping. DHS should be held to the same standard. Too often, Oklahomans have seen families torn apart without evidence or due process, and that must stop.” Woolley emphasized the importance of balancing the scales of justice and addressing the lack of accountability and transparency within DHS. “Oklahoma families should not live in fear of their own government,” he said. “This bill helps ensure DHS and the courts do not abuse their power and that families are protected at all costs.” HB1100 also seeks to replace the phrase "preponderance of evidence" with "clear and convincing evidence." Currently in Oklahoma child custody cases, "preponderance of evidence" refers to a legal standard requiring a more likely than not chance of misconduct to justify keeping a child from their family. By replacing this term with "clear and convincing evidence," HB1100 would require DHS to present strong, concrete proof that leaves little room for doubt about its validity. “Preponderance of evidence does not prove guilt,” Woolley noted. “The vague language in our laws has been weaponized to divide and destroy innocent families. It’s time to bring clarity, justice and accountability back into our system.” This bill still allows the court to hold review and follow-up hearings if DHS presents legitimate evidence of abuse to protect children. Woolley concluded, “In Oklahoma and in America, we believe in due process and the principle of being innocent until proven guilty. House Bill 1100 reflects these values and ensures that the government entity designed to protect children is held to the highest standards of justice.” 

Dec 13, 2024
Recent Posts

Woolley Comments on Turnpike Fee Hikes

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, today issued the following statement about fee increases by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. "Any fee increases from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority should be approved by the state Legislature, as this would put the power back into the hands of the people via their elected officials. "Having to pay to drive across your own home state is already frustrating enough for many Oklahomans. Citizens feeling like they are further removed from having a say in the process is perhaps even more frustrating. I do not support these turnpike fee increases or the manner in which they are determined and enforced. I am, however, encouraged to hear that there is interest among the state Legislature to hold the Turnpike Authority accountable to the people of Oklahoma. "I encourage Oklahoma state elected officials to push for any financial adjustments that impact the people of Oklahoma to be approved by the state Legislature."