The Latest in Oklahoma: June 13, 2025
A&A Advocates
Amanda Clinton and Kevin Norwood won their respective special elections on June 10, securing seats in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for Districts 71 and 74. Amanda Clinton won the special election for House District 71 with 84.7% of the vote, defeating Republican Beverly Atteberry and carrying all precincts in Tulsa County. Kevin Norwood secured the House District 74 seat with 64.6% of the vote against Democrat Amy Hossain. These results maintain the existing partisan balance in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Clinton and Norwood are expected to be sworn in before the Legislature’s next regular session and may participate in interim studies.
Governor Kevin Stitt has signed House Bill 2758 into law to improve road and bridge safety in counties across Oklahoma. The bill creates the Preserving and Advancing County Transportation (PACT) Fund, which will use a portion of gross production tax revenue on oil and gas starting July 1. Two-thirds of the funding will be distributed based on the number of county road miles, while one-third will go toward reconstructing major collector bridges.
Former Oklahoma County District Court Judge Aletia Timmons won Tuesday’s special election for House District 97, taking 59.07 % of the vote to defeat fellow Democrat JeKia Harrison. The race fills the remainder of ex-Rep. Jason Lowe’s term, which became vacant after Lowe was elected to the Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners. Timmons, who left the bench in March to run, said her victory stemmed from hard-working volunteers and pledged to “fight the good fight” for northeast Oklahoma City, Spencer, Forest Park, and Lake Aluma constituents.
Governor Kevin Stitt has signed Senate Bill 139, banning students from using cellphones and other personal electronic devices at any time during the school day starting in the 2025-26 academic year. The measure requires devices to be turned off and put away from the first bell to the last, ending the former policy that let high-schoolers use phones during lunch and passing periods. Students may still use school-issued devices for instruction, with exceptions allowed for emergencies or health-related monitoring. Districts have begun updating policies, and parents are encouraged to prepare their children ahead of the August 14 start of school.
Important Deadlines
Gov. Stitt has until tomorrow, June 14, to sign or veto the bills currently on his desk; otherwise, they will be pocket vetoed. Click here to see the status of a bill.
Important Interim Study Deadlines:
06/27/25: Deadline to request a House or Senate study for approval.
07/03/25: Deadline for the Pro Tem to announce approved Senate studies.
07/25/25: Deadline for the Speaker to announce approved House studies.
10/31/25: Deadline for Senate studies to be completed.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“We are so thankful to the legislators who heard our need and worked tirelessly to make this funding a reality and to the governor for signing this bill into law,” said Tulsa County District 1 Commissioner Stan Sallee regarding the Governor signing HB 2758 into law.
“This investment in county infrastructure will allow us to further enhance safety for everyone who utilizes these roads and bridges daily.”