Bill enhancing school allergy protocols heads to State Senate

As the parent of a child with a severe food allergy, I can appreciate this bill. Most people don't know how to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis (it's not always airway restriction) or how to respond to severe reactions.

Senate to Consider Bill Enhancing School Allergy Protocols

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 26th) – A bill aimed at improving emergency response to severe allergic reactions in schools is moving forward in the Oklahoma Legislature. House Bill 2047, authored by Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, would require schools to call 911 as soon as possible when epinephrine is administered to a student. The measure also mandates annual training for teachers and staff on food allergies, recognizing anaphylaxis, and properly administering epinephrine.

The legislation, also known as the Emerson Kate Cole Act, is named in honor of a young girl who suffered a fatal allergic reaction at school in January 2023. Emerson Cole experienced anaphylaxis on January 17 of that year, but epinephrine was not administered. She passed away two days later. Her story has since become a call to action for stronger policies ensuring that life-saving measures are taken promptly in schools.

“This bill is about making sure that when a child has a severe allergic reaction, there is no hesitation in responding,” Stinson said. “Food allergies affect millions of children nationwide, by ensuring schools have clear protocols and that staff are properly trained, we can help prevent tragedies and keep students safe."

Under HB 2047, school employees could administer epinephrine for a suspected anaphylactic reaction, preventing delays in critical care for life-threatening allergies. The legislation ensures school personnel receive the training and tools needed to respond effectively in emergencies, potentially saving lives.

HB2047 would standardize emergency procedures for anaphylaxis to help ensure a consistent response to allergic reactions, which can impact children nationwide.

A similar bill was introduced last year as House Bill 3034 but did not make it to the Senate floor for a vote. Stinson is determined to push the measure forward this year, emphasizing the importance of protecting students who may suffer from severe allergic reactions while at school.

“This bill is about giving parents peace of mind,” Stinson added. “No parent should have to worry whether their child will receive life-saving care in an emergency. With proper training and swift action, we can make Oklahoma schools safer for every student.”

HB2047 passed the House floor with a unanimous vote of 92-0 and now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

State Sens. Pugh, Seifried hold in-depth interim study on crisis of cell phones in schools

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Pugh, Seifried hold in depth interim study on crisis of cell phones in schools

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 23rd) – Sens. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, hosted a robust, two-day interim study this week to examine the detrimental effects of cell phone use among K-12 students in schools.

Pugh, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, and Seifried, the committee’s vice chair, urged their fellow committee members to invite local educators and national experts to present. As a result, about a dozen speakers from a wide range of backgrounds spoke at the study. They included teachers, school administrators, mental health experts, a psychiatrist and a neuroscientist.

The presenters noted the correlation between kids’ phone use and poor academic outcomes, increased anxiety and overall worse mental health. The speakers overwhelmingly expressed support for restricting students’ phone use in schools and many urged lawmakers to craft a statewide policy that provides districts some flexibility.

Pugh said he wants Oklahoma to lead the nation on this issue by empowering schools to find innovative ways to create phone-free campuses. 

“The effects of social media and excessive device usage have significantly impacted the mental health, social skills, academic progress, and literacy rates of Oklahoma students, and exacerbated other concerns such as cyberbullying,” Pugh said. “The expertise and classroom experiences shared during this comprehensive interim study indicated that urgent action is needed to help school districts address these unique challenges. Our committee is dedicated to fostering positive learning outcomes for students across our state, and we will continue to explore legislative solutions to mitigate the issues associated with cell phone use in schools.”

After introducing legislation last year to create a pilot program to limit student phone usage, Seifried said legislative action to restrict devices for the entire school day is overdue.

“This study reinforces what many of us already know: Cell phones are undoubtedly a distraction in schools, negatively impacting students’ mental health and academic performance,” Seifried said. “Our job now is to build on this momentum and craft policies that restrict phone use from bell to bell in a manner that supports our schools and our dedicated educators.

“I’m committed to working with parents, teachers, administrators and mental health professionals to find a way to get smartphones out of classrooms so Oklahoma students can reach their full potential at school and at home.”

Mental health experts who presented in the study talked about the addictive nature of smartphones and social media, especially for kids because their brains are still developing. Across the country, test scores have dropped and rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents have skyrocketed as smartphones have become ubiquitous and social media platforms have become more popular, said New York University scientist Zachary Rausch.

Oklahoma Union Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Taylor said students, parents and staff in her district supported a new policy prohibiting smartphones in the classroom. Since the district implemented the change, teachers have noticed students are more engaged in their coursework, there are fewer distractions and kids are interacting with each other more, Taylor said.

Healthy Minds Policy Initiative Executive Director Zack Stoycoff said eight states have enacted statewide policies to ban or restrict cell phones in schools. He said there is clearly a link between youth phone usage and mental health and well-being.

Nationally, middle and high school students spend nearly five hours a day on social media. One in four adolescent Oklahomans said they typically feel like they can’t go a day without social media, and one in five Oklahoma high schoolers said social media made them feel worse about their lives, he said.

Seifried and Pugh plan to file legislation on this issue ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Bill filing begins Nov. 15.

Senate committee studies social media regulations to protect children

Sen. Jech Holds Interim Study Evaluating Social Media Regulations to Protect Children

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 18th) – Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, held an interim study in the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday to evaluate how to protect children from the harmful effects of social media use and analyze potential regulatory solutions.

“The information brought forward during this study revealed the alarming prevalence of mental health issues among youth who are active on social media,” Jech said. “We are facing an epidemic that demands urgent action. It’s vital that we explore protective measures and regulations while also educating both parents and young people about the risks and mental health challenges linked to online activity.”

Cursive handwriting bill signed into law

I was in a store just the other day and overhead a cashier and customer discussing how kids don't learn cursive any more, and the need for them to have this skill. Looks like they weren't the only ones thinking this!

Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society

Cursive handwriting bill signed into law

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 24th) – Oklahoma House Representative Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City, had his bill HB 3727 signed into law yesterday by the Governor. The bill’s Senate author is Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa.

The bill requires cursive handwriting instruction for students in third through fifth grade.

Drummond urges FTC to strengthen online privacy, safety protections for youth

Drummond urges FTC to strengthen online privacy, safety protections for youth

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 12, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond and a coalition of 39 other attorneys general are urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to update and strengthen the rules technology companies must follow under the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Drummond said the update is necessary because the rules governing online privacy protections for children under the age of 13 have not been revised in more than a decade. At the same time, the digital world has evolved rapidly — with smartphones, social networks and connected devices now a big part of daily life.

State Senate votes to raise age of consent from 16 to 18

Senate votes to raise age of consent

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 12th) – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, received overwhelming approval for his legislation to raise the age of consent from 16 to 18. Senate Bill 615 aims to protect minors from predation by giving them two additional years of legal protection.

House passes social media age-limit and verification bill

Social Media Age-Limit Bill Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 14th) – Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, today passed a bill in the House that would limit social media accounts for youth.

House Bill 3914 would require social media companies to verify account holders are over the age of 18 or to confirm parental consent for those aged 16 to 18.

Small: Child protections merit lawmakers’ support

Child protections merit lawmakers’ support

By Jonathan Small

Amid the typical debate over budget priorities and policy issues this year, Oklahoma lawmakers are also considering bills to better prevent child exposure to pornography. Those bills deserve legislators’ support.

State Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Ardmore, and state Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, have filed legislation to give home-Internet access subscribers and cellular-data-plan subscribers the ability to block access to porn sites.

State Rep. Conley files bill requiring student communications to include parents

Conley Bill Would Require Student Communications to Include Parent

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, has filed a bill that would require school personnel engaging in electronic or digital communication with a student to include the student's parent or guardians.

Exceptions to House Bill 3958 may be made in case of an emergency, subject to subsequent notification to the parent or guardian. The measure stipulates that school personnel shall make reasonable efforts to use school-approved platforms, systems, or applications that allow automatic inclusion of parents or guardians in communications with students.

RINO Labor Commissioner Osborn touts transgenderism, abortion

LABOR COMMISSIONER OSBORN TOUTS TRANSGENDERISM, ABORTION

Ray Carter | January 12, 2024

A Republican women’s organization is calling on Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn to switch parties and officially become a Democrat due to Osborn’s participation in a group that touts transgenderism and abortion to youth.

For several years, Osborn has openly opposed the policy goals of Republicans on everything from tax cuts to protecting children, and she has even called on voters to oust Republican lawmakers.

In a recent press release regarding Osborn’s activities, members of the Oklahoma City Republican Women’s Club declared, “We are asking her to change her party affiliation as her current actions and apparent values to the protection of children and families are contrary to the principles of the Republican Party.”

Until recently, Osborn was a member of, and one of six officers on, the board of directors for Honestly, an Oklahoma City organization focused on “youth sexual health.”

The organization’s website declares that a “lot of young people have sex” and that in Oklahoma County “it happens a lot sooner than you’d think.” The group’s website does not appear to include any material that encourages children and teens to delay sexual activity until the age of maturity.

Reps. Josh Brecheen, Mary Miller file bill to protect religious freedom for foster families

Representatives Josh Brecheen and Mary Miller Introduce The Protecting Religious Freedom for Foster Families Act

Washington, D.C. (Nov. 1st) – Representatives Josh Brecheen and Mary Miller (R-IL) introduced the Protecting Religious Freedom for Foster Families Act, which would prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from implementing its proposed rule to discriminate against foster parents who do not affirm LGBTQ ideology.

“​​The federal government should not force foster families to violate their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs in order to house children. President Biden’s bureaucrats continue to pursue an anti-Christian, far-Left agenda​​—all without the authority of Congress. With this legislation, we are fighting back,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

Brecheen seeks to end taxpayer funding after finding $31M going to transgender studies preying on children

Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces No Taxpayer Funding for Researchers Who Prey on Children Act

Washington, D.C. (Nov. 2nd) – Congressman Josh Brecheen introduced the No Taxpayer Funding for Researchers Who Prey on Children Act, which would prohibit any individual who has been a Principal Investigator/Project Leader for any study that facilitated “gender-affirming care” or affirmed a minor’s identity in conflict with his or her sex from receiving federal financial assistance for future studies or experiments.

“Americans should be outraged to learn that nearly $31 million of our taxpayer dollars are funding youth transgender studies that have even led to the suicides of two participants. The researchers conducting these studies are advocates for harming minors and are using our tax dollars to prey on children and advance their far-Left agenda. This legislation is unfortunately needed to prevent researchers from receiving any more of our tax dollars for future studies or experiments,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

OSDH giving free booster seats to qualifying families at OKC metro events July 17th-August 9th

OSDH to Host Booster Seat Distribution Events Across the Oklahoma City Metro Area

OKLAHOMA CITY – More than 90% of children who use lap-and-shoulder seat belts under the age of 10 should still be in a booster seat, according to data collected by AAA and the National Safety Council.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health is working in partnership with Safe Kids Oklahoma, the Metropolitan Library System, and OKC-County Health Department to ensure Oklahoma families receive education on booster seat use. A limited number of free seats will be provided to qualifying families. 

State launches website to provide support, resources for expectant mothers, families

GOVERNOR STITT, STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CELEBRATE LAUNCH OF PRO-WOMEN, PRO-LIFE RESOURCES

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 6, 2023) - Today, Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma State Department of Health are celebrating the launch of the state's new comprehensive pregnancy resources website, designed to provide essential support and information to expecting mothers, parents, and families.

"A child is a gift from God, but a pregnancy can be a confusing and trying time without support. The launch of this incredible resource is a reflection of our commitment to uplift and empower expectant mothers across Oklahoma," said Governor Stitt. "By consolidating all of this essential information and assistance into one convenient platform, we're hoping to strengthen the support system that every mom and family deserves."

"Our vision is to lead Oklahoma to prosperity through health," said Commissioner of Health Keith Reed. "That starts at the beginning of life. We want to and need to be a resource for pregnant women in our communities as they navigate bringing a newborn baby into the world. The collaboration between state agencies and community partners on centralizing support information for Oklahoma families is critical to helping meet their needs before, during and after birth."

"Providing a central access point to crucial resources upholds the commitment made to Oklahoma mothers. Acknowledging the needs of moms and families and making resources easily accessible across our great state reiterates the unified approach to this commitment," said Juli Merciez, Chair of the HELP Task Force. "Our recommendation and expectation from the HELP Task Force is to get these resources to those who need it from one platform that's easiest to access begins here."

The website conveniently gathers resources for expectant parents. It offers a wide range of resources on pregnancy, parenting, adoption, and financial assistance, ensuring individuals can easily access the support they need during a transformative time in life. The website aims to empower expectant mothers and their families by equipping them with resources ranging from prenatal care to postpartum support.

These resources can be found at www.oklahoma.gov/life.

Rep. Brecheen, Sen. Budd demand answers after 2 young people commit suicide during taxpayer-funded transgender study

The entire "transgender" movement is such an insane denial of reality, and it's an abomination that taxpayer dollars are funding anything promoting it. That young people, who are literally being destroyed by those who should be protecting them, have committed suicide under the government's "watchful eye" studying this lunacy is beyond the pale.

Congressman Josh Brecheen, Senator Ted Budd Send Follow-Up Letter After NIH Fails to Answer for Suicides in Trans Study

Washington, D.C. (July 12th) – Congressman Josh Brecheen and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) sent a follow-up letter to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) after the agency failed to respond to a May 2023 letter demanding answers after two young people committed suicide during an NIH-funded transgender study.

The taxpayer-funded study evaluated the psychosocial effects of cross-sex hormones on “transgender and nonbinary youth” and included children as young as 12-years-old.

Measure aimed at cutting red tape for family home child care facilities signed into law

Measure Aimed at Cutting Red Tape for Small Business Strengthens Child Care Access For Oklahoma Families Signed into Law 

Bill Author Says the New Law  is a “Common Sense” Solution to Real Problems Families Face Navigating Overburdened Child Care System

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 4th) – A bill by freshman Tulsa State Representative Suzanne Schreiber, aimed at cutting red tape for family home childcare and thereby easing the burden Oklahoma families face accessing child care in order to stay in the workforce.  The measure was signed  by Governor Kevin Stitt on Tuesday and is set to become law in November. 

Bill protecting PreK-5 students from sexual content passes State House

Bill Protecting PreK-5 Students from Sexual Content Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 21st) – Rep. Terry O'Donnell, R-Catoosa, today passed a bill in the House that would prohibit any classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in grades preK-5. Any classroom instruction on these topics in grades 6-12 must be age appropriate for students.

"Conversations about a young child's sexual orientation or gender are best addressed between the child and their parents," O'Donnell said. "This measure is intended to protect a parent's fundamental right of being in charge of the narrative and dialogue on these topics and frankly over everything their child is learning in school."   

O'Donnell said a parent could still choose to involve an educator in these discussions, but the measure would preclude broader classroom instruction on these matters.

House Bill 2546 specifies that classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity shall not occur in pre-kindergarten through grade five or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.

O'Donnell said the bill is similar to Florida's Parental Rights Act passed last year. He said other states also are pursuing similar legislation and it has the support of parents. His bill does not prohibit sex education courses in older grades, but parents do have the option of opting out their child from such instruction.

HB 2546 now moves to the state Senate where it is authored by Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville.

Terry O'Donnell serves District 23 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.

OCPA praises House lawmakers for defending parents’ rights

OKLAHOMA CITY (March  23, 2023)— Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs President Jonathan Small today praised members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for voting to prevent school officials from discussing sexual issues with young children.

Earlier this week, House lawmakers approved House Bill 2546, by state Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa.

The bill simply states, “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity shall not occur in kindergarten through grade five or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.”

“Passage of this bill is a win for parents’ rights,” Small said. “Parents should have the right to determine the time, place and manner that issues like sexual orientation and gender identity will be discussed with their children. And most Oklahomans agree such discussions are inappropriate for the youngest children, such as those in kindergarten.”

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs is a free-market think tank that works to advance principles and policies that support free enterprise, limited government, individual initiative and personal responsibility.

Bill requiring libraries to organize books into age-appropriate categories passes State Senate

Senate approves bill to organize books into age-appropriate categories

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 7th) – The full Senate has approved a bill to require school and public libraries to place books into sections labeled elementary, junior high, Under 16 or juniors and seniors.  Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, is the author of Senate Bill 397, which was approved by the Senate on Tuesday.

“There is a time and place for conversations about certain subjects, but some of those topics are not suitable for students to be reading about in school,” Hamilton said. “This bill will further efforts to protect children in Oklahoma by only allowing them to access books from libraries that are appropriate for their age.”

Public School Administrators urge NO vote on SQ 820

School Administrators Urge NO Vote on SQ 820

OKCPS Superintendent Sean McDaniel: “Legalizing recreational marijuana for adults will lead to more children having access and trying it”

(March 6th) School administrators from across the state gathered at the state capitol today to encourage a NO vote on SQ 820, the effort to legalize recreational marijuana in the state.   All speakers iterated they were making these statements as individuals with experience in our schools and were not speaking on behalf of the entities where they are employed.

Muskogee Superintendent Dr. Jarod Mendenhall led off the event.  “Under the cover of the state’s medical marijuana program, we have seen an increase in students using marijuana.  SQ 820 will increase that access and puts our schools in a very difficult situation because marijuana’s use is so difficult to detect. As educators our goal is to maximize a student’s ability to achieve, but marijuana strikes at that very core.  Ingesting THC as the adolescent brain is actively developing has horrible consequences. Marijuana use among those under 25 harms brain development including difficulty in thinking, problem solving, and memory loss,” Mendenhall stated.

Oklahoma State House bans "gender transition" services for minors

Praise God:

House Prohibits Gender Transition Services for Minors

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 28th) – Legislation prohibiting gender transition services for minors was approved Tuesday by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

House Bill 2177, authored by Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, prohibits health care professionals from providing, attempting to provide or providing a referral for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender reassignment surgeries for minors.