Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has signed several priority bills into law ahead of key legislative deadlines, including a major education measure known as the Strong Readers Act. The law invests $26 million into literacy programs, including third-grade retention and expanded reading support. Other signed measures include the $12.8 billion state budget, fentanyl education requirements, and emergency funding for mental health and public health agencies. While Republican leaders highlight progress, Democrats have criticized the fast-paced process and raised concerns about budget planning.
Oklahoma lawmakers are advancing a bill aimed at protecting residents from higher electricity costs tied to the growth of data centers. The proposal would require regulators to ensure that large energy users, like data centers and crypto operations, cover the cost of infrastructure rather than passing it on to everyday customers. It would also create separate rate structures specifically for these high-demand users. The bill has passed a Senate committee unanimously and is now eligible for a full Senate vote.
Oklahoma Senate leaders have paused a proposal to hold a constitutional convention, raising concerns about how delegates would be selected and the influence it would give the House. Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton also said the crowded election ballot makes this a bad time to move forward. The measure has been laid over, meaning it could return in a future legislative session. Meanwhile, lawmakers are still advancing other ballot proposals, including changes to Medicaid expansion and judicial selection.
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert barred Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation Chuck Hoskin Jr. from speaking on the House floor following his remarks supporting Medicaid expansion. Hilbert argued the speech crossed into inappropriate political advocacy, while experts say the rules around such speeches are unclear and reflect broader strains in state-tribal relations. Hoskin defended Medicaid expansion as critical to healthcare and economic support for Cherokee communities. The dispute highlights ongoing conflicts between tribal leaders and state officials over policy and communication.
Weekly Wrap Up
Upcoming Deadlines
05/07: Deadline for Third Reading and Final Passage of Bills and Joint Resolutions from opposite chamber
05/29: The Second Regular Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature Sine Die Adjournment
To see the full legislative calendar, click the link to view the House Calendar and Senate Calendar.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“We owe it to ourselves, our children and our future generations to never forget what happened in Oklahoma City,” Rep. Rick West said regarding House Resolution 1046 which recalls the events of the Oklahoma City bombing and expresses gratitude to those who responded to the act of terrorism. “We do this every year to remember those we loved who were killed, but also with the hope of building a better and more peaceful future. We must never let hatred and division define us. We seek love above all.”