This week marked the beginning of the legislative session, and we are already hard at work tackling the issues that matter most to Oklahomans. Governor Stitt delivered the annual State of the State address on Monday where he outlined his priorities for the year ahead. Committee meetings are already in full swing, and the Legislature is moving forward on bills that will have a real impact on our communities.

One of the most significant measures to advance so far is the “Bell to Bell, No Cell” which is the cell phone-free classrooms bill. House Bill 1276 passed the Education Committee with a vote of 11-2. This bill aims to create a more focused learning environment by limiting cell phone use in classrooms, ensuring students can concentrate on their education without unnecessary distractions.

By eliminating cell phone use during instructional time, this bill aims to restore focus and improve academic outcomes. Students would still have access to their devices before and after school, but during class, the priority will be learning. Schools that have implemented similar policies have already seen positive results, with fewer behavioral issues and increased student participation. This is a commonsense step to ensure our classrooms remain places of education, not social media scrolling and texting.

Also, this past week we hosted Rose Day, an annual tradition at the State Capitol where Oklahomans gather to advocate for the sanctity of life. Rose Day is a celebratory day where pro-life supporters visit lawmakers, bringing red roses as a symbol of their commitment to protecting the lives of the unborn. It’s always inspiring to see so many people come together to make their voices heard on such an important issue. This day serves as a reminder of the deeply held values of our state and the importance of standing up for the most vulnerable among us.

The key bills I mentioned last week have now been assigned to their respective committees and are awaiting hearings. Committee hearings provide an opportunity to thoroughly review each bill, gather input from experts and constituents, and ensure we are crafting policies that will truly benefit our state. This is an important step in the legislative process, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance these measures.

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. My email address is neil.hays@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7302. I am proud to represent you at the State Capitol!

Neil Hays serves District 13 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of McIntosh, Muskogee and Wagoner counties.