Legislative Update

Tax-cut discussion to continue?

June 1, 2023 Ray Carter

Although lawmakers are expected to adjourn from the current budget-focused special session without passing a major tax cut, Gov. Kevin Stitt said he may continue to push for one in the coming weeks. “I’m considering calling people back for another special session to get a tax cut done,” Stitt said. “You know, when you think…

Lawmakers approve rules on School pornography and Parental Rights

May 25, 2023 Ray Carter

Oklahoma State Department of Education regulations that ban pornographic materials in public-school libraries and spell out parental rights in schools have received approval from Oklahoma lawmakers. Lawmakers’ decision to approve the rules is a victory for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, who championed adoption of the new regulations. In March, at Walters’ urging,…

School Choice Education Bill Passes

May 18, 2023 Ray Carter

After weeks of negotiations, Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders announced they have reached an agreement on a public-school funding plan that also clears the way for enactment of a major expansion of school choice in Oklahoma. “Right now, we’re not top 10 in education,” Stitt said. “And so that’s why I appreciate the House…

Senate and House call for transparent budget process

May 18, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – On the 92nd day of the 2023 Legislative session, with ten working days remaining, Democratic leaders in both chambers called for transparency and accountability in the state budget process. “Oklahomans deserve a say in how their tax dollars are spent. They don’t get that say when budgets are prepared behind closed doors…

Bill That Could Prevent Fentanyl Overdose Deaths Set to Become Law

May 18, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation that could prevent fentanyl overdose deaths was signed by Governor Kevin Stitt and will go into effect on November 1st of this year. House Bill 1987, authored by Democratic Whip Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, would allow Oklahomans to carry fentanyl test strips legally without the strips being considered drug paraphernalia….

Bill Aimed at Creating More Transparency in School Bonding Becomes Law

May 18, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY –HB1445, authored by Assistant House Democratic Leader Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa would require school districts to post a copy of their bond proposal to their website at least 30 days prior to the election. The legislation also requires school districts post updates to their website of any material changes made to a voter-approved project…

Oklahoma’s ESG law gets Blackrock’s notice

May 18, 2023 Ray Carter

Under Oklahoma law, investment companies that politically boycott oil-and-gas investments are now prohibited from receiving state contracts to manage hundreds of millions of dollars in state pension funds. That has grabbed the attention of one of the companies barred from handling those funds. This week, officials with Blackrock, Inc., met with Gov. Kevin Stitt to…

Religious freedom bill signed into law

May 11, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed Senate Bill 404, clarifying Oklahoma law to prevent discrimination against religious entities. Sen. Julie Daniels is the Senate principal author of the measure, and House Floor Leader Jon Echols is the House principal author. Daniels said Oklahoma is one of 23 states that has enacted a state-level…

Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Bill Signed into Law

May 11, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today expressed thanks to Gov. Kevin Stitt for his signing into law a measure that would help victims of domestic violence as they establish new residences. House Bill 2242 would require public utilities and municipally owned utility providers to waive the initial credit and deposit requirements for documented…

Bill becomes law banning gender transition for children under 18

May 4, 2023

Governor Kevin Stitt signed SB 613 into law today banning all irreversible gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies for children under the age of 18. “Last year, I called for a statewide ban on all irreversible gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies on minors so I am thrilled to sign this into law today and…