Rep. Lowe resigns from State House to take County Commission seat

State Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC) is the third member of the State House to resign to take a new position since the November election. Mark Vancuren (R-Owasso) stepped down in December to work as a deputy county commissioner in Tulsa County, Amanda Swope (D-Tulsa) in January to take a position under the new Tulsa mayor, and Lowe is resigning because he won a special election for Oklahoma County Commissioner on April 1st.

Lowe announces departure from legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 7th) – Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City, announced his resignation from the Oklahoma Legislature on April 7th. 

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve the great residents of House District 97,” Lowe said. “I’m thankful to have been elected to serve you and to serve alongside my esteemed colleagues of the legislature. I want to thank my colleagues for all of their support and insight they’ve given me over the years.”

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.

Stitt signs bill to create Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail

Measure to create Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail signed into law

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 8th) – A bill highlighting Oklahoma’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement has been signed into law. Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa, and Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, [pictured above] are the Senate principal authors of Senate Bill 509, creating the Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail, and the House principal authors are Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City.

OK House Dems respond to recent shootings with major gun control proposal

True to form, Oklahoma House Democrats can't let a "crisis go to waste" in their desire to torch constitutional gun rights. They jumped in front of the cameras with a major gun control proposal. 

By the way, also true to form, none of what they came up with would have stopped the killers in the recent shootings they referenced. The modern Democratic Party is consumed with destroying the Constitution at just about every turn, but especially the Second Amendment. Just look north of the border to what Canada's little tyrant Trudeau is doing for what they'd really like to copy.

Needless to say, this won't go anywhere in the Oklahoma Legislature.

Democrats Push for Solutions to Gun Violence with SAVE Act

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 2nd) -- The House Democratic Caucus today at a press conference announced a series of responsible public-safety measures meant to prevent gun violence.

House Democrats announce 2022 legislative priorities

Democrats Announce 2022 Legislative Priorities

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The House Democratic Caucus on Wednesday presented their legislative priorities for the 2022 Legislative Session.

The Democratic Caucus highlighted policy initiatives in five primary areas: transparency and accountability, health care, criminal justice, education, and the state economy.

House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, spoke to the intent of Democratic policies and reiterated the caucus’ recent success to elevate ideas focused on Oklahomans. Virgin named the EITC, protecting education funding, and eliminating the state grocery tax as examples. 

“Our goal for the 2022 Session is to provide and support compassionate, common-sense ideas focused on the needs of Oklahomans,” Virgin said. “What you won't find in our priorities are tax credits or cuts to large corporations, legislation that restricts voting rights, or attacks on tribal sovereignty.”

The Democratic Caucus recognized the current lack of transparency in the Capitol and highlighted the caucus’ desire to require the House of Representatives to follow the Open Meetings Act. 

Bill seeks to bar sexual relationships between judges and attorneys

Lowe's bill is named after the former judge pictured below, who resigned last year following what appears to have been extensive sexual misconduct with several prosecutors and attorneys. So far, at least one conviction in a case tried by the judge has been thrown out.

Disgraced former Oklahoma County District Judge Tim Henderson

Legislation Seeks to Raise Standards for Oklahoma Judges

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jason Lowe, D-OKC, filed legislation for the upcoming legislative session that seeks to protect and restore faith in the Oklahoma justice system. 

House Bill 3746, the Judge Timothy Henderson Act, would forbid judges from having a sexual relationship with a lawyer who is representing a client in the courtroom assigned to the judge. 

Any judge who violates the proposed law could be imprisoned for up to two years and fined up to $100,000.

“The people of Oklahoma have an expectation for how their public servants should act,” Lowe said. “This legislation helps ensure that the decisions being made by a judge are driven by the facts of the case and not a relationship with an attorney.” 

Establishing a clear line for expectations helps both the people of Oklahoma and judges.

“As most of us know, the appearance of impropriety is often as damaging as the impropriety itself,” Lowe said. “This is a proactive approach to protect public trust by holding public servants accountable.”

Rep. Lowe files legislation to trigger statewide mask mandate

State Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC)

Lowe Files 'COVID-19 Save Lives Response Act'

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 25th, 2021) -- State Rep. Jason Lowe, D-OKC, filed legislation Friday to save Oklahoman’s lives and reduce hospitalizations during the COVID pandemic. 

The COVID-19 Save Lives Response Act, House Bill 2192, triggers a statewide mask mandate within the state until the Oklahoma State Department of Health confirms that COVID-19 related hospitalizations have remained at or below 300 for 30 consecutive days.

“It is time that our state takes action against COVID-19 to save lives and to successfully and safely reopen schools and our economy,” said Lowe. “Though it is great that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are now being distributed throughout the state, it is still necessary that we practice social distancing and wear masks to protect our communities until enough people receive the vaccine.”

Cabinet secretaries, legislators follow Stitt in donating convalescent plasma to fight COVID-19

CABINET SECRETARIES, LEGISLATORS ANSWER GOVERNOR STITT’S CALL TO DONATE CONVALESCENT PLASMA TO HELP FIGHT COVID-19  

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 11, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that cabinet secretaries and state legislators who have recovered from COVID-19 have answered his call for convalescent plasma donations and will be making donations at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Oklahoma Blood Institute, 901 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

Scheduled donors include:

State Rep. Lowe announces coalition of leaders to help Oklahomans facing eviction

Lowe Announces Coalition of Community Leaders to Help Oklahomans Facing Eviction

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City, today addressed the looming spike in evictions throughout the state and announced a coalition of community leaders that will be providing support to those facing eviction.

“Thousands of Oklahomans, devastated by job loss and decreased income due to COVID-19, are facing eviction next month now that the federal eviction moratorium has expired,” Lowe said. “It is imperative that the public knows their rights as tenants, as well as the community services available to them in order to prevent a homelessness crisis.”   

Lowe was joined by several community members representing organizations with resources to help Oklahomans facing evictions.

“Tulsa and Oklahoma City are Top 20 nationally for eviction rates and that was before COVID,” said Michael Figgins, the executive director of Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. “When you add illegal lockout evictions, studies are showing that we are looking at more than 130,000 potential evictions.”

The resources available by the providers present ranged from legal representation, back rent, to occupational retraining videos.

State Rep. Jason Lowe calls on Governor Stitt to mandate masks as cases rise

Rep. Jason Lowe at a recent community event

Lowe Calls on Governor Stitt to Mandate Masks as Cases Rise

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Jason Lowe, D-OKC, released the following statement urging Governor Kevin Stitt to follow in the steps of governors from 25 states and mandate masks be worn in public spaces and private businesses. This comes after Oklahoma hit a record high of 993 new COVID-19 cases, the state’s first daily report over 900.

“As a COVID-19 survivor, seeing the rapid rise in cases is alarming. Oklahomans must know that the pandemic is far from over and that we still must do what we can to protect ourselves and our community.” Lowe also applauds the leadership of the Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Norman mayors for taking the first steps to enact a mask mandate in public spaces and private businesses and believes the state should take charge as well.

State Rep. Lowe urges Gov. Stitt to veto 'Anti-Red Flag' gun rights bill

In what is the most surefire way to get a pro-Second Amendment bill signed by Governor Stitt, the most prominently anti-gun member of the Oklahoma Legislature is calling on the Governor to veto what would be the nation's first "anti-red flag" measure.

As Governor Decides, Lowe Urges Veto of Senate Bill 1081

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Jason Lowe, D-OKC, released the following statement urging Gov. Kevin Stitt to veto Senate Bill 1081, which is an attempt to preempt the federal government from enforcing any future federal “red flag laws.”

“We often hear Second Amendment advocates talk about ‘responsible gun ownership’” Lowe said. “So the question needs to be asked ‘what happens when a gun owner is not responsible?’

State Rep. Jason Lowe recovering from COVID-19

Lowe Recovering After Testing Positive for COVID-19

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma State Rep. Jason Lowe is recovering and doing well after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.

Lowe reported several days ago he began experiencing symptoms that included a fever, chills, body aches and exhaustion. He immediately contacted his primary care physician and quarantined at home. Although Lowe is currently showing no symptoms, he is continuing to self-isolate so that he does not pose a risk to others.

“I am extremely grateful for the care that I received, and I have a new appreciation for what thousands of Oklahoma health care workers are dealing with right now,” Lowe said. “I encourage us all to support those in our communities who put their lives on the line for the citizens of the great state of Oklahoma. Let’s lift these selfless professionals up in prayer and support during this crisis.”

Lowe is committed to working with state government partners to address this unique health care issue. He plans to continue to work remotely from his home and encourages the residents of House District 97 to contact his office with any issues they may have.

The OKC legislator encourages the public to heed government warnings relating to social distancing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“It is of vital importance that we all stay home to help flatten the curve swiftly and effectively,” Lowe said. “I am encouraged that we will get through this together. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.”

For more information on COVID-19 please visit www.coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

Lowe's repeal of Constitutional Carry fails 1 to 11 in committee vote

State Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC) has been the leading figure in efforts to repeal Constitutional Carry. Back in August, Rep. Lowe filed an initiative petition to put a repeal on the statewide ballot. That drive fell far short of the requisite number of signatures.

Lowe filed a bill (HB 3357) this session to repeal the Constitutional Carry law. HB 3357 received a hearing in the House Public Safety Committee yesterday. It was shot down in a bipartisan vote, with 11 opposed and just one in favor.

Another initiative petition has been filed by Lowe and his anti-gun allies. If it receives enough signatures (about 90,000), it would become State Question 809.

Lowe responds to Logan County Sheriff's 2nd Amendment Sanctuary declaration

Lowe Releases Statement on Logan County Sheriff’s “Sanctuary County” Declaration 

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC) released the following statement after Logan County Sheriff Damon Devereau declared Logan County a “Second Amendment Sanctuary County”:

“I would hope that the sheriff of Logan County would uphold all of the Constitution and not just parts of it. This is a political stunt that has nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with the sheriff’s politics. It also doesn’t change that Oklahomans have yet to have their say on whether the state should require training before someone carries a firearm in public.” 


Related stories:

• Sheriff declares Logan County a Sanctuary County for the 2nd Amendment
• Logan County Commissioners to consider support of Sheriff's 2A Sanctuary County declaration

Rep. Lowe files bills to repeal Constitutional Carry, ban long-barrel firearms in restaurants

After failing to gather enough signatures to place a repeal of Constitutional Carry on the ballot, Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC) is filing legislation to undo it.

Fortunately, this has absolutely no chance at passage.

Lowe Files Legislation Concerning Firearms and Public Safety

Bills would  Repeal Permitless Carry, Ban Long-Barrel Firearms in Restaurants

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC) has filed two pieces of legislation focused on making public spaces safer for Oklahomans.

House Bill 3357 would repeal last year’s permitless carry legislation.

“There is no doubt in my mind that if people got to vote on whether firearm safety training should be necessary to carry a firearm in public, where our children are, permitless carry would not be the law,” Lowe said. “This legislation is a product of the hundreds of conversations I have had personally with Oklahomans who don’t want irresponsible gun owners to carry firearms in public.”

House Bill 3897 would ban long-barrel firearms from Oklahoma restaurants. This legislation is meant to make these spaces safer and more welcoming to citizens.

“Having patrons carry long-barrel firearms into a restaurant isn’t good for business or the mental health of the restaurant’s patrons,” Lowe said. “Oklahomans, especially children, veterans suffering from PTSD, people suffering from mental illness, should have the ability to enter a restaurant in Oklahoma and not feel threatened or endangered by the presence of military-style weapons.”

While public safety is paramount, a byproduct of Lowe’s legislation would be a fix to an unintended consequence caused by the passage of permitless carry.

“The business owners I have spoken with don’t like being drug into this highly controversial issue,” Lowe said. “When we told store owners that they could decide who could and couldn’t carry in their place of business, we forced them to pick sides and alienate customers. Our government should make laws that help small businesses not hurt them.”

Anti-Constitutional Carry drive collected 37k signatures, 23k short of target

The Oklahoma Secretary of State has concluded an initial count of the signatures submitted for the anti-Constitutional Carry initiative petition, and found that the campaign collected 37,057 signatures, nearly 23,000 fewer than needed to halt the implementation of Constitutional Carry and out the measure up for statewide vote.

Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC) and supporting anti-gun groups had claimed to have collected over 50,000 signatures, still short of the nearly 60,000 signatures they needed.

OK2A, 36 legislators file challenge against anti-Constitutional Carry petition

Earlier today, the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite!, the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee, 22 GOP members of the State House and 14 GOP members of the State Senate filed a challenge in the State Supreme Court aimed at tossing out the initiative petition being circulated by anti-gun groups that aims to send permitless carry to a state vote in hopes of overturning the new law.

Specifically, their brief states that 'The “gist” of the referendum effectively contains six separate clauses, two of which are blatantly false, inaccurate, misleading, and inflammatory, and the remaining four of which are inaccurate, misleading and inflammatory.' If their challenge is confirmed, the petition could be thrown out.

The cover sheet of the brief is below, listing the names of the 36 legislators that signed on, including House Speaker Charles McCall and House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols (and yet, now that I look at it again, notably missing Senate President Greg Treat). Of interest to Muskogee area residents, State Sen. Kim David (R-Porter), State Sen. Roger Thompson (R-Okemah), State Rep. Avery Frix (R-Muskogee), and State Rep. Kevin McDugle (R-Wagoner) are on the list; none of the other legislators in or touching Muskogee County signed on to the brief.

More information:

• Read the 13-Page Protest Brief here. 
• Read  31-page SQ 803 here (the anti-Constitutional Carry initiative petition). 
• Read the Cover Sheet of the Supreme Court Brief here. 
• Visit the OK2A YouTube Channel for more videos on the topic.

OKGOP slams Dems' Constitutional Carry repeal effort

Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman David McLain

OKLAHOMA REPUBLICAN PARTY RESPONDS TO FAR-LEFT ATTEMPT TO REPEAL SECOND AMENDMENT PROTECTIONS

(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK) - During a press conference Monday, Democrat state representative Jason Lowe announced his filing of a repeal petition to repeal House Bill 2597, commonly known as constitutional carry. He was joined by far-left activist groups including Bloomberg-funded Moms Demand Action and Young Democrats of America.

Per the rules surrounding repeal petitions in Oklahoma, the out-of-state activist groups will be required to acquire tens of thousands of signatures in the next 10 days in order to have their repeal question placed upon the 2020 ballot.

In response to Rep. Lowe's announcement, Oklahoma Republican Party chairman David McLain released the following statement:

"Our Republican-led legislature voted overwhelmingly in 2019 to protect Oklahomans' constitutional right to carry and through Governor Kevin Stitt's leadership, Oklahomans will soon be allowed to fully exercise their Second Amendment right to bear arms. The Oklahoma Republican Party stands ready to defend every Oklahoman's right to bear arms and we stand firmly against the far-left agenda of Oklahoma Democrat lawmakers and out-of-state socialists."

BREAKING: OK Dems to attempt initiative to repeal Constitutional Carry

State Rep. Jason Lowe (D-OKC), supported by the Oklahoma chapter of Moms Demand Action, the president of the Young Democrats of America, and other groups, announced today that he has filed with the Secretary of State to collect signatures for an initiative petition to overturn permit-less carry (aka Constitutional Carry) legislation here in Oklahoma.

The press release announcing the move is below:

MEDIA ADVISORY: Lowe to Hold Press Conference to Announce Referendum Petition on Permit-Less Carry Legislation

WHO: Representative Jason Lowe, Joshua Harris-Till – President of Young Democrats of America, Jennifer Birch – Oklahoma Deputy Chapter Lead of Moms Demand Action, Rev. Lori Walke – OKC Faith Outreach Lead, Moms Demand Action

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: TODAY, August 12, at 2 p.m.

WHERE: Room 432B of the State Capitol

WHY: Today Representative Jason Lowe has filed language with the Secretary of State to repeal House Bill 2597 commonly known as Permit-less carry. He and the groups joining him believe the people of Oklahoma should decide if removing training and permits for firearms are the right decision for our state. With a very narrow window of 10 days, Representative Lowe hopes to get tens of thousands of signatures in order to place this question on the 2020 ballot.

Moms Demand Action is part of a nationwide anti-gun organization founded by the infamously anti-Second Amendment former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg was influential in the 2018 defeat of 5th District Republican Congressman Steve Russell. Former Oklahoma governor, senator, and OU president David Boren used to be on the advisory board of the national organization ('Everytown for Gun Safety') that oversees MDA.

Joshua Harris-Till twice ran for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District. In 2014, he lost in the primary, and was the 2016 Democratic nominee, garnering just over 23% of the vote. He was elected as national president of the Young Democrats of America at their 2019 convention last month.

Lori Walke is the wife of State Rep. Collin Walke (D-OKC), one of the most liberal members of the Oklahoma Legislature.

HB 2597 was the first bill signed into law by Governor Stitt in February 2019, after passing the House by a vote of 70-30 and the Senate by a vote of 40-7. HB 2597 established “Constitutional Carry,” allowing the concealed or unconcealed carry of firearms by any person who is at least twenty-one years of age or at least eighteen years of age and in the military, if the person is not otherwise disqualified to purchase a firearm.