OPINION/COLUMN
One of the most rewarding parts of serving in the Legislature is being able to bring my more than 40 years of health care experience to the Capitol every day. I have always believed good public policy starts with improving the health and well-being of the people of Oklahoma.
I am blessed to serve as chair of the House Public Health Committee and grateful for the opportunity to help advance meaningful legislation that addresses the health needs of our communities.
During the 2026 legislative session, we prioritized expanding access to care, strengthening our health care workforce, protecting patients and supporting families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
These are issues that touch every Oklahoma family, and I am proud of the progress we made this year.
I was honored to author House Bill 1687, which modernizes Oklahoma’s laws governing advance health care directives and surrogate decision-making. This legislation gives individuals clearer options to document their wishes regarding future medical care, including mental health treatment, while also establishing a straightforward process for appointing trusted health care agents and default surrogates. It also reinforces the important principle that adults are presumed capable of making their own health care decisions unless a court or qualified medical professionals determine otherwise.
I also authored Senate Bill 1644, which requires suspected cases of alphagal syndrome to be reported to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
Alpha-gal syndrome is a tick-borne condition that can cause serious allergic reactions to red meat and other mammal-derived products. By tracking suspected cases across our state, we can better understand where the condition is occurring, improve public awareness and help reduce future cases through education and early detection.
Beyond these measures, the Legislature approved several important bills designed to improve access to care. House Bill 3934 expands the responsibilities dental assistants and hygienists may perform, helping strengthen Oklahoma’s dental workforce and improve access to oral health services. Senate Bill 933 expands Oklahoma’s Right to Try protections, giving eligible patients with life-threatening illnesses additional opportunities to pursue individualized investigational treatments when no approved options remain. Senate Bill 1942 provides greater clarity by ensuring services reimbursed through dental plans qualify as covered services.
We also recognized the vital role family caregivers play across Oklahoma.
House Bill 4118 expands the Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit by increasing eligibility, removing the minimum age requirement, allowing mileage to medical appointments as a qualifying expense and providing up to $3,000 in tax relief.
Supporting caregivers helps more Oklahomans remain safely in their homes while easing financial burdens on families.
Behavioral health remained another important focus this session. Senate Bill 1290 establishes the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund and provides funding to strengthen this valuable resource that connects Oklahomans with critical health and human services.
House Bill 4275 allows certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to maintain their certifications while serving in municipal and county government roles, helping preserve an experienced workforce.
House Bill 4141 permanently continues Oklahoma’s statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner coordinator position, ensuring victims of sexual assault continue to receive specialized, trauma- informed care throughout our state.
Finally, I hope everyone had a wonderful Independence Day as we celebrated America’s 250th birthday. Our nation’s founding reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through sacrifice and courage. I hope your celebrations were filled with gratitude for the many blessings we enjoy as Americans.
If you ever have a question or concern, I would love to hear from you! You can email me at cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7365.
I continue to pray for you daily.
Rep. Cynthia Roe, a Republican, represents House District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.
