Representative Josh West

R

District 5

Hi, I'm Josh West and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 5th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Leader

58th Legislature

Majority Floor Leader

60th Legislature

Assistant Majority Floor Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 23, 2026
Recent Posts

Major Data Privacy Bill Signed into Law; New law, effective 2027, gives Oklahomans greater control over personal information

A comprehensive bill strengthening data privacy protections for Oklahomans has been signed into law.  Senate Bill 546 , authored by House Majority Floor Leader Josh West, R-Grove, and Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, establishes new consumer rights regarding personal data and creates clear rules for businesses that collect and process information from Oklahoma residents. Under the new law, Oklahomans will be able to access, correct, delete and obtain copies of their personal data, as well as opt out of the sale of their personal data and certain targeted advertising practices.  West, who has pushed for strong data privacy laws in Oklahoma since 2019, said Oklahomans deserve to have a say in how their private information is used.  "In the age of the internet, personal data is valuable currency," West said. "People deserve to know how their data is being used and have the ability to make decisions about that information. Senate Bill 546 gives Oklahomans meaningful control over their own data while establishing clear standards for businesses operating in our state."  SB546 applies to businesses operating in Oklahoma that either process personal data of over 100,000 consumers or process data of 25,000 consumers while earning a majority of their revenue from selling data. The legislation also requires businesses to provide transparent privacy notices, maintain reasonable data security practices and obtain consent before processing sensitive personal information. If companies fail to comply, the Oklahoma Attorney General could take action against them.  "Senate Bill 546 puts Oklahomans back in control of their personal data," Howard said. "For too long, technology companies and online platforms have collected and sold consumers’ personal information, including search histories, spending habits and other browsing data, without giving them the chance to opt out. This new law protects Oklahomans’ privacy online by giving every individual the right to know what data is being collected, while also giving them the power to delete that information and prevent it from being sold."  West said the policy has been a long time coming. In 2021, he authored legislation that would have implemented the strongest data privacy law in the nation. The measure, which was coauthored by 44 legislators, passed the House broadly but stalled in the legislative process.  "I started working on this legislation in 2019 after a conversation with former Representative Collin Walke," West said. "After seven years and five drafts, Oklahomans will finally have the say they deserve in how their personal data is used. I appreciate Senator Howard's work to push Senate Bill 546 across the finish line and thank the governor for signing it into law."  There are exemptions for certain entities, including state agencies, nonprofits and higher education institutions, as well as exemptions for organizations working with data already regulated by federal laws, such as HIPAA.  SB546 will take effect January 1, 2027. 

Sep 26, 2025
Recent Posts

Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert Leads Legislative Delegation to the White House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, along with members of the Oklahoma House and Senate Republican Caucuses were invited to hear directly from members of President Trump’s Cabinet and other federal officials about policies impacting Oklahoma. This legislative leadership visit to Washington, D.C., organized in partnership with the White House Office of Governmental Affairs, allowed the delegation to participate in high-level meetings with Secretary Kristi Noem, Secretary Scott Turner, Secretary Brooke Rollins, Secretary Doug Collins, Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs of the Small Business Administration and U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin. Speaker Hilbert emphasized the importance of ensuring Oklahoma voices are heard in Washington. “This was an invaluable opportunity for our state leaders to engage directly with federal decision-makers who influence issues that affect Oklahoma families, businesses and communities every day," said Speaker Hilbert. “We are committed to ensuring Oklahoma’s voice is heard at the national level, particularly on critical issues such as energy, agriculture, education and healthcare." To make the most of the visit, the delegation hosted interactive learning sessions in advance of the White House meetings. Presentations included: Missi Tessier, Cogent Strategies Jim Hobart, Public Opinion Strategies Erin Covey, Cook Political Report Matt Smith, CPAC “It was an honor to join my legislative colleagues in Washington, D.C. for productive discussions on how we can better partner on a state level with the Congressional delegation and President Trump’s administration,” said Senate Pro Tem Paxton said. “These meetings provided an important opportunity to advocate for the needs of Oklahomans, build relationships and ensure our state’s voice is heard on issues that directly impact our citizens. I appreciate everyone who took the time to meet with us and hosted us. I look forward to future conversations and putting what we learned into action.” The following day, Senator Mullin arranged a unique opportunity for a handful of members to meet Vice President J.D. Vance at Joint Base Andrews prior to his departure on Air Force Two. While the meeting was informal, Speaker Hilbert described it as deeply significant. “Standing on the runway at Joint Base Andrews and having the chance to meet Vice President Vance just before his departure was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Hilbert said. “It was an opportunity not only to thank him for his service but also to highlight Oklahoma’s leadership. These personal connections matter, and they strengthen our ability to advocate for the people we serve.” Among those who were able to meet with the Vice President was Majority Floor Leader Josh West. “As Oklahoma legislators, it’s critical that we remain in close contact with our federal representatives. After Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly re-elected President Trump, it was a blessing to meet with his team at the White House. I really want to thank Senator Mullin for giving Oklahoma this platform, and for making sure we got a chance to meet with the Vice President of the United States. It was a great trip,” said West. Throughout the trip, legislators also attended U.S. Capitol tours and policy briefings tailored to their committee and district interests, including: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Oil and Gas Issues American Hospital Association U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Mississippi Reading Miracle with Deputy Assistant Secretary Laurie Todd-Smith U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Education U.S. Department of Commerce "We are committed to bringing back ideas, information and solutions that can strengthen Oklahoma. This visit allowed our caucus to build relationships, gain insights and ensure that our state is well-represented in national conversations. I would like to especially thank our White House point-of-contact, Chase Wilson and Senator Mullin for all of the hard work they put in to making this trip a success.” said Hilbert. The trip was open to all members of the Oklahoma Republican Caucuses from both chambers of the Legislature.

Mar 11, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes Legislation to Strengthen Oklahoma Military Bases

The  House passed legislation  of f  the  floor today that would allow for additional state investments in infrastructure tied to Oklahoma's five military bases. House  Speaker  Kyle Hilbert authored House Bill 2516 and House Bill 2518, which create revolving funds at  the  state Treasury for use by  the  Oklahoma Military Department.  The  Base Infrastructure Needs and Development (BIND) fund will have a technology and a schools component that will allow for additional support to  the  state's military bases in  the  hopes  of  preventing any future base closures and expanding operations when possible. "Oklahoma has a long history across multiple branches  of   the  military and we want to send a loud signal that  the  state supports our bases," said Hilbert, R-Bristow. " The se funds will allow funds to accrue over time so we are able to take advantage  of  potential expansion opportunities as  the y become available and fight against any potential closures in  the  future." House Bill 2516 creates  the  BIND-Schools Fund, which can be used to make infrastructure investments improving common education facilities located on military bases in  the  state. House Bill 2518 creates  the  BIND-Technology Fund, which can be used to make infrastructure investments including  the  purchase  of  license and software associated with military simulation training. Both funds are intended to decrease  the  likelihood  of  military base and other military infrastructure closure or increase  the  likelihood  of  military base and other military infrastructure expansions in  the  state. " The  military plays an important role in our state's economy, but also in  the  values we live in our state," said Floor Leader Josh West, R-Grove, and an Army veteran. " The re is no greater investment than shoring up our military bases and making sure we are poised for any needed growth in our military in  the  years to come." Both bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and will now head to  the  Senate for further consideration. -END-