The Latest in Oklahoma: July 11, 2025
A&A Advocates
Two Oklahoma City attorneys have filed a lawsuit against Governor Kevin Stitt over the newly signed business courts law, Senate Bill 632. They argue the law is unconstitutional because it bypasses the Judicial Nominating Commission and imposes a high $1,565 filing fee. The law creates business court divisions in Oklahoma City and Tulsa for civil cases over $500,000, with judges appointed by the governor. The attorneys are seeking an injunction to prevent the law from taking effect on September 1.
Oklahoma food banks and hunger relief organizations are bracing for increased demand following recent SNAP benefit reductions tied to the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Advocates warn that the cuts will disproportionately impact children, seniors, and working families already struggling with food insecurity. The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma reports a 30% increase in food distribution compared to pre-pandemic levels and anticipates a growing gap between need and available resources.
A recent LOFT report revealed significant financial mismanagement within the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) taking place for more than a decade. The agency allegedly spent $17 million on a now-abandoned behavioral health hospital site and maintained duplicate contracts for the same services, exposing systemic issues that have persisted prior to Gov. Stitt’s tenure as noted by LOFT. LOFT also found that ODMHSAS operated with little transparency and failed to follow basic financial controls. Lawmakers are now calling for increased oversight and accountability.
Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Jeff Starling has officially announced his candidacy for state Attorney General. He filed on July 1 and is seeking the Republican nomination to replace Gentner Drummond, who is running for governor. Starling emphasized his experience as an attorney, businessman, and public servant, stating he will bring “real-world leadership” to the office. He joins former state Rep. Jon Echols in the race.
Interim Studies
Upcoming Deadlines
07/25/25: Deadline for the Speaker to announce approved House studies.
10/31/25: Deadline for Senate studies to be completed.
Click to view the Senate and House interim studies.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“From Hawaii to Washington to New York and Florida to my home state of Oklahoma, our nation’s farmland must be protected,” Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas said, voicing his support for H.R. 1713. The bill seeks to amend the Defense Production Act by adding the Secretary of Agriculture as a permanent member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.