The Latest in Oklahoma: August 1, 2025
A&A Advocates
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has been elected chair of the National Governors Association, where he will lead the organization through his final months in office. His initiative, “Reigniting the American Dream,” focuses on expanding economic opportunity, education access, and innovation in areas like AI and energy independence. Gov. Stitt will work alongside incoming vice chair, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, to emphasize bipartisan collaboration and results-driven leadership. As part of his term, Stitt plans to highlight successful state-level models like the Oklahoma Aviation Academy and host national events, including the NGA’s 2026 summer meeting in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma House lawmakers will conduct over 100 interim studies to examine key issues ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Topics include childhood hunger, teacher recruitment and retention, state energy needs, and the ethics and use of artificial intelligence. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert emphasized that these studies help lawmakers gather data, vet ideas, and build support before introducing legislation. Hearings will take place from August 1 to November 6 and involve bipartisan participation across various policy areas.
Senate Bill 998, taking effect in August, allows Oklahoma utility companies to begin charging customers for construction costs of new natural gas facilities before those facilities are operational—a practice known as Construction Work in Progress (CWIP). Authored by Sen. Grant Green and Rep. Trey Caldwell, the bill also shortens the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s (OCC) review process for such projects. While OG&E claims the move could ultimately save customers $190 million, OCC leaders oppose the bill, arguing it shifts financial risk from shareholders to ratepayers and forces customers to fund projects before receiving any benefits. OG&E has already withdrawn a rate case to refile under the new law and plans to use CWIP for two new gas turbines at its Horseshoe Lake plant.
Roughly one-fourth of Oklahomans rely on Medicaid, but recent federal legislation will cut the program’s funding by $1.1 trillion over 10 years, with Oklahoma expected to lose $13 billion over 10 years. Supporters like Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Rep. Kevin Hern argue the cuts target waste and won’t harm constituents, but health care leaders across the state warn of significant consequences, including reduced provider reimbursements, added red tape, and possible hospital closures. About 10 million people nationwide could lose coverage, mostly due to new reporting requirements rather than failing to meet work mandates. Rural areas, where hospitals already operate on thin margins, are expected to be hit hardest, raising concerns about access to care and rising costs for non-Medicaid patients.
Oklahoma is working to expand Medicaid reimbursement for school-based health services through a proposed state plan amendment. If approved, schools could bill Medicaid for more services—including for students on 504 plans and other care plans beyond IEPs—such as physical therapy, medication administration, and behavioral health support. While the expansion could bring significant funding opportunities, rural schools face challenges with staffing, billing infrastructure, and training. A $2.5 million federal grant aims to support implementation, but concerns remain about administrative burdens and political pushback.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is receiving backlash from his proposed $100 million in fines and other penalties against poultry companies found liable for polluting the Illinois River watershed. The Poultry Federation claims the proposed measures could “shut down” local operations and argues the use of poultry litter is a safe, state-approved farming practice. The industry is pushing for a “take nothing” judgment, saying the state failed to provide adequate evidence for remediation. Drummond also seeks court-mandated cleanup and a special master to oversee enforcement—moves the industry opposes as overreach.
Interim Studies
Click to view the House interim studies and Senate interim studies.
Upcoming Deadlines
10/31/25: Deadline for Senate studies to be completed.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“If I compiled a list of the top five people who had the greatest impact and influence on my life, George Nigh, along with my parents, would be on it,” said former Gov. Brad Henry regarding former Gov. George Nigh’s passing. “George was a longtime dear friend, a mentor and a true public servant. He was a great man, but, perhaps more importantly, he was a really good guy. Few, if any, have had as significant of an impact on our state for as long as George did.”