House Dems respond to Special Session announcement

House Democrats Respond to Special Session Announcement

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 18th) – House Democrats released the following statements today after legislative Republicans called a special session to move the approving authority for American Rescue Plan funds from the executive branch to the Legislature. 

Democrat State Rep. Collin Walke not seeking re-election

Another legislator opts to not seek reelection. You can keep track of candidate filings at the State Election Board website here. 5pm today is the deadline to file for office.

Walke Announces He Won’t Seek Reelection for HD 87

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 14th) – Rep. Collin Walke, D-Oklahoma City, today announced he will not seek re-election for House District 87. 

State Reps file bipartisan Data Privacy Act of 2022

Reps. Josh West, Walke File Data Privacy Act of 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Majority Leader Rep. Josh West, R-Grove, and Rep. Collin Walke, D-Oklahoma City, filed the Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act of 2022. 

“The importance of data privacy legislation cannot be overstated,” West said. “In 2018, President Donald Trump created the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. The commission’s 700-plus page report explains that not only are ‘[a]dversaries using AI systems to enhance disinformation campaigns and cyber-attacks,’ but they are also ‘harvesting data on Americans to build profiles of their beliefs, behavior, and biological makeup for tailored attempts to manipulate or coerce individuals.’ I will not sit idly by while private information like our biological makeup is pilfered by profiteering tech companies so they can get rich by selling our data and we can be exploited. I stand beside former President Trump and his commission, and that is why I am authoring this legislation in accordance with the commission’s recommendations.”

Walke said, “The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence explained that America is ill-prepared for the next decade of technological development, and part of that is due to a lack of governmental action in regulating things like data privacy. It is time that we heed the advice of security experts like the National Security Commission and pass meaningful data privacy legislation. We must be part of the solution and not the problem.”

Opt-in data privacy legislation passes State House committee

Opt-In Data Privacy Legislation Passes Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Bipartisan legislation to address concerns over data privacy and data manipulation unanimously passed out of the House Technology Committee today with a vote of 6 to 0. 

The Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act, House Bill 1602, requires internet technology companies to obtain explicit permission to collect and sell personal data. 

The legislation has bipartisan support and is co-authored by more than 40 representatives and senators. The legislation’s primary authors, Reps. Josh West and Collin Walke, see the bill as an opportunity to claw back privacy rights from companies that continue to abuse them. 

Walke files bill to protect Oklahomans' email data

Walke Legislation Would Protect Email Data of Oklahomans 

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Collin Walke (D-OKC) filed legislation this session to protect email users’ data from being collected by corporations.

House Bill 2810, dubbed “The Oklahoma Email Communication Content Privacy Protection Act,” would make it illegal for companies, like Google or Microsoft, that host email servers to glean information from users.

"Tech companies have profited off of our private information for years, and it's time we start reclaiming our privacy," Walke said. "House Bill 2810 is what I hope to be the first of many steps toward a more balanced and fair use of private information. 

“In its infancy, email was a quick and efficient communication tool.  However, in today's world, email is a necessity, and we should not have to choose between participating in modern society or having our personal information exploited. I no more want the United State Postal Service knowing when and how I read my mail than I do Google my email.  If tech companies want to be treated as public goods, then ensuring that they do not harness our information for their own personal benefit is an absolute necessity."