Oklahoma lawmakers ended the 2026 legislative session after a tense final day in the Senate. A major last-minute measure, House Bill 1370, repealed an old state law that would have raised Oklahoma’s gas tax if the federal government suspended its own fuel tax, an idea supported by President Trump and Gov. Kevin Stitt. Senators like Shane Jett accused Senate leadership of using procedural delays for political reasons during an election year, calling the process embarrassing and chaotic. Despite the conflict, lawmakers passed numerous bills and veto overrides before officially adjourning the session.
Oklahoma lawmakers approved a new law expanding the responsibilities of dental assistants and hygienists in an effort to improve access to care, especially in rural areas. The law allows dental assistants to work under general supervision from dentists rather than requiring direct supervision at all times, and it permits them to assist hygienists during certain procedures. Supporters, including bill author Rep. David Smith, say the measure could help address staffing shortages and reduce barriers for patients who must travel long distances for dental care. Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed the legislation into law.
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 2030 into law, advancing Oklahoma’s Clean Slate Initiative and expanding automatic criminal record sealing efforts across the state. The legislation builds on a 2022 law by creating a more efficient and structured process for sealing eligible records while maintaining public safety oversight. Supporters, including criminal justice reform advocates, say the measure could help hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans by reducing barriers to employment, housing, and education. The law also prepares for the future creation of an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation portal designed to streamline the record-sealing process.
An effort to override Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto of a bill extending the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) failed in the state Senate, putting the public broadcaster on track to shut down. Senate Bill 1461 needed 32 votes to override the veto but fell short after 18 Republicans voted against it, leaving OETA without renewed legislative authorization. Supporters argued the network provides important public services, including emergency weather alerts and educational programming, while Stitt maintained taxpayers should not fund public broadcasting. Unless lawmakers act in a future session, OETA will begin winding down operations on July 1 after more than 70 years of service in Oklahoma.
Weekly Wrap Up
The 60th Oklahoma Legislature has officially adjourned. View Governor Stitt’s most recent vetoes here.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Should President Trump move to suspend the federal gas tax, Oklahomans will now truly benefit from this relief due to rapid action taken today at the Capitol,” Gov Stitt said regarding House Bill 1370, which eliminates a 30-year-old provision that would have triggered a tax increase on fuel at the pump if the federal government suspends its gas tax. “I applaud members of my administration who identified this antiquated law, and Republican legislative leaders for acting within 24 hours to protect the President’s America First agenda in Oklahoma.”