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.

Conservative Jonathan Hewitt launches candidacy for State House District 101

It's been a while since a conservative held the House District 101 seat; Jonathan Hewitt aims to change that, and is challenging incumbent Robert Manger in the GOP primary. No one else filed, so this is a winner-take-all head-to-head race:

Jonathan Hewitt Launches Candidacy for Oklahoma State Representative, District 101 

Choctaw, OK — 04/03/2024 — Today, Jonathan Hewitt proudly announces that he has filed for the position of Oklahoma State Representative for House District 101 with the Oklahoma State Election Board. Jonathan has a deep-rooted commitment to community service and an unwavering dedication to Oklahoman values, he steps forward to be a representative who will serve with integrity and transparency for his constituents. 

Gann: warrantless license plate scanner tracking is not authorized by state law

Warrantless License Plate Scanner Tracking is Not Authorized By State Law

Oklahoma City (March 18th) -- State Representative Tom Gann issued a statement today following the dramatic defeat of SB 1620 on Thursday.

"In 2016, the legislature made the unfortunate decision to authorize the use of license plate scanner technology for the purpose of insurance verification. That law limited the use of this intrusive technology to that purpose only. This year, the legislature considered House Bill 3570, which was not heard prior to the 3rd reading deadline, and Senate Bill 1620, which was defeated on Thursday by a wide margin — becoming one of the very few bills to be defeated on the Senate floor. These bills would have authorized the use of this technology for purposes other than insurance verification. As these laws have failed, it's important for the public and city councils across the state to know that: There is no specific statutory authorization for using these systems."

Senate passes bill to make first conviction of domestic violence against pregnant women a felony

Senate supports bill making first conviction of domestic violence against pregnant women a felony

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 2nd) – The full Senate has approved a bill to make domestic violence against a pregnant woman a felony upon the first conviction.  Senate Bill 1046, by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, was approved unanimously on Thursday after previously winning support in two separate Senate committees.

Legislators file initiative petition for state question on freezing property tax for seniors

Former State Rep. David Dank would have been all on board with this proposal, which was a longterm goal of his when he passed away in 2015.

Legislators File Petition to Add Senior Homestead Fair Cash Value Freeze State Question to Ballot

OKLAHOMA CITY – A trio of state representatives recently filed an initiative petition to add an amendment to the state Constitution that would freeze the homestead fair cash value for individuals aged 65 and older.

If enough signatures are gained (177,958 are needed), State Question 822 could be on the Nov. 8 ballot this year. The initiative petition was filed June 24 by Reps. Max Wolfley, R-Oklahoma City; Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City; and Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City. A challenge period ended July 15.

State Reps file bill to exempt vets from taxes on retirement benefits

McDugle, Townley, Manger File Bill to Exempt Veterans from Taxes on Retirement Benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow, Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, and Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, have filed legislation to grant Oklahoma veterans a full tax exemption on retirement benefits they receive as a result of their service.

House Bill 3693 would maintain the current exemption through Dec. 31, 2022. Under the legislation, veterans would receive a 100% tax exemption on their retirement benefits, beginning Jan. 1, 2023.

Currently, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces receive tax exemptions for up to 75% or $10,000 of the retirement benefits they receive from any component of the U.S. Armed Forces.

"As someone who proudly served in our nation's armed forces, I understand just how much this bill could help my brothers and sisters-in-arms," McDugle said. "We need to take every opportunity we can to give back to those who have given so much for our country."

State House passes bill aimed at preventing public meeting disruptions

House Passes Bill Aimed at Curbing Public Meeting Disruptions

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 15th) – Yesterday the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 403, a bill that will extend current statutes regarding the disruption of state meetings to cover school boards, county and municipal governments.

SB 403 was authored by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, in the House and Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, in the Senate.

“We have rules of decorum that govern how business is handled in the Capitol, and I believe that same decorum should apply to other political subdivisions,” Manger said. “There are plenty of avenues for voices to be expressed on the issues without having to disruptively protest during a meeting.”

The bill will make it unlawful to disrupt or interfere with the business of any political subdivision.

Robert Manger announces for HD101

Robert Manger Seeks House District 101 seat

Retired U.S. Marshal Robert Manger announced yesterday that he will be a Republican candidate for the State House of Representatives, District 101. The district includes parts of Choctaw, Harrah, Midwest City, Nicoma Park and Oklahoma City.

“Like most Oklahomans, I am not happy with the direction of our state government. Instead of complaining from the sidelines, I want to be part of the solution,” Manger said. “We need a state representative who will be a problem solver, someone who is active in the community and understands the views of district constituents. If elected, I will always listen and reflect the opinions and values of House District 101 at the State Capitol.”

Manger began his law enforcement career with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office in 1978 and spent most of the 1980s working there. At the sheriff’s office, he worked in the criminal division, civil division, jail division, and was a SWAT team member.

In 1987, Manger joined the United States Marshals Service, where he served until retirement in 2011. Manger held and maintained a Top Secret Security Clearance for 20 years and served as an Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Marshals Service for 15 years. In that position he oversaw daily operations, including the dispensing and reconciliation of funds. During his tenure with the Marshals Service, Manger received 20 U.S. Marshals Service Performance Awards and a Distinguished Expert Award for Superior Shooting.

Since his retirement from law enforcement, Manger has worked as a Realtor in the Oklahoma City Metro area.

Manger, a graduate of Del City High School, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Oklahoma and an Associate of Arts degree in Sociology from Rose State College.

Manger and his wife, Karlita, have been married 35 years and have lived in the same home in District 101 for the past 24 years. They have two sons: Jordan, 29 and Austin, 25. Jordan and his wife, Britnee, have a six-month- old son. They are members of the Southern Hills Baptist Church. Manger is a life member of the NRA.