Small: Taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize idleness

Taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize idleness

By Jonathan Small

Oklahomans don’t mind providing a helping hand to those in true need. What they hate is paying for others’ idleness. In the view of Oklahomans, those who can work, should work.

That’s one of the major problems with the 2020 decision to expand Oklahoma’s Medicaid program to include able-bodied adults with no children, rather than confine the program to children, low-income pregnant women and the disabled.

That expansion has diverted hundreds of millions of state tax dollars away from other uses in the years since, and the price tag could explode by as much as $700 million per year if federal officials alter the state match for those able-bodied adults to roughly the same level as the state match for disabled people on Medicaid.

Polaris Technology blasts Muskogee City Council's annexation vote

Is this a case of the City getting greedy? As I recall, almost every single large industrial center in Muskogee is technically on unincorporated zones. They touted this data center investment when it came, but are they breaking any of the previous agreement?

Polaris Technology Responds to Muskogee City Council Annexation Vote

MUSKOGEE, OK (June 10, 2025) – Polaris Technology expresses deep concern following the Muskogee City Council's vote today to move forward with annexation of private property currently owned and operated by Polaris. If finalized, the decision would jeopardize prior good-faith agreements with former city and county leadership and risk undermining significant economic progress in Muskogee and the broader region.

ODOC to purchase Lawton Correctional Facility, last privately operated prison

ODOC to purchase Lawton Correctional Facility, take over operations July 25

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 5th) – The Oklahoma Department of Corrections has officially entered an agreement to purchase the Lawton Correctional Facility from The GEO Group. ODOC will assume operational control on July 25, a major milestone in strengthening the agency’s transformative presence.

This transition brings the State of Oklahoma one step closer to a fully unified corrections system, as Lawton Correctional Facility is the last remaining privately operated prison used by the state. Once the purchase is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Corrections and finalized, ODOC will assume full responsibility for facility operations, staffing and programming.

Stitt names retired Admiral Slavonic as interim Mental Health commissioner

Governor Stitt names Retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic as Interim Commissioner of Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 3, 2025) -Today, Governor Kevin Stitt named Retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic as Interim Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). This comes after the Legislature voted to remove the Governor’s previous appointee in a late-night vote.

“It is no secret that the Department of Mental Health has long been in need of reform,” said Gov. Stitt. “It is imperative that Admiral Slavonic is allowed to do the hard work needed to remove corruption and conflicts of interest without political interference. There are brighter days ahead for this department and those that rely on its services. I’m grateful to Admiral Slavonic for his willingness to set another Oklahoma agency on the right course.”

State Treasurer Todd Russ announces campaign for re-election

State Treasurer Todd Russ Announces Re-Election Bid

(Wednesday, June 4th, 2025) State Treasurer Todd Russ announced today that he is running for a second term in 2026. Russ, a Republican, was elected in 2022 with 65 percent of the vote, sweeping all 77 counties. 

“As Treasurer, I use my extensive background in banking and business, along with more than a decade of mastering the inner workings of state government, to help conservatively manage Oklahoma’s money and financial resources, significantly improving the state’s financial position,” Russ said.

“It would be my honor to continue serving the citizens of Oklahoma as their State Treasurer. My conservative values align with the vast majority of Oklahomans. I know the value of hard work and the importance of standing for Godly values and honest, ethical leadership,” Russ added.

Gov. Stitt, local leaders tout major new industrial park in Chickasha

Governor Stitt, Chickasha leaders Celebrate Largest Private Investment in City History with Announcement of New Industrial Park and Power Generation Joint Venture

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 5, 2025) -Today, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt joined local leaders in Chickasha to unveil plans for a major new industrial park and power generation initiative— projects representing the largest single private investment in the city’s history. Spearheaded by Chet Hitt, the development of the industrial park is projected to attract high-demand industries, potentially creating thousands of new jobs and injecting approximately $3.5 billion into the local economy.

OCPA column: A successful session

A successful session

By Jonathan Small

The 2025 legislative session has provided many policy wins for Oklahomans, and it is evidence of the intentional efforts by lawmakers to pass meaningful reforms.

The success of this session owes much to the leadership of Gov. Kevin Stitt, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, and Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, as well as the hard work of many lawmakers.

House Bill 2764 cuts Oklahoma’s top income-tax rate from 4.75 percent to 4.5 percent and puts the income tax on a gradual path to zero. This will help Oklahoma remain competitive with other states while encouraging more investment and job creation in Oklahoma. State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom and state Rep. Mark Lepak, in particular, deserve credit for their work on this issue.

Governor Stitt celebrates legislative session policy wins, including tax cut

Governor Stitt Celebrates Session Wins

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 30, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt celebrated a successful end to the legislative session. He signed multiple policy priorities into law, including a quarter point personal income tax reduction and a plan to eliminate the income tax for all Oklahomans. He signed business-friendly priorities including “Behind-the-Meter” and business courts. He also signed legislation that will ensure Oklahoma students are receiving the education that best prepares them for the future workforce.

Rep. Rick West: "Just Say No" (to lobbyist money)

Just Say No

By Rep. Rick West (R-Heavener)

Back in the 1980s, then-First Lady Nancy Reagan popularized the phrase "Just Say No" as part of an anti-drug campaign.

I kind of feel like bringing that back at the Legislature, but in this case pertaining to lobbyists. Never have I been more convinced that my decision to just say no to lobbyists' or political action committee money was the right move. It's one of the best decisions I've made since I've been in politics. It gives me freedom, and freedom is everything.

There is no question that lobbyists run the vast majority of legislation at the Capitol, and they do it through the power of the purse.

I appreciate the folks in my district who understand my decision not to take lobbyists' money. Y'all get it.

Rep. Hays: 'A Call for Fairness in Municipal Public Policy'

A Call for Fairness in Municipal Public Policy

By State Representative Neil Hays (R, HD-13)

As communities across the country work to balance budgets, fund essential services, and attract the businesses that drive innovation and job creation, it’s time for local governments to rethink their approach to public policy. As State Representative for District 13, I encourage our elected leaders to adopt transparent, deliberate, and equitable decision-making processes when considering new taxes, fees, or regulations. We must resist hasty or regressive measures that undermine the very economies they seek to support.

Legislature approves $4M to help relocate USS Batfish

After five years of languishing following the 2019 Arkansas River flood, the USS Batfish finally has some good news: 

Top: April 2019 - middle: May 2019 - Bottom: June 2019

OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE APPROVES $4 MILLION TO RELOCATE USS BATFISH

Oklahoma City, OK (May 29, 2025) - One of America’s most decorated World War II submarines—and a beloved Oklahoma landmark—is one step closer to safe harbor. On May 22, the Oklahoma Legislature approved HB2794, allocating $4 million in FY26 funding to the USS Batfish. The state appropriation will be used to relocate the historic military vessel to its future home at Three Forks Harbor.

US Senate approves Lankford bill establishing National Monument in North Tulsa

Senate Approves Lankford Bill Establishing National Monument in North Tulsa

WASHINGTON, DC (May 23rd) – Thursday, the United States Senate approved the Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act by unanimous consent. The legislation will designate as a national monument the Historic Greenwood District of North Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre took place.

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) was joined by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in first introducing the legislation in 2023. During the last Congress, the bill was unanimously approved by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources where Lankford testified on the importance of the national monument to North Tulsa. The legislation was then passed unanimously by the full Senate.

Small: A big win for children with special needs

A big win for children with special needs

By Jonathan Small

Since its creation in 2010, the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities (LNH) program has provided a lifeline to families whose children have special needs and cannot receive appropriate educational services in their local district.

Under longstanding Oklahoma law, local school districts receive additional state funds for each child with special needs. But that doesn’t always mean the extra money is used effectively. In the worst instances, public schools have effectively pocketed the extra cash without providing real benefit to the child with special needs.

That’s why the LNH program allows parents to use state funds allocated for their child’s education to pay for private-school tuition. The scholarships range from $4,196 to $22,236, based on a child’s diagnosis.

Brecheen: Why I voted Yes on the 'One Big Beautiful Bill'

Good commentary from Oklahoma's best member of Congress, explaining his rationale on joining all but three House Republicans in voting for President Trump's 'One Big Beautiful [mega-spending] Bill':

Why I Voted Yes on the One Big Beautiful Bill

by Congressman Josh Brecheen (R, OK-02)

Writing to Henry Knox in 1795 as he faced the intense national debate over the Jay Treaty, George Washington described his lack of perfect wisdom: “I have found no better guide hitherto than upright intentions, and close investigation.” Not claiming to be an infallible man, Washington relied upon his honest convictions and a close examination of the facts to guide him through difficult decisions. 

The cornerstone of upright intentions is truth.

Oklahomans rightly expect their representatives to embody upright intentions, be guided by the truth, and diligently represent them. That’s why, after a week of tough negotiations, I changed my vote on the One Big Beautiful Bill—in good conscience first voting “no” in committee, then “present” in committee to allow it to pass, and finally a “yes” on the floor after the bill was improved. I want you to know why.

The final hours: a news brief for the end of the 2025 legislative session

I have been swamped with work, family, and church activities for the last few weeks, and it's taken a big toll on my blogging time availability, so I'm going to attempt a brief summary here of just 16 of the 100+ news and press releases I've received in the past two weeks, including the state budget agreement, income tax cuts, economic development projects, audits, and more.

In order of what I feel is most newsworthy:

• May 26th: When “Shall” Becomes “May”: Why the People of Oklahoma Face a Dangerous Four Days Ahead. This is a must-read from what it swiftly becoming the best grassroots conservative coverage of legislative shenanigans, authored by former State Rep. Jason Murphey. You need to subscribe to his newsletter.

Small: The political fringe should not control petition process

The political fringe should not control petition process

By Jonathan Small

Supposed advocates of “good government” often decry low voter turnout, arguing that more citizens need to be involved in our political process.

Yet, for some reason, many of those same advocates hold a very different view when it comes to Oklahoma’s initiative petition process. When efforts are made to put a question before all Oklahoma voters, they are fine with largely excluding the vast majority of the state from the petition process.

Fortunately, state policymakers are not so shortsighted.

Oklahoma Senate launches interactive budget website

A year ago, Oklahoma's legislative chambers engaged in a bit of a transparency contest, with the Senate posting a spreadsheet of their budget proposal, while the House went with a full-blown website dashboard. Now, the Senate has followed suit with their own version of a webpage. You can compare the two and see which one is more clear and user-friendly: State House, State Senate.

Oklahoma Senate launches interactive budget website

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 16th) – Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry announced today that the Oklahoma Senate has launched an interactive budget website that gives the public an unprecedented, in-depth look at the newly proposed state budget.

Unveiled shortly after legislative leaders and the governor reached a budget agreement for the upcoming fiscal year, the State Senate Budget Transparency Dashboard is designed to make the state budgeting process more accessible and transparent than ever before. The user-friendly platform allows Oklahomans to explore the full breakdown of the proposed state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, along with historical data from previous budgets.

Governor Stitt, legislative leaders announce $12.6B state budget deal

Governor Stitt, Legislature Announce Budget Deal

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 14, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt, Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert unveiled a comprehensive agreement aimed at cutting taxes, investing in key infrastructure, and strengthening Oklahoma’s business-friendly climate.

The agreement includes a quarter-point tax cut to the state income tax, a consolidation of income tax brackets and a true path to zero income tax, ensuring that Oklahoma stays competitive with surrounding states.

Att'y Gen. Drummond issues consumer alert for concerned 23andMe customers

Drummond issues consumer alert for concerned 23andMe customers

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 9, 2025) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond is alerting Oklahoma consumers in the wake of 23andMe having filed for bankruptcy protection last month. The genetic testing company, which collects and analyzes the genetic code of consumers, has indicated its intent to sell its corporate assets, a move likely to include stored genetic data submitted by customers.

“The implications of 23andMe selling genetic information to the highest bidder are understandably very concerning to Oklahomans who have used the company’s services,” Drummond said. “While the situation is troubling, there are easy steps that consumers can take to proactively safeguard their privacy.”

The Attorney General Office offers the following tips for interested consumers:

To delete genetic data from 23andMe

1. Log into your 23andMe account on its website. 
2. Go to "Settings" in your profile.
3. Scroll to the "23andMe Data" section at the bottom of the page. 
4. Click "View" next to "23andMe Data."
5. Download your data. If you want a copy of your data for personal storage, select the option to download to your device before proceeding.
6. Scroll to the "Delete Data" section. 
7. Click "Permanently Delete Data." 
8. You will receive an email from 23andMe to confirm the deletion request.

To destroy your 23andMe test sample

If you have opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe but want to change that preference, you can do so on your account settings page, under "Preferences."

To revoke research consent regarding your genetic data

You can withdraw consent in research through your 23andMe account settings, under "Research and Product Consents."

Erin Morrison launches campaign for Senate District 24

With incumbent senator Darrell Weaver running for Lieutenant Governor, the State Senate District 24 seat will be open in the 2026 election. So far, two Republicans have announced their intent to run for the seat: Chris Apel, and Erin Morrison. Below is a press release sent to me by Morrison:

ERIN MORRISON LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR OKLAHOMA SENATE DISTRICT 24

Moore Board of Education President Brings Small Business Expertise and Conservative Values to State Senate Race

MOORE, OK (May 7th) — Today, I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Oklahoma Senate in District 24. I’m running to bring commonsense, conservative leadership to the State Senate—leadership that values our families, our faith, and our future.

Gov. Stitt signs 'Truth in Food Labeling' bill into law

Governor Signs 'Truth in Food Labeling' Bill into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, today commented on the governor signing into law a bill that will require manufactured-protein food products to be clearly labeled as distinct from meat.

House Bill 1126, will require food manufacturers, distributers and retailers to clearly disclose that cell-cultivated or cultured products or those that come from a lab, plants or insect proteins are not meat. Those convicted of false advertising could face a misdemeanor.  

"I wish to thank Governor Stitt for signing House Bill 1126 into law," Grego said. "This is an effort to help protect beef producers, such as myself, against the flood of products claiming to be meat. Many of these products are derived from plants, insects, or even originate in a Petri dish. I believe if you as a consumer wish to consume these products there should be no doubt as to how they were produced. This bill really is a truth in labeling bill."

Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Edwards found dead at home

Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Edwards was found dead at his home yesterday morning following a welfare check by the Muskogee Police Department. No cause of death has been released, pending medical examiner's report, but no foul play was apparent. Edwards had served as district attorney since 2021. He was 67.

CBC Global Ammunition to invest $300M in new facility in Pryor with 350 jobs

Governor Stitt Announces CBC Global Ammunition to Invest $300 Million, Create 350 Jobs in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 12, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced one of the largest ammunition manufacturers in the world, CBC Global Ammunition, has chosen Oklahoma for a major U.S. expansion. As part of a $300 million investment, CBC Global Ammunition will build a new facility at MidAmerica Industrial Park in northeast Oklahoma and bring 350 new jobs to the state.

The announcement was made during the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA Investment Summit, where Governor Stitt led Oklahoma’s delegation to promote the state’s pro-growth, pro-business, and pro-America economic environment.

Small: Standing still is a poor strategy in state competition

Standing still is a poor strategy in state competition

By Jonathan Small

In politics, there is an unfortunate tendency among lawmakers to pass significant policy reforms … and then rest on their laurels.

Unfortunately, one year’s progress does not translate into permanent victory, as can be seen in the latest edition of the “Rich States, Poor States” report authored by economists Arthur Laffer, Stephen Moore, and Jonathan Williams.

The report ranks states in a variety of categories, including tax rates, workers’ compensation costs, and the number of public employees, among other policy variables.

In the latest edition, Oklahoma fell out of the top 10 states.

OSDE to offer free training for school board members

Equipping School Boards to Lead: OSDE Offers Free Statewide Training

New initiative offers high-quality, no-cost governance support for school districts.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), under the leadership of Superintendent Ryan Walters is proud to announce a major step toward strengthening local school governance by providing high-quality training for school board members at no cost to districts across the state.

This new initiative will deliver training that is practical, locally relevant, and grounded in the real-world challenges of school board governance. OSDE is committed to helping districts and boards build stronger partnerships through more streamlined communication, clearer expectations, and more effective support.

Rep. Gann blasts passage of corporate welfare, anti-transparency bill

Gann Condemns Passage of SB987, Calls it Corporate Welfare Wrapped in Secrecy

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 5th) – Following the final House vote on Senate Bill 987, Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, issued a statement about voting no and delivering floor debate in opposition of the measure.

“Senate Bill 987 is not economic development. It is governance by nondisclosure agreement,” Gann said. “I believe this bill expands unaccountable government bureaucracy and entrenches corporate welfare practices that undermine the free-market principles we were elected to defend.”

Legislature passes bill to improve law enforcement coordination ahead of 2028 Olympics

Bill Expanding Law Enforcement Authority for Counties Ahead of Olympics Heads to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 1st) — A bill carried by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, aimed at improving law enforcement coordination ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives unanimously and now heads to the governor’s desk.

Senate Bill 523 authorizes sheriffs, deputy sheriffs and reserve deputy sheriffs to exercise the same powers and duties in counties outside their home jurisdiction when officially assigned. Under the measure, liability for any conduct remains with the county of original jurisdiction.

OKGOP convention censures 4 GOP senators who killed bill to abolish abortion

Oklahoma Republican Party activists gathered this past weekend to elect new leadership and advance new party business at the biennial state convention. Among the items passed by convention delegates was a censure of four Republican state senators for voting in the Senate judiciary committee to against a bill to end abortion in Oklahoma.

Yes, after decades of pro-life pledges and bills, it's Republicans (allegedly 'conservative' and '100% pro-life', to boot) that are standing in the way of abolishing abortion in our state and ending the continued post-Dobbs slaughter of preborn human beings.

CPAC overlooks tax hike record to give early endorsement to Echols for Attorney General

Echols is the only public candidate for Attorney General at this very early stage, which makes this endorsement from CPAC somewhat risky. One only needs to look at past Oklahoma elections like the 2004 U.S. Senate or 2022 2nd Congressional District races to see wisdom in keeping one's powder dry until the field develops.

Furthermore, while Echols touts helping (as one of 149 legislators) pass the 'largest tax cut in state history', Echols was one of 44 House Republicans to vote in 2018 to gut taxpayer protections and make it easier to raise taxes on every Oklahoman (HJR 1050). Echols went a step further in supporting an amendment that would have lowered those taxpayer protections even further, from a 75% vote threshold for legislative approval of tax hikes (put in place by SQ640) all the way down to a mere 60% -- which would have meant a minority of Republicans could have partnered with the Democrats to pass tax increases. Additionally, it should be mentioned that Echols voted for most of the 2017-2018 tax hike proposals, including HB1010XX, the largest tax increase in Oklahoma history (plus an even larger tax hike that failed a month earlier).

Something to keep in mind: candidates running for office in 2026 will give you the rosiest picture of their record, without disclosing facts like these. Just sayin'...

Jon Echols Receives Endorsement from Leading Conservative Group, CPAC

Oklahoma City, OK - Today, Jon Echols, candidate for Attorney General, received the endorsement of CPAC, the nation’s oldest conservative grassroots organization.

New OKC Ronald McDonald House to support families of critically ill children

State leaders and Ronald McDonald House Charities staff shovel dirt at the ceremonial groundbreaking of the second RMHC location. (Photo by Maddy Remington, OMES Outreach.)

New Ronald McDonald House to support families of critically ill children

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2, 2025) – A brighter future is on the horizon for families with hospitalized children, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and key state partners. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) is proud to recognize this exciting milestone as construction begins on a second Ronald McDonald House in Oklahoma City.

The new facility, located in the heart of the city’s medical district, will offer a home away from home for up to 28 families each night, providing comfort, care and critical support during some of life’s most challenging moments.

On April 3, a crowd of community leaders, RMHC staff, families, supporters and elected officials gathered to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking. This expansion will significantly increase RMHC-OKC’s capacity to serve families whose children are battling serious illnesses or injuries, reinforcing a vital support network that spans the state.

The new location is made possible in part by a $4 million appropriation from the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA-SLFRF), granted by the state Legislature to OSDH. Combined with generous contributions from private donors, this funding will ensure more Oklahoma families can stay close to their loved ones while accessing top-tier pediatric care.

“When a child faces a critical health challenge, the entire family carries the weight,” said Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, who serves in the state Legislature’s Health and Human Services Working Group for the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “As a veteran, father and grandfather, I know the strength families draw from being together in times of crisis. This expansion will offer that strength to even more Oklahoma families by providing a sense of home when it’s needed most.”

“The new Ronald McDonald House will provide comfort, stability and support to families facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives,” said Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, who attended the groundbreaking and serves on the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. “I’m proud to see this investment help expand access to compassionate care for families throughout Oklahoma.”

More than just a place to stay

When a child is in the hospital, families shouldn’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep or how they’ll afford a hotel room. Ronald McDonald House offers more than free housing – it provides a place of refuge. Families staying at the facility will have access to a full kitchen, laundry services, technology and play areas, making it easier to focus on what truly matters: their children’s recovery.

Perhaps the most powerful component of the Ronald McDonald House experience is the community. Staff, volunteers and fellow families provide vital emotional support and connection, turning a stressful, isolating experience into one of shared strength.

In 2023 alone, RMHC-OKC served 778 families across 76 Oklahoma counties, delivering 12,161 nights of stay. The upcoming location – nestled on West Memorial Road between North Meridian Avenue and North MacArthur Boulevard – will support families receiving care at Mercy Hospital, the Love Family Women’s Center, INTEGRIS Hospital and Bethany Children’s Health Center, and will serve as overflow for Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health.

Renderings of the proposed location provided by the architect, Bockus Payne.

The three-story facility is expected to open in summer 2026.

OMES applauds the unwavering dedication of OSDH and RMHC in bringing this project to life and for their continued efforts to promote healing and remove barriers to essential health care support for families across Oklahoma.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Since its founding in 1974, Ronald McDonald House Charities has helped millions of families around the world stay close to their hospitalized children. The first Oklahoma City House opened in 1984 with just 10 bedrooms. Today, the need continues to grow – and so does RMHC’s impact. To learn more or get involved, visit rmhc-okc.org.

Left: An attendee holds the shovel from the opening of the very first Ronald McDonald House in the United States. Right: Attendees gather for photos with the golden shovels previously used to break ground.

Small: Oklahoma needs regulatory reform

Oklahoma needs regulatory reform

By Jonathan Small

A major focus of this year’s legislative session centers on reducing excessive government regulation.

House Bill 2728, by state Rep. Gerrid Kendrix and state Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, would create the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025.

Under the bill, any state agency rule with an economic impact of $1 million or more over a five-year period would face extra scrutiny and oversight from the Legislature.

Yet some question why Oklahoma needs this reform. The answer is simple: Because Oklahoma state agencies are as prone to overreach as government agencies in other parts of the country.

AFP-OK lauds passage of REINS bill as transformative regulatory reform

AFP-OK Applauds Senate Passage of REINS Bill

Transformative regulatory reform now heads to Gov. Stitt for signature

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (May 1st) - Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) celebrated the Senate passage of REINS (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny) legislation today that will create a crucial check on the administrative state once signed into law. 

AFP-OK has been a steadfast advocate for HB2728, which will ensure that burdensome regulations from state agencies will have legislative approval before taking effect to protect taxpayers from the unchecked growth of government. 

Ban on obscene adult performances in public passed, heads to Governor to sign

Good bill:

Bill Banning Obscene Adult Performances in Public Goes to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 1st) – Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, successfully secured final passage of a bill that bans obscene adult performances on public property or anywhere children may be present. 

On Thursday, the full Senate passed House Bill 1217, prohibiting individuals from performing sexually explicit or obscene acts in public places or areas where minors are present. It also prevents political subdivisions of the state from authorizing or hosting such performances on public property or in spaces that are open to children.

Violators of HB 1217 could be charged with a misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.

State law defines obscene material as any representation, performance, depiction or description of sexual conduct that the average person would find patently offensive.

“This bill is about protecting children and ensuring that our public spaces remain safe and family-friendly for all,” Bullard said. “There is no justification for exposing children to obscene, sexual performances, and it defies logic that some cities allow such offensive acts in public places. These inappropriate and obscene performances have no place in our society.”

Gann warns on unprecedented 'bonus' vote taken by House, dangers of setting new policy

Rep.-Tom Gann Issues Statement on Bonus Vote of SB224 and Warns of the Dangers of Setting New Policy

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2nd) – Representative Tom Gann (R-Inola) released the following statement on the unprecedented bonus vote taken by the House on Thursday on Senate Bill 224. 

"On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Representative Kyle Hilbert, Speaker of the House, took actions regarding SB224 that did not align with the House Rules of the 60th Legislature. House rules dictate that once a bill is defeated it is not eligible for additional consideration. The House vote to defeat SB224 was considered final action under the rules."

"However, Hilbert, while presiding over the house allowed an additional bonus vote to occur by which the bill was approved. This breaks with years of clearly established House precedent that prevents never ending bonus votes on failed legislation and opens up a Pandoras box of potential abuse. 

What other bills will be allowed a bonus vote?

Jake Merrick joins GOP race for Governor

The 2026 GOP race for Governor continues to grow, this time with conservative former state senator Jake Merrick joining this race this week:

Jake Merrick Announces Campaign for Governor of Oklahoma

Yukon, OK (April 29th) — Jake Merrick, former Oklahoma State Senator, current host of The Jake Merrick Show on Freedom 96.9, local business owner, devoted husband, and father, is letting the state of Oklahoma know that he will officially be entering the race for Governor of Oklahoma in April of 2026. With unwavering resolve to chart a visionary new course and determination to run a race free from any appearance of corruption, Merrick has boldly chosen not to accept campaign donations at this time, and he will not be accepting funds from political action committees (PACs) or organizations at all. This decision reflects his dedication to maintaining his platform as a radio host while also ensuring his campaign remains free from special interest influence.

Bill allowing property owners to reclaim seized land signed into law

Bill Allowing Property Owners to Reclaim Seized Land Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 28th) – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, today commented on the governor's signing of House Bill 1103, which requires the Oklahoma Transportation Commission to notify a previous property owner if the land they sold to the Commission is going to be offered for sale.

"This was a constituent request bill," Gann said. "This person experienced the taking of his land by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and then found out it was later sold without any notification to him. This would just give people in similar circumstances the ability to repurchase land that was taken from them by eminent domain."

Small: Who’s funding lawsuits in Oklahoma?

Who’s funding lawsuits in Oklahoma?

by Jonathan Small

Everyone pays the cost of abusive tort lawsuits. The average cost of tort litigation to each Oklahoma family is $2,930, according to a report by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform.

One rapidly growing kind of lawsuit is “mass torts,” where plaintiffs’ lawyers claim that thousands of customers have been harmed. The strategy is to file as many cases as possible and flood the zone against the defendant business—and to overwhelm the courts. This provides frivolous cases cover, and it creates abusive pressure on defendants to settle.

Some Oklahoma voters to receive address confirmation notices

Address Confirmation Notices Mailed to Oklahoma Voters

(Oklahoma City, April 28th) – Over the next several weeks, some registered voters in Oklahoma will receive an Address Confirmation Notice from the State Election Board. The notices are required by state law to confirm whether or not the identified voters still reside at their address on file with their county election board.

Voters who receive an Address Confirmation Notice have 60 days to respond. Voters who do not respond and confirm their address within the allotted time period will be designated as “inactive,” and are required by law to be removed from the voter rolls after the 2028 General Election. “Inactive” voters can reverse their status and avoid removal by updating their voter registration or by voting in any election on or before the 2028 General Election.

Bill to prohibit pandemic closure of businesses without scientific justification heads to Governor

Bill to Keep Businesses Open During Pandemics Sent to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 22nd) – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, on Monday won passage of legislation that prohibits the governor from closing any business during a pandemic without documented scientific evidence that the nature of the business actually contributes to the spread of the disease.

Senate Bill 672 now moves to the governor's desk for his consideration of signing it into law.  

AFP-OK applauds House vote to end 6% mandatory gas and grocery markup

AFP-OK Cheers House Vote to End Mandatory Gas & Grocery Markup

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (April 22nd) - Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) thanked members of the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee today for their unanimous vote in favor of legislation to remove a long-hidden price markup on gas, groceries, and other essentials that make everyday life more expensive for Oklahomans. 

Senate committee passes bill to criminalize abortion pill trafficking

Bullard Bill to Criminalize Abortion Pill Trafficking Clears Senate Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 22nd) – Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, on Monday passed legislation through the Senate Health and Human Services Committee that would make it a felony to traffic abortion pills.

House Bill 1168 would create a felony trafficking offense for someone to deliver or possess with the intent to deliver abortion-inducing drugs if that person knows or has reason to believe that the drug will be used by someone to have an illegal abortion as defined in law.

The bill will crack down on those distributing abortion-inducing pills, including delivery services that facilitate home delivery of mifepristone, misoprostol or similar drugs, Bullard said.

Folds of Honor lends support in effort to save USS Batfish

Almost six years later, the USS Batfish submarine at Muskogee's War Memorial Park continues to languish in limbo, with desperately needed repairs and a monumental move needed due to Corps of Engineers efforts to stem future river flooding at the Port of Muskogee. 

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and local legislators have been helping lead an effort to secure much-needed funding for the Batfish. Recently, the CEO and founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation lent his support to the campaign. You can sent an email of your own to legislators by going to this link. OklahomaWarMemorial.com has more details and renderings of the proposed new location and museum for the USS Batfish and associated military history artifacts, including a 45-foot section of the mast from the USS Oklahoma (sunk at Pearl Harbor with a loss of life second only to the USS Arizona).

Small: Time to fix court’s mistake on damage cap

Time to fix court’s mistake on damage cap

By Jonathan Small

This month, Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed a new Oklahoma Supreme Court justice, filling a position vacated when Oklahoma voters ousted longtime liberal incumbent Justice Yvonne Kauger last November.

Kauger was the first Oklahoma Supreme Court justice removed by voters in state history. That action came amidst growing voter dissatisfaction with the court’s increasingly liberal bent in recent years.

Among the most notable examples of that trend is a bizarre 2019 ruling striking down the state’s $350,000 cap on vague noneconomic-damages awards in lawsuits. Under that law, Oklahomans could sue for unlimited actual damages, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and lifelong costs from an injury. The bill simply capped the noneconomic-damages portion of lawsuits, an area notorious for “jackpot” justice awards that can far outpace economic reason.

Yet the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down that law, declaring it a “special law” since the cap applied in cases “where the plaintiff survives the injury-causing event, while persons who die from the injury-causing event face no such limitation.” (The Oklahoma Constitution prohibits capping noneconomic damages in cases involving death.)

The plaintiff in that case reportedly received $9.7 million in payment for an on-the-job accident but wanted millions more in “noneconomic” damages as well.

The negative impact of the court’s activist ruling has been significant.

In July 2019, a few months after the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling, the American Tort Reform Foundation ranked Oklahoma among the nation’s 10 worst “judicial hellholes.” The Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision on noneconomic caps was one factor cited.

“The Economic and Fiscal Impact of Excessive Tort Costs on Oklahoma,” a study commissioned by the State Chamber Research Foundation and conducted by the Perryman Group, found that excessive tort costs have translated into the loss of $3.7 billion in state gross product each year and almost 32,000 jobs in Oklahoma.

The study estimated the share of state economic losses tied to the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s 2019 decision totaled nearly $2.7 billion in gross product from 2020 to 2023.

However, only one sitting justice remains who was among the majority that struck down the cap in 2019. A new court may look more favorably on the idea. Lawmakers should reinstate the cap, which is sensible and commonly used nationwide.

Eight other states have caps on broad noneconomic damages, while 26 states cap noneconomic damages in medical-malpractice cases. Furthermore, those laws typically exempt cases involving reckless disregard for the rights of others, gross negligence, fraud, or intentional or malicious conduct.

It’s time for Oklahoma to again cap noneconomic damages. Those injured as the result of others’ action would still have access to full financial restoration, but the cap would provide financial certainty for businesses and encourage more investment in Oklahoma.

That’s a win-win for everyone.

Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

Sen. Burns applauds cancelation of planned hydroelectric plant on Kiamichi River

Senator George Burns Applauds Cancelation of Planned Hydroelectric Plant on Kiamichi River

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 16th) - Senator George Burns, R-Pollard, today applauded the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) decision to halt progress on a controversial pumped storage hydroelectric project proposed on the Kiamichi River in Pushmataha County.

The proposed project by the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC), was officially halted after FERC determined that the company’s updated Proposed Study Plan (PSP), submitted on March 17, was still insufficient to proceed with planning. The Commission’s ruling follows widespread public opposition and a formal letter of protest from Sen. Burns in October.

Senate committee passes tax credit for Pregnancy Resource Center donations

Senate Committee Approves Tax Credit Bill to Support Pregnancy Resource Centers

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 17th) – The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee this week easily passed legislation to establish an income tax credit for individuals who donate to pregnancy resource centers.

On Monday, the committee advanced House Bill 1201 by Rep. Cody Maynard and Sen. David Bullard, both Republicans from Durant.

The bill provides an income tax credit equal to 70% of what an individual contributes to a nonprofit pregnancy resource center, including entities that provide maternity housing and facilities that offer care for new mothers and their newborn children.

Trump's presidential message for Holy Week

A refreshingly good message from President Trump for Easter this year:

Presidential Message on Holy Week, 2025

The White House (April 13, 2025) – This Holy Week, Melania and I join in prayer with Christians celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—the living Son of God who conquered death, freed us from sin, and unlocked the gates of Heaven for all of humanity.

AFP-OK applauds Food Truck Freedom Bill's committee passage

Photo credit: Claremore Main Street

AFP-OK Applauds Food Freedom Bill's Committee Passage

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (April 14th) - Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) thanked members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today for approving the Food Truck Freedom Act (HB1076) to cut back the burdensome permitting requirements that harm Oklahoma's food vendors and small restaurants. 

As a steadfast advocate for Oklahoma's small businesses, AFP-OK is supporting the Food Truck Freedom Act so that food vendors need only one permit to operate anywhere in the state. Under the current system, vendors face a bevy of different licensure requirements and fees at every level of government, forcing them to spend time and money to jump through hoops instead of serving customers.

Governor Stitt appoints Travis Jett to the Oklahoma Supreme Court

Governor Stitt Appoints Travis Jett to the Oklahoma Supreme Court

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 14, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt announced his appointment of Travis Jett to the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. This is Governor Stitt’s fourth appointment to the state’s highest court, the most by any republican governor in Oklahoma history.

“Travis Jett is a man of integrity, wisdom, and deep respect for the rule of law,” said Governor Stitt. “He brings an impressive legal mind, a servant’s heart, and a wealth of legal experience to our Supreme Court. I am confident he will uphold our Constitution and apply the law fairly and faithfully for Oklahomans.”