Representative Kevin Wallace

R

Kevin Wallace represented the people of Oklahoma’s 32nd District.


Leadership

Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee

58th Legislature

Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee

59th Legislature

News & Announcements


Nov 25, 2024
Recent Posts

Rep. Nick Archer Elected to NASC Executive Council

During the 21st Annual National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Sportsman-Legislator Summit held in Baton Rouge, LA, Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, was elected to serve a full, two-year term as a member of the NASC Executive Council (EC). Established in 2004 by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), NASC provides the synergy to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, trapping, and professional fish and wildlife management in state capitols. With more than 2,000 legislators who are members of state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses from all 50 states, this unprecedented network of pro-sportsmen legislators provides the nexus and support among the state caucuses that is critical to the successful advancement of pro-sportsmen policies across the nation. Working with staff at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), the EC assists with the establishment and promotion of pro-sportsmen ideas, and facilitates the sharing of information between state caucuses, conservation partners and allied industries. "Hunting, fishing and outdoor traditions have been a cornerstone of my life, instilling values of sportsmanship and respect for nature. In Oklahoma, these activities are more than pastimes – they are a way of life that unites us and preserves our state's rich heritage," Archer said. The EC plays a critical role in the protection and advancement of hunting and angling rights and the continuation of our sportsmen’s heritage by establishing the activities of NASC, assisting with policy development, setting guidelines for affiliated state caucuses, as well as media outreach intended to highlight the role hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping play in supporting conservation policies that also benefit our nation’s social and economic well-being. "I would be remiss if I did not thank my friend and former legislator, Kevin Wallace. Kevin opened the door for me to this incredible opportunity. I am humbled to carry the torch for Oklahoma and the central United States," said Archer.



Aug 16, 2024
Recent Posts

Wallace Announces LOFT Investigation of OSDE Spending

Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, today announced that the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) would begin an investigation into spending concerns regarding the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). This investigation, approved by Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and spearheaded by Wallace in his capacity as Chairman of LOFT, will focus on issues raised by both legislators and private citizens regarding alleged OSDE funding disbursement issues. "In my capacity as Chairman, I intend to have LOFT investigate funding disbursement concerns raised by both citizens and legislators in regard to funds earmarked to OSDE for specific purposes," Wallace said. "This isn’t about Superintendent Walters; this is about the transparency of a State Agency and getting answers for our constituents. When the Legislature approves funding for a specific purpose, it is incumbent on the agency to which those funds are allocated to spend them properly and in a timely manner. If there are issues with disbursements being made, that information should be communicated to the Legislature well before schools are incumbered. I look forward to using the processes and procedures available within LOFT to address the concerns that have been raised with OSDE funding, and will conduct a thorough, transparent investigation to provide answers to my fellow legislators and the citizens of Oklahoma." "LOFT is designed to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly by state agencies, making them the ideal entity to examine any concerns related to spending at OSDE," McCall said. "This investigation by LOFT allows us to address these concerns efficiently without the need for a costly special legislative session. I trust that Chairman Wallace, and LOFT, will conduct a comprehensive review that will provide clarity on the issues at OSDE and offer solutions to ensure that taxpayer funds are managed appropriately. I fully support this process. Additionally, my office will be sharing all relevant information with Attorney General Gentner Drummond regarding any potential violations of the Open Records or Open Meeting Acts by OSDE. We are committed to transparency, and the findings from this investigation will be made available to the public.” LOFT is a state agency in the legislative branch that assists the Oklahoma House and Senate. LOFT provides budgetary recommendations to the LOFT Oversight Committee for use in setting the funding of state government, higher education, and public schools.



Jun 4, 2024
Recent Posts

OK Legislature Passes 'Alyssa’s Law' to Enhance School Security

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislature has taken a significant step toward ensuring the safety and security of students and staff in schools across the state with the passage of House Bill 4073, also known as “Alyssa’s Law.” This landmark legislation, authored by Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, and Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, implements a mobile panic alert system in all school districts starting with the 2024-25 school year. The act is named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. She was the victim of a school shooter who killed 17 people on Feb. 14, 2018. Key Features of Alyssa’s Law include: Real-time coordination: The mobile panic alert system will connect emergency service technologies to ensure real-time coordination among multiple first responder agencies. Enhanced 911 integration: The system will integrate with public safety answering point infrastructure to transmit 911 calls and mobile activations, providing immediate alerts to designated school personnel. Comprehensive emergency response: Emergency responders will receive vital information such as floor plans and caller location to assist during emergencies, ensuring a prompt and efficient response. “We’ve prioritized school safety over the past couple of years, and Alyssa’s law ties school security together by coordinating our schools and law enforcement," Rep. Wallace said. "The most secure buildings have vulnerabilities when communication isn’t clear.” By adopting HB 4073, the Oklahoma Legislature also has ensured local school choice and free market competition for school mobile panic button systems. The legislation tasks the State Board of Education with adopting a list of approved mobile panic alert systems that meet rigorous standards. These systems must: Automatically alert designated school personnel during an emergency initiated by smartphone application, phone call, text message, or other technology. Provide emergency responders with critical situational information during a 911 call. Integrate designated school personnel with emergency responders for real-time situational updates. Sen. Weaver added, “Allowing the best private vendors to show our schools their options was a priority for us while making sure any school security system adheres to common standards. In the end, we wanted to provide our local schools the ability to choose the school security system that best fits their needs.” HB 4073 also allows schools to tap into existing funding under the “School Security Revolving Fund.” The Legislature has made historic investments for Oklahoma student safety, totaling $50 million a year for the School Security Revolving Fund. This funding will support school mobile panic alert systems. “Passage of Alyssa’s Law is a monumental achievement for the safety of our students and school staff,” said State Superintendent Ryan Walters. “This legislation ensures that our schools are equipped with the necessary tools to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, providing peace of mind to parents, students and educators alike.” HB 4073 has been sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law.