The Latest in Oklahoma: December 26, 2025
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce has adopted its 2026 legislative priorities, with a strong focus on transportation investment to support regional growth. The chamber is pushing for expanded roadway capacity, stronger public transit, and better multimodal infrastructure, along with continued efforts to secure federal funding for rail connections, including the Heartland Flyer and a link to the national rail network through Kansas. Beyond transportation, the priorities also address education outcomes, mental health and housing, county government reform, workforce development, and long-term economic competitiveness for Oklahoma businesses.
More than 100 bills have already been filed ahead of Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session, with lawmakers proposing a wide range of measures before the Jan. 15 deadline. Early proposals focus on insurance protections, tax breaks, government transparency, school funding, immigration restrictions, and changes to public assistance programs. The article notes that while thousands of bills are typically introduced, only a small portion are ultimately signed into law. Still, the early filings offer a preview of the policy debates likely to shape the upcoming session.
The Oklahoma State Board of Equalization has approved an estimated $12 billion in spending authority for the upcoming fiscal year, giving lawmakers a framework for crafting the state budget. While recurring revenues are up from last year, overall available appropriations are down nearly $700 million, leaving the state short of triggering an automatic income tax cut. Gov. Kevin Stitt expressed optimism about revenue growth and strong savings, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond raised concerns about future costs tied to reduced federal support. The forecast sets the stage for budget negotiations as state leaders balance stable revenues with rising financial pressures.
Oklahoma lawmakers are signaling a potential legislative push focused on China’s influence through a series of Republican-backed interim studies at the state Capitol. The hearings examined concerns ranging from foreign lobbying and land ownership to alleged ties between Chinese interests and illegal marijuana operations. Lawmakers discussed possible disclosure requirements for those advocating on behalf of foreign governments and revisited past efforts to restrict foreign ownership of land and businesses. The studies reflect growing scrutiny of China’s role in state affairs and could shape future legislation in Oklahoma.
Weekly Wrap Up
Upcoming Deadline
12/29 House Bill details to follow deadline
12/20 Senate Fiscal Billing deadline, 4:00pm
To see the full legislative calendar, click the link to view the House Calendar and Senate Calendar.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“If we allow Democrats and independents to vote in our elections, they will vote for the guy we don’t want on purpose to control who our Republican candidate is,” Oklahoma GOP Chairwoman Charity Linch said regarding State Question 836. “We cannot allow it. You might as well move to California.”