Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt issued the following statement after the Senate approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget bill.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) and Oklahoma Legislature leaders today announced the formation of the bipartisan RUSO Caucus, a new legislative caucus comprised of lawmakers who are alumni of RUSO institutions or who support the RUSO system’s mission to prepare students to lead Oklahoma into the future.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, issued the following statements after voting no on proposed constitutional amendments on Monday morning’s Senate Rules Committee agenda.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, legislative leaders in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Oklahoma Senate, along with the Governor, announced they have reached an agreement on the state budget for Fiscal Year 2027. The agreement marks the earliest a comprehensive budget deal has been reached in recent state history.

The FY27 budget prioritizes fiscal discipline while making strategic investments in critical areas of state government.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt and Assistant Leader Carri Hicks released the following remarks after Senate Republicans announced their budget agreement at the Capitol on Wednesday.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, was recently presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education during the annual Higher Education Day at the State Capitol. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – With no public meetings to discuss plans for the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, GOP leaders have reversed course on a two-year effort to promote transparency in the state budget process and reverted to meeting behind closed doors. Senate and House Democratic leaders said the secretive negotiations are leaving Oklahomans with no opportunity to speak out about how the budget will impact their lives.

Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton was unanimously elected as pro tem-designate for the 61st Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly passed legislation from Sen. Jonathan Wingard, R-Ada, to financially penalize pharmacy benefit managers that undercut reimbursement rates for local pharmacies.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Nikki Nice has won unanimous approval by the full Senate for legislation to better help families after the loss of a child due to miscarriage or stillbirth.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City, has won unanimous approval of the Senate for Senate Bill 1204 which will better support teachers and staff following the death of a spouse or child, including miscarriage.

OKLAHOMA CITY— The Oklahoma Senate unanimously advanced legislation Thursday establishing a framework for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to receive federal grant funds aimed at improving maternal health outcomes across the state.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to encourage and promote more local farming throughout the state, including urban areas, has been approved by the full Senate. Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City, is the author of Senate Bill 2061, creating the Oklahoma Food Policy Council.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, secured Senate passage of a slate of targeted reforms focused on strengthening consumer protections, empowering local decision-making in education, and modernizing outdated business regulations.

The legislation — Senate Bills 1894 and 592 — addresses specific gaps in current law while reinforcing a more transparent and accountable system for Oklahoma families, schools, and employers.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, secured Senate passage of Senate Bill 1618, legislation to modernize Oklahoma’s pretrial system by equipping judges with validated risk assessment tools to better protect communities and ensure consistent, informed release decisions.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Senate unanimously approved a measure by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, to prohibit marriage before the age of 18.  

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, secured Senate passage of Senate Bill 904, legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of Oklahoma’s Medicaid program and ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Carri Hicks has won bipartisan approval from the full Senate for Senate Bill 1427, to ensure parents will have access to Type 1 diabetes (T1D) screening for their children if they so choose.

OKLAHOMA CITY— Senator Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, has secured Senate approval for Senate Bill 1369, legislation creating the 9-8-8 Lifeline Revolving Fund to ensure the continued operation of the state’s 988 crisis hotline following the loss of federal funding.