Welcome to the Oklahoma House of Representatives

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, this week passed a bill in committee that would safeguard a parent's fundamental right to raise and refer to their child according to the child's biological sex. Duel characterized House Bill 3502 as a parental rights and child protection measure that would ensure no parent or prospective adoptive parent can be labeled abusive, neglectful or disqualified from fostering or adoption simply for raising or referring to a child consistent with the child's biological sex. "We have seen parents in other states penalized for affirming basic biological reality and refusing to submit to radical gender ideology," Duel said. "This legislation makes clear that Oklahoma will defend parental authority, uphold biological truth and maintain common-sense standards while helping more children find stable, loving homes." Duel faced questions in committee about whether this has been an issue in Oklahoma, which traditionally respects parental rights. He also was asked if there had been an instance where a family had been denied the right to foster a child because of this matter. Duel said while he's unaware of this being litigated in Oklahoma, responsible governance means acting before outside policies and activist pressure threaten Oklahoma families. "We can look to what has happened in other states and ensure Oklahoma does not repeat those mistakes," he said. "We have a large number of children in need of loving homes, and we should not disqualify parents for holding to biological truth and exercising their right to raise children according to their convictions." Duel said the bill reinforces Oklahoma's longstanding commitment to parental rights, limited government and policies rooted in ideological reality.  HB3502 passed on a vote of 4-1 in the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee. It is now referred to the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson, advanced four insurance bills this week through the House Insurance Committee, which he chairs.  Three of the bills lay the foundation for broader updates to Oklahoma’s insurance and regulatory framework.  House Bills 3796 and 3818 would serve as comprehensive legislative vehicles to organize and modernize insurance statutes during the 2026 session. The bills would provide a structured framework allowing lawmakers to consolidate reforms, improve statutory clarity and ensure Oklahoma law keeps pace with industry standards and consumer needs. House Bill 3794 would serve as an umbrella measure for regulatory updates affecting licensed professions and occupations, helping streamline statutory changes and provide consistency across regulatory language.  House Bill 3802 would focus on directly on consumer protection. The bill would prohibit insurers from increasing a motor vehicle liability premium solely because a deceased spouse is removed from a policy. It clarifies that removing a deceased spouse cannot be treated as a material change in risk for underwriting or rate calculations. Insurers would still be allowed to adjust premiums at renewal based on documented changes such as driving record, claims history, mileage, garaging location or other actuarially supported risk factors.  "Our responsibility is to ensure the rules are clear and the protections are meaningful," Sneed said. "These bills improve structure, reinforce consumer safeguards and create a more dependable regulatory environment for families and businesses."  In addition to advancing Sneed's legislation, the House Insurance Committee has approved measures this session aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and stability in Oklahoma’s insurance market.  Sneed said he is proud of the committee’s work so far. "We are committed to getting the details right," he said. "Insurance affects people during some of the most important and difficult moments in their lives. When families file a claim or businesses rely on coverage, they deserve a system that is fair, transparent and dependable. That is the kind of work this committee is focused on."  All four bills passed the House Insurance Committee and are now eligible for consideration in the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ryan Eaves, R-Atoka, passed a bill this week that would give counties the option to impose a local public service impact tax on retail marijuana sales.  House Bill 3314 would authorize counties to impose up to a 15% public service impact tax on retail marijuana sales within county limits. The bill does not automatically create a tax. If a county chooses to pursue one, it must first be approved by a majority of county voters at a special election. The bill also exempts marijuana grown on private property by individuals that is not sold.  "Counties are the ones dealing with the day-to-day impact of marijuana sales," Eaves said. "This lets local communities decide for themselves whether they want to dedicate a portion of that revenue to support law enforcement, first responders and improving problem properties."   If approved locally, revenue from the tax would be deposited into the county general fund and used to support county sheriffs, local police and fire departments and to address dilapidated properties.   The bill outlines election procedures, requires the purpose and duration of the tax to be clearly identified to voters and allows the Oklahoma Tax Commission to administer and collect the tax through a contract with the county. HB3314 passed the County and Municipal Government Committee with a 6-0 vote and now advances to the Government Oversight Committee for further consideration.