LEGISLATIVE
NEWSLETTER

Spotlight on Rising Home Insurance Costs in Oklahoma

Two recent media features are bringing increased attention to the challenges surrounding Oklahoma’s growing home insurance crisis.
KOCO’s Oklahoma Chronicle recently featured Senators Julia Kirt (D–District 30) and Bill Coleman (R–District 10) discussing the recent House and Senate interim studies that examined the causes and possible solutions to rising homeowners insurance rates across the state. Watch the full segment here.
Meanwhile, on KFOR’s FlashPoint, hosts Kevin Ogle, Todd Lamb, and guest host, and BIGiOK member, Jeff Berrong sat down with Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready to discuss the same interim studies, offering insight into what’s driving premiums higher and what steps are being explored Watch the full interview here.
BIGiOK continues to monitor these important discussions as lawmakers and regulators explore long-term solutions to support both consumers and the insurance industry.
BIGiOK continues to monitor these important discussions as lawmakers and regulators explore long-term solutions to support both consumers and the insurance industry.
Oklahoma Chronicle: What can be done to improve home insurance rates?
There is a big spotlight on the issue of the rising cost of home insurance in Oklahoma, with the state House and Senate holding interim studies on it.

Protection From House Fires
By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

It’s finally starting to feel like fall in Oklahoma! Temperatures are coming down (slowly), so that means before too long, we will be turning our heaters on for the first time in months. Before enjoying the transition to fall and winter, take the time now to protect your family and home from house fires.
Let’s look at what causes most house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of house fires was cooking, followed by heating equipment and electrical distribution and lighting equipment (wiring, outlets, switches, cords, plugs, power supplies, and lighting) from 2019 to 2023. In that same period, home fires and injuries were likely to originate in the kitchen. This information gives us a good idea of where to be the most vigilant.

Here are some quick tips to help you prevent a house fire:

• Never leave a stove, range, oven, fireplace or space heater unattended. Make sure those are off when you’re leaving or going to bed.
• Never use a stove or oven for additional heat. Not only is this a fire hazard, but it can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test those monthly. Replace batteries if needed and install a new device if your current one has reached the end of its lifespan.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near exits.
• Place anything that can burn at least three feet from heating sources.
• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets.
• Don’t overload circuits or use damaged cords. Use only certified surge protectors and unplug unused devices.
• Before use, have chimneys cleaned and inspected by a professional.
• Install a screen to keep sparks from escaping the fireplace.
• Hire a licensed electrician to inspect wiring in older homes.
  

The NFPA has additional resources on home fire safety that you can find on their website.
In addition to home safety, you should review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage. Also, don’t forget to take the time to create or update your home inventory! This is something you can easily and quickly do over a weekend, and it will save you time and hassle if you ever must file a claim. Upload your inventory with any photos and videos you take of your belongings to the cloud so you can always have access to it.
The change of seasons is upon us, which means increased risk of house fires as the temperatures drop. Some quick prevention can protect you, your loved ones and your home all winter. The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is here to answer your insurance questions and provide assistance. Visit oid.ok.gov or call 800-522-0071.

Handheld Cell Phone Bill Starts November 1

Beginning November 1, Oklahoma drivers will be prohibited from using handheld cell phones and other electronic communication devices in active school and work zones under House Bill 2263, authored by Rep. Nicole Miller (HD 82) of Edmond. The law strengthens Oklahoma’s existing distracted driving rules by limiting handheld phone usage in areas where extra attention behind the wheel is critical. Drivers may still use hands-free features to stay connected safely.

“This law is a practical step toward safer roads,” Miller said. “It allows drivers to continue using hands-free technology while ensuring their focus stays on driving, especially in critical areas where workers and students are most at risk.”
Miller said the change is simple but has significant impact to safeguarding Oklahoma communities.
“Distracted driving is a lead contributor to collisions and preventable harm on our roads,” she said. “This law reinforces every driver’s responsibility to remain attentive and protect those around them.”
Violations carry the same penalties as the state’s texting-while-driving ban. The law also protects driver privacy by prohibiting law enforcement from accessing or downloading data from a phone without a warrant or probable cause.
Enforcement of the law begins November 1, marking a step forward in keeping school children, road crews and motorists safer on Oklahoma roads.

Speaker Removes Pittman From Committees Amid Investigation

Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert (HD 29) has removed Representative Ajay Pittman (HD 99) from all committee assignments following findings by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission and amid an ongoing criminal investigation.
Hilbert said the decision follows a recommendation from the House Democratic Caucus. “I have taken the minority caucus’ recommendation and have removed Rep. Pittman from all committee assignments, in addition to her previous removal from the State Tribal Relations Committee,” Hilbert said. “These are serious findings from the Ethics Commission, in addition to an ongoing criminal investigation, so I feel this additional step is warranted.”
Earlier, Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson (HD 85) announced that her caucus voted to temporarily suspend Pittman from membership and activities within the House Democratic Caucus pending the outcome of an investigation by the Oklahoma Attorney General.
“While we maintain that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, the allegations regarding Rep. Ajay Pittman are severe enough that action was warranted,” Munson said. “The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus also recommends to the Speaker of the House that Rep. Ajay Pittman be suspended temporarily from all assigned House committees.”
Munson said the caucus does not plan further comment while investigations are ongoing but remains “committed to accountability and transparency for all elected officials.”

Stitt Appoints Millington as Interim Director of Juvenile Affairs
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed Sharon “Shel” Millington as interim director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs following the resignation of Tim Tardibono.
Millington, a licensed professional counselor, brings more than two decades of experience developing and leading behavioral health programs for Oklahoma youth and families. She previously served as Deputy Executive Director at OJA and most recently as Chief Clinical Officer at Oklahoma Human Services.
“I am deeply grateful that Shel is willing to step in and provide steady, experienced leadership to the Office of Juvenile Affairs,” Stitt said. “Shel’s long track record of implementing proven behavioral health strategies and collaborating with community partners is exactly what OJA requires to ensure our most vulnerable youth are safe.”
Lawmakers who oversee juvenile justice funding and policy said the change offers a chance to restore stability and focus at the agency. Reps. Daniel Pae, Emily Gise, Danny Sterling, and Dell Kerbs issued a joint statement welcoming Millington’s appointment and urging OJA to address longstanding challenges at the Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center.
“New leadership is a positive step but we know that leadership changes alone don’t fix long-term problems,” the statement said. “We’re calling on the interim director and the OJA Board to move quickly and transparently to strengthen the agency. That means ensuring safe staffing levels, rebuilding morale, supporting trauma-informed care and keeping the focus on rehabilitation and youth development.”
Millington holds degrees from Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma and has been recognized nationally as a master trainer in cognitive behavioral interventions.

Legislative Compensation Board Raises Stipends for Leadership

The Legislative Compensation Board met last Tuesday for their every other October review of legislative compensation and voted to not raise the base pay of legislators for the third consecutive meeting, however they did vote to approve pay adjustments for certain leadership positions and to hold another meeting November 4 where the two votes could be reconsidered. The board’s vote to adjust the stipends paid to certain legislative leaders within both the Senate and House drew a response from Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton (SD 23).

“I appreciate the members of the Legislative Compensation Board for having these difficult discussions and for agreeing to revisit the issue next month. Leadership pay adjustments should not be separate from member pay adjustments. Every legislator, regardless of title, works tirelessly to represent their constituents, pass meaningful legislation and help move Oklahoma forward. This is not unlike the approach some agencies have taken with state employees who have appropriately received pay raises in recent years to help their salaries remain competitive with the private sector. Legislators have not received a pay adjustment since 2019. The job of a lawmaker takes substantial time away from families and other career obligations outside of the Capitol. For these reasons and more, any decision to increase leadership compensation should also reflect the work and commitment of every member.”

GR September Revenues Beat Estimate

General Revenue Fund (GRF) collections in September totaled $769.5 million, which is $61.1 million, or 8.6%, above the monthly estimate. This total is also $23.4 million, or 3.1%, above collections from September 2024.
GRF collections for the first three months of fiscal year 2026 stand at $2.0 billion. This is $108.2 million, or 5.8%, above the year-to-date estimate and $8.0 million, or 0.4%, above collections from the same period in FY 2025.
“Oklahoma continues to demonstrate that strong leadership and a resilient economy create an exceptional place to live, work and invest,” said Oklahoma’s Chief Operating Officer David Ostrowe.

SQ 836 Cleared for Signature Gathering

SQ 836, the initiative petition to create an open primary voting system, has been cleared by the Oklahoma Secretary of State to begin signature gathering. The proposal needs 172,993 signatures by registered Oklahoma voters to make it onto a future statewide ballot. The state question would not affect presidential primaries but would place all candidates, regardless of party, on a single primary ballot with their party affiliation listed. The top two vote getters, regardless of party affiliation, would advance to the general election. Many far right and right of middle Republicans are expected to oppose the state question with more moderate Republicans, Democrats and Independents in favor.

Secretary of State Nominee Disqualified

Governor Stitt’s recently named Secretary of State, Donelle Harder, has been disqualified from serving in the position due to not meeting the requirement of being a registered Oklahoma voter for a minimum of ten years. Instead, she will take over as Stitt’s chief-of-staff for the remaining 16 months of his second term. Ben Lepak, who has been the Governor’s legal counsel for the past year, will assume the Secretary of State position.

Keating Officially Launches Gubernatorial Campaign

Chip Keating has officially launched his campaign for governor with a video titled “Oklahoma is at a Crossroads,” calling for what he describes as bold, conservative leadership to protect families, strengthen the economy, and defend Oklahoma values.
Keating, a businessman, former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper and former Oklahoma Secretary of Public Safety, says the state needs strong leadership to stand up to political insiders and the far left.
“Oklahoma is at a crossroads,” Keating says in the video. “We need someone with the toughness of President Trump to stop the radical left and the political insiders. I’m the only conservative, small businessman and outsider running for governor, and I’ve been an unwavering supporter of America First since day one.”
Keating began his career with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol before entering the private sector, where he built businesses in oil, gas and real estate. As Secretary of Public Safety, he oversaw Oklahoma’s response to the 2020 riots, deploying state troopers and the National Guard.
“While other states burned, Oklahoma didn’t,” Keating says. “We stood our ground and did what was right without hesitation.”
Keating, a father of three, says his campaign will center on defending families, expanding school choice, boosting energy production, and strengthening American manufacturing in Oklahoma.
“The career politicians won’t get us there,” Keating said. “I’m running to move Oklahoma forward for our families, our values and our way of life.”
Keating, 45, is the youngest of former two-term Republican Governor Frank Keating’s (1995-2003) three adult children. He joins a growing GOP primary field that includes Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former Speaker of the House Charles McCall, former state Senators Mike Mazzei and Jake Merrick, former Mangum City Manager Leisa Mitchell Haynes and small business owner Kenneth Sturgell. State Rep. Cyndi Munson (HD 85), the current House Minority Leader, is the only announced Democratic candidate. Filing is April 1-3 with the primary election June 16, primary runoff election August 25 and general election November 3.

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Enters Attorney General Race

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma Nick Coffey has announced he is entering the campaign to be the next state Attorney General. Coffey, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, is a graduate of Bishop McGuinness High School and The University of Oklahoma College of Law. Coffey, 34, joins former state Representative and House Majority Leader Jon Echols and Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Jeff Starling as high profile candidates in the race. Echols and Starling are seeking the Republican nomination.

HD 35 Special Election Draws Six Candidates

Five candidates have filed to run in a special Republican primary for the Oklahoma House District 35 seat vacated by former Rep. Ty Burns, who resigned earlier this year after pleading guilty to three misdemeanors for domestic abuse and assault. One Democrat also filed for the seat.
The HD 35 special GOP primary election will be held December 9, with a runoff slated for January 13. The general election will be held February 10. There will be no Democratic primary, with Luke Kruse, 40, being the lone candidate to file for his party’s nomination.
Amber Roberts, Dillon Travis, Mike Waters, James Winn and Kevin Wright filed for the GOP nomination.
Roberts, 43, previously ran for Senate District 10 in 2018. She advanced to the GOP runoff, where she lost to incumbent Sen. Bill Coleman (R-Ponca City). Currently, Roberts appears to have has no online presence promoting her HD 35 candidacy.
Travis, 33, is a farmer, rancher and business owner living in Maramec. According to his website, his business supplies hay to farmers and ranchers across the state.
Waters, 54, spent a quarter-century in law enforcement, previously serving as Pawnee County sheriff. He is a past president of the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association, according to his website.
Winn, 43, is a farmer and rancher who lives in Mannford, according to his Facebook page. Winn previously sought the GOP nomination for Senate District 21 last year, finishing last in a three-way GOP primary ultimately won by Sen. Randy Grellner (R-Cushing).
Wright, 58, is a former mayor of Jennings. He is also a small business owner and church leader, according to his website.
Kruse was the lone Democrat to file for his party’s nomination. He has served as a tenured professor at Northern Oklahoma College for nearly two decades, where he teaches political science and history. He also serves as a volunteer football coach. His website is listed as being under construction.

House Releases Online Budget Portal Update
The Oklahoma House of Representatives has released an update to its online budget transparency portal, providing the public with access to state agency budget requests submitted for the upcoming 2027 fiscal year.
The site, known as Budget HQ, was created in 2024 to make the budgeting process more accessible to lawmakers and the public. The portal will be updated throughout October as agencies submit their proposed budgets, which are due by October 1 but often arrive later due to varying board schedules.
“Our budget transparency portal has brought light to what used to be a mostly behind-the-scenes process in crafting our state budget,” said House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell. “We will be posting updated budget requests ahead of budget hearings our committees will hold in December and January so our members and the public know the requests being made.”
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert said transparency from the start of the process is a priority as lawmakers begin crafting the FY27 budget. “Our one constitutional obligation as a Legislature is to pass a balanced budget, and receiving agency budget requests is the very first step in that process,” Hilbert said. “The budget is our most important job as a Legislature and being transparent from Day 1 is important to us.”
The House plans to continue updating Budget HQ as new information becomes available throughout the budgeting process.

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