Gann criticizes House leaders for censoring and denying study requests on Inola smelter, AI surveillance, and House rules

I have noticed a recurring pattern when it comes to the Oklahoma State House leadership under Speaker Kyle Hilbert: they do not like conservative State Rep. Tom Gann and his reform-minded watchdog bent.

Gann Raises Concerns After House Leadership Blocks Hearing on  Controversial Proposed Oklahoma Smelter Project 

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 27th) — State Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, condemned Oklahoma State House  leadership Tuesday for rejecting three key interim-study requests, including a proposed hearing on the controversial Inola aluminum smelter, the ongoing rollout of automated AI surveillance technology, and a study on reforming the rules governing House activity and conduct. 

Gann also said House officials prevented the House press office from distributing his public statement criticizing the denials. Members ordinarily submit news releases through the taxpayer funded office for distribution to news organizations and publication on the House website. 

“This is censorship, plain and simple,” Gann said. “House leadership first used its power to  prevent an elected representative from studying matters of enormous public importance. It then used its control of a taxpayer-funded press office to suppress criticism of that decision. That is an abuse of institutional power, and it shows a disregard for the people, the free press, and the principles of open and free discussion of policy.” 

Oklahoma named one of finalist states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Oklahoma and 4 other states as potential host locations for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses - "a new effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle" - narrowing the field from 26 states that applied for the project. The Department will ultimately select up to three states for the Innovation Campuses.

Joining Oklahoma are Idaho, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Utah. According to the DOE, each of the proposed campuses could bring an estimated $50B in capital investment and 25,000 jobs. Here's more on what these campuses are all about: 

The proposed campuses are designed to support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and final disposition of used nuclear fuel. Depending on state priorities and regional capabilities, the campuses may also host advanced reactor deployment, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and co located data centers.

Below are reactions from a number of elected officials:

Legislature passes bill to ban cell phones during school, awaits Governor's signature

House Sends Bill to Permanently Ban Cell Phones in Schools to Governor's Desk

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 28th) – Today the Oklahoma House sent a bill to the Governor's desk that requires school districts to permanently adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones on campus during the school day.

“Bell to Bell, No Cell” was originally introduced as pilot legislation in 2025, requiring Oklahoma school boards to adopt policies prohibiting cell phone use on campus during the school day. Feedback from teachers, students and parents following the pilot program was overwhelmingly positive, prompting legislators to advance permanent legislation establishing the cell phone ban in state statute.

Democrat Rep. Pittman pleads guilty to felony forgery, resigns from office

State Rep. Ajay Pittman (D-OKC) has resigned in the wake of felony forgery and campaign finance violations. NonDoc has the in-depth particulars and background of the Pittman case. This will make the third special election in 2026 for a seat in the state legislature due to resignation, the others being Republican Ty Burns in HD35 and Democrat Forrest Bennett in HD92. Out of the 20 House Democrats that started the 60th Oklahoma Legislature after the 2024 election, this latest resignation means that 20% (4) of the original Democratic caucus will have resigned before the end of their two-year term.

Pittman pleads guilty after investigation by Drummond’s office

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 28, 2026) – State Rep. Ayshia “Ajay” Pittman pleaded guilty today to felony charges related to submitting a forged check to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission following an investigation by Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office. As part of her sentence, Pittman will resign from her elected position in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

According to the charges, Pittman directed the creation of a falsified check, which was then submitted to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission in an attempt to avoid repayment of funds to her campaign account. The scheme involved altering and creating a false $2,500 check and using a computer network to  transmit the fraudulent document to state officials while representing it as genuine.

State lawmakers urge Oklahomans: Be wary of signing SQ 836 petition

Most - but not all - of the Oklahoma Legislature's Republican members signed the following letter against State Question 836. Some of the missing names are unusual (mostly RINOs with a sprinkling of real conservatives); I'm trying to track down why a few of the 'good guys' aren't on here.

State lawmakers urge Oklahomans: Be wary of signing SQ 836 petition

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2026)—Today, Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton and Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, along with 110 of their fellow members of the Oklahoma Legislature, issued an open letter to the people of Oklahoma, urging them to be wary of signing the initiative petition to place State Question 836 on the statewide ballot.

The letter can be read here [PDF].

All totaled, the letter represents over 75 percent of the membership of Oklahoma’s two legislative chambers.

Small: Petition reforms are clearly constitutional

Petition reforms are clearly constitutional

By Jonathan Small

A case pending before the Oklahoma Supreme Court asks a simple question. Is it legal to require that initiative-petition efforts gather signatures from across Oklahoma? The answer is easy: Yes.

Senate Bill 1027, by state Sen. David Bullard and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, made several reforms to Oklahoma’s initiative-petition process, but the most notable was requiring  the collection of signatures equal to no more than 11.5 percent of the votes cast in any county during the most recent statewide general election (when seeking to change state law) or 20.8 percent (when seeking to amend the Oklahoma Constitution, which requires more signatures to advance to the ballot).

The reform passes the common-sense test. A proposal that will affect all Oklahomans should demonstrate support from Oklahomans across much of the state.

State House updates online budget transparency portal

House Updates Online Budget Transparency Portal

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 1st) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives released today an update to its online budget transparency portal, detailing state agency budgets that have been submitted to the Legislature for the FY27 budget.

The portal, known as Budget HQ, was created in 2024 in an effort to bring transparency to the state budgeting process both for the full House membership and the public.

"Our budget transparency portal has brought light to what used to be a mostly behind the scenes process in crafting our state budget. We will be posting updated budget requests ahead of budget hearings our committees will hold in December and January so our members and the public know the requests being made," said House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon. "We are already working on the FY27 budget and will continue to keep the public informed as the process progresses."

Speaker Hilbert: investigation into "bizarre accident" vindicates both Walters and board members

The latest turn of events in the the State Department of Education TV-Gate drama: House Speaker Kyle Hilbert thinks the bottom has been reached and the actual truth discovered, and it was all a bizarre accident.

House Speaker Comments on SDE Investigation

Oklahoma City (August 5th) - Statement from Speaker Kyle Hilbert Regarding Investigation into State Department of Education TV Incident:

"On Friday, July 25, two members of the State Board of Education made graphic allegations concerning what they say was visible on a television in the State Superintendent’s office during an executive session the previous day. Due to the serious and disturbing nature of these claims, I immediately called for an independent and transparent third-party review to determine exactly what occurred.

That weekend, I spoke directly with State Superintendent Ryan Walters. He assured me that he welcomed a thorough investigation and had requested the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) to come onsite to investigate. OMES confirmed with me that they would begin their work on Monday, July 28, which they did.

House Speaker Hilbert launches “Capitol to Community” tour

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert Launches “Capitol to Community” Statewide Series

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 30th) – Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert has launched a new initiative titled "Capitol to Community", a series of events held across the state over the interim with the goal of strengthening connections between legislators and the Oklahomans they serve.

The format of Capitol to Community will vary depending on the community, but the goal remains consistent: a full day on the ground, engaging directly with local leaders, businesses, educators and residents.

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.

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.

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?

State House releases updated budget transparency portal

House Releases Updated Budget Transparency Portal

Details House Position on Budget Items for Fiscal Year 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY(March 27th)  – The Oklahoma House of Representatives released today updated budget numbers in its online transparency portal, detailing the House position on how the FY26 budget should be crafted.

The portal, known as Budget HQ, was created in 2024 in an effort to bring transparency to the state budgeting process both for the full House membership and the public.

The numbers are a starting point for negotiations with the Senate and Governor over the FY26 budget.

Judicial Nominating Commission reform measures pass State House

Judicial Nominating Commission Reform Measures Pass House

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 13th) – The House passed two measures this week that would reform the way judges are vetted and selected in Oklahoma.

The state's Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), established in 1967 by an amendment to the state Constitution, is charged with nominating the three most qualified candidates for appointment by the governor to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Court of Civil Appeals, as well as district and associate district judgeships when vacancies occur outside the normal election process for those positions. Currently, six of the 15 members of the commission are attorneys and nine are non-lawyers.

"A majority of Oklahomans are ready to modernize how state judicial applicants are vetted and appointed," said Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, who is the author of the bills. "The judiciary provides a vital check and balance function as laws are created, and it is important the system remains above reproach and is managed by those who know the law best. These two measures would update the nominating process in a way that would benefit the public while preserving the integrity of this system."

Small: Initiative petition transparency an important reform

Initiative petition transparency an important reform

By Jonathan Small

Oklahoma’s initiative-petition process allows voters to determine major policy issues, but some system flaws have become apparent. That’s why Oklahomans should support bringing greater transparency to the petition process.

Under Senate Bill 1027, the initiative-petition process would have to include clear language, transparent reporting of funders, and buy-in from a wider swath of Oklahoma.

None of these ideas should be controversial.

House passes administrative rules reform measure; OCPA, AFP-OK praise

House Passes REINS Act

Second House priority bill passes House title-on in first three weeks of session

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 20th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today passed House Bill 2728, a measure designed to enhance transparency and legislative oversight in the state’s administrative rulemaking process.

House Bill 2728, authored by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, creates the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025, modeled after similar federal legislation. The bill ensures that state agency regulations receive greater legislative review before taking effect.

Small: REINing in the government Goliath

REINing in the government Goliath

By Jonathan Small

Oklahoma state government’s reach may seem insignificant compared to the gargantuan size of the federal government, but Oklahoma government still has tendrils reaching all segments of our economy.

That’s why it is important for Oklahoma lawmakers to restrain government regulation at the state level even as President Trump does the same thing at the federal level.

State House committee approves bill to reform administrative rulemaking

You want to address how government impacts citizens? Take a look at administrative rulemaking - where bureaucracy interprets legislation in the real world.

House Committee Advances Bill to Reform Administrative Rulemaking

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb 4th) – The Oklahoma House Administrative Rules Committee has approved legislation aimed at reforming the state’s administrative rulemaking process—the system through which state agencies implement laws by drafting and proposing regulations.

House Bill 2728, authored by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, would establish the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025, modeled after similar federal legislation introduced in Congress last year. Kendrix described the REINS Act as a crucial first step toward increasing transparency and oversight in what he referred to as an attempt by the unelected bureaucracy to create an unconstitutional "fourth branch of government."

Oklahoma Legislature formally elects new 2025-2026 leadership

Earlier this week, the Oklahoma Legislature met for the constitutionally-required Organizational Day, where both legislative chambers formally elected their leadership and passed the rules package by which their respective bodies will operate for the next term.

Oklahoma officials celebrate cancellation of 18-mile-wide federal energy corridor crossing state

Property owners across the state are breathing a sigh of relief at the cancellation of an 18-mile-wide federal energy corridor, but by no means does that signal time to retreat and close eyes to future potential projects.

Numerous communities and groups across the state raised alarm over the project, culminating in a well-attended meeting at the Creek County Fairgrounds where House Speaker-elect Kyle Hilbert announced that the federal Department of Energy was removing designation that would have allowed eminent domain for the project, leading to its scrapping.