Representative Scott Fetgatter

R

District 16

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


representative

Leadership

Tribal & External Affairs

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

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.

Feb 6, 2025
Recent Posts

Fetgatter Passes Storm Chasing Licensing Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, on Tuesday passed a bill in committee that would allow professional storm chasers to obtain licensing through the state that will allow them special accommodations while they are tracking severe weather. House Bill 2426 passed the House Business Committee 9 to 0. It will now be eligible to be considered in the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development Oversight. "Tornadoes do a tremendous amount of damage in our state to families, homes, businesses and other structures," Fetgatter said. "Storm chasers provide an invaluable service in keeping the public informed about the track of a storm, often providing the first warning for people to take cover. This undoubtedly saves lives." Fetgatter said the bill is still a work in progress as he gains further input from stakeholders. It could be amended before its next committee hearing or before it comes to the House floor for a vote. He stressed, however, that nothing in the measure would change how storm chasers – even amateurs – are able to operate today. HB2426 would simply create an optional severe weather tracker license for those who are professionally employed by a media outlet or affiliated research program at specified universities. This would allow licensed storm trackers to be treated as emergency responders during severe weather events. The measure would authorize them to activate flashing emergency lights on their vehicles so they could proceed through red traffic lights and travel on closed roads and highways. Licenses would be issued by the Oklahoma Insurance Department with a fee not to exceed $500 and a renewal fee of $250. Fetgatter said last year, tornado sirens sounded in the cities of Okmulgee and Morris in his House district, but weather radar had picked up the storms too late, and residents already were in danger. Had it not been for the quick action of a local storm tracker, residents would not have known to take shelter, he said.  Fetgatter said he too has been known to chase storms in his pickup truck, and he's supportive of anyone exercising their right to do this. But he sees value in offering this professional license for those with verified experience. "We love storm chasing in Oklahoma. We've made movies about storm chasing in this state. Nothing in this bill will stop this most American of rights," Fetgatter said. "But we have to be able to give professional severe weather trackers the ability to chase storms without being impeded."