We officially adjourned Sine Die on May 14, bringing this legislative session to an end. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on what these final days at the Capitol have looked like and what Oklahomans deserve from those elected to serve them.
I can honestly say these final weeks felt very different than what many of us expected. Members of the Oklahoma House showed up to work every single day prepared to hear bills and cast votes on behalf of the people we represent.
Unfortunately, much of that work stalled while we waited on movement from the Senate.
It has been frustrating to watch so many bills left unfinished without even being given the opportunity to be heard. As legislators, our responsibility is simple.
We are sent here to work, to deliberate and to vote.
Whether we agree or disagree on legislation, every proposal deserves a fair process and a chance to be considered.
Under Speaker Kyle Hilbert’s leadership, the Oklahoma House created a two-tier policy and oversight committee structure that thoroughly vets legislation early in session.
Bills are carefully reviewed and vetted before they ever make it to the House floor.
It is a process designed to ask the hard questions upfront and determine whether a proposal truly deserves to become law before sending it to the Senate for consideration.
That is why it was disappointing to see so many House measures left sitting on the Senate’s to-do list without action. The House remained present and ready to finish the work for Oklahomans until the very end.
Important work still made it across the finish line even with the challenges of the end of session. 244 House bills and House Joint Resolutions were sent to the Governor, along with two House Joint Resolutions sent to the Secretary of State for a vote of the people.
253 Senate bills and Senate Joint Resolutions were sent to the Governor, along with two Senate Joint Resolutions headed to a public vote.
Something of good note on the last day of session is that the Legislature passed House Bill 1370 to help keep gas prices at bay for Oklahoma families. This was a great move in the final hours as this repeals an outdated state law that could have automatically increased Oklahoma fuel taxes if the federal government suspended its own fuel tax.
This clearly states that state law will not stand in the way of potential savings at the pump for hardworking Oklahomans.
One of the most meaningful moments of the week was the Veterans Appreciation Ceremony at the Capitol. Despite the disagreements throughout session, it was encouraging to see both the House and Senate come together to honor the men and women who sacrificed for our freedoms. It was a powerful reminder that service and love for our country should always unite us.
I also want to recognize my page for the week, Taelyn Ringwald, a junior at Wayne High School. Taelyn did a wonderful job serving at the Capitol this week, and it was a joy getting to spend time with her. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University and study child and family services, and I know she has a bright future ahead of her.
While this session was unlike any other, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of House District 42. I am happy to be back in our district and please know that I pray for you all every day.
If you ever need me, I am only an email or phone call away.
You can email me at cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7365.
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.
