As we enter the final stretch of this year’s legislative session, I’m proud to report that the Oklahoma House is making real, tangible progress. We are not only advancing sound legislation, but we are also standing firm for fiscal responsibility in ongoing budget negotiations.

One of the most significant developments is the increased transparency in our budget process. The Senate’s budget position is now publicly available through the House Budget Transparency Portal, accessible on the House website. This is a critical step forward in restoring trust in government. Oklahomans deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and we’re making sure they can see it all in black and white.

We’re also sending strong, conservative legislation to the governor’s desk that reflects the values and priorities of the people of this state.

We took a major step toward repealing outdated, unnecessary regulations with the passage of Senate Bill 638, also known as the Unfair Sales Act. This bill passed unanimously and eliminates the 76-year-old Price Control Act, which mandated a minimum 6% markup on basic goods like gas, groceries and diapers. In a time of rising prices, this is a win for Oklahoma families and small businesses. It’s about time we removed government-imposed price hikes from the equation.

We also passed Senate Bill 139, which empowers local school boards to adopt policies banning student cell phone use on campus. This measure brings accountability back into our schools and helps restore focus in the classroom. Students should be learning, not scrolling. This is a commonsense step forward in improving education outcomes and reinforcing discipline in our schools.

Most importantly, we are sending a clear message when it comes to protecting our children. Senate Bill 599 allows the death penalty or life without parole for those convicted of certain sexual crimes against children, on the first conviction. We will not tolerate predators harming our kids. Justice demands a response that is swift, severe and final.

Finally, I want to extend my prayers to all Oklahomans impacted by the devastating storms and flooding across our state. In times like these, we come together not as partisans, but as neighbors and as fellow citizens. We will continue working to ensure affected families get the support and resources they need.

It’s an honor to serve you at the Capitol, and I’m always here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me at neil.hays@okhouse. gov or call my office at (405) 557-7302. I’d love to hear from you!

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