By Constitution Staff

Heartland Flyer Will Continue

Continued operation of the Heartland Flyer passenger train, which runs between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City, has been uncertain since the biennial Texas budget passed in 2025 did not include the Texas share of funding for the train. Last year the Regional Transportation Council of the North Central Texas Council of Governments contributed $3.5 million to keep the train running through August 31, 2026. Amtrak, which operates the train with Oklahoma and Texas sharing the costs not covered by ticket sales, announced that operations would cease when the money ran out. But in August it was announced that a $4.2 million transfer of funds within the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will allow the train to continue operating until the Texas Legislature can meet next year to consider funding as part of the 2027-2028 state budget. TxDOT has requested $9.2 million to fund the train for those two years. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) says it will need approximately $2.5 million in additional annual legislative appropriations from the Oklahoma Legislature to continue the Oklahoma share of the service beyond 2027. The Heartland Flyer’s 206-mile route typically carries about 79,000 to 81,000 passengers annually.

Oklahoma Revenue Fund Tops Estimates

Oklahoma’s General Revenue Fund (GRF) collections exceeded both official estimates and the previous year’s total during Fiscal Year 2026, according to figures released by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES). The state collected $8.9 billion in GRF revenue during FY 2026, which ended June 30. The state fiscal year starts July 1 and extends to June 30 of the following year. That total was $612.1 million, or 7.4%, above the annual estimate and $142.4 million, or 1.6%, higher than collections in fiscal year 2025. June collections also finished ahead of expectations. The state received $991.3 million during the month, $153.8 million, or 18.4%, above the monthly estimate and $44.8 million, or 4.7%, more than June 2025.

Oklahoma Deploys Community Access Portals

On July 30, the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) celebrated the successful deployment of the state’s first Community Access Portal at the Kingfisher Memorial Library, marking a major milestone in Oklahoma’s effort to expand opportunities in rural communities. The Kingfisher deployment includes two of up to 175 Community Access Portals that will be installed in libraries across the state. The Community Access Portal Program is designed to provide a private, user-friendly space where Oklahomans can participate in virtual primary care appointments, workforce training, remote job interviews, educational opportunities, and other online digital services. The Portals will be compatible with widely used video conferencing platforms, enabling them to support new services as community needs evolve.

Governor Stitt Concludes NGA Chairmanship

Governor Kevin Stitt has concluded his year as chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), but will continue serving in the organization’s leadership after being elected as one of seven governors to its executive committee for the 2026-2027 term. In the final day of the NGA Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City, Maryland Governor Wes Moore was elected to succeed Stitt as the organization’s chair, while Indiana Governor Mike Braun was elected vice chair. As outgoing chair, Stitt participated in a panel discussion during the meeting. Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization representing the governors of the nation’s 55 states and territories.

Oklahoma’s U.S. Senate Term Questioned

The Oklahoma Attorney General has been asked for an official opinion on whether the winner of the U.S. Senate race should immediately be sworn in or will have to wait until January. Congressman Kevin Hern contends that whoever wins on November 3 is entitled to assume the office after the State Election Board certifies the results. But, the appointed U.S. Senator Alan Armstrong believes he should serve until the 120th Congress convenes on January 3, when the new term would normally begin. Armstrong was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in March after former Senator Markwayne Mullin was appointed as Secretary of Homeland Security by President Trump. In many states, the new senator sworn in as early as possible to gain seniority over other new members. This can make a difference on committee assignments and other benefits.

The dispute centers on how competing provisions of Oklahoma law apply to the appointment. One state statute says a governor-appointed U.S. Senator serves “until a successor is elected.” Another statute says the candidate elected to the full-term is considered elected to fill the existing vacancy and “shall be eligible to assume the office” upon official certification. And, Stitt’s appointment certificate said Armstrong would serve until the vacancy “is filled by election as provided by law.” But, Armstrong’s position is based on another state statute that says an appointed officer holds office until the end of the predecessor’s term. Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle), who authored the most recent statue on the subject, asked for the AG opinion. The Attorney General’s office confirmed receipt of the request and is reviewing the question, but did not announced a date for a final decision.

Governor Orders Investigation of Muslim Groups

On August 12, Gov. Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2026-29 directing the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, within the Department of Public Safety, to conduct an intelligence-based assessment and take lawful preventive and investigative action supported by the resulting intelligence to determine if the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), or individuals and entities acting on their behalf present a terrorism or public-safety threat in Oklahoma. The order also directs state public-safety leaders to advocate for federal action designating the groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under federal law. “The United States has already recognized Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and Hamas emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood,” said Governor Stitt. “Oklahoma will not turn a blind eye to organizations or networks that may support terrorism.”

The Oklahoma Senate Democratic Leader, Julia Kirt, responded to the executive order: “The governor’s order was issued without any proof. What we do know is that CAIR works to protect the civil rights of Oklahoma Muslims in the face of ongoing profiling and discrimination. These are our friends, neighbors, co-workers and fellow citizens. It’s causing tremendous concern among the Muslim families I represent, and those living in other legislative districts throughout Oklahoma,” said Kirt. “This kind of fear mongering and scapegoating divides our communities and state, and doesn’t solve any real problems Oklahomans are facing. I’m deeply concerned this further increases the likelihood of hate crimes against our neighbors, which is already on the rise in this country.”

Farmers Don’t Need Highway Escort

On August 24, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued an opinion protecting farmers from being cited for not having a highway escort when they haul equipment between fields. The opinion, A.G. 2026-11, clarifies state law concerning oversized vehicles. Oklahoma law generally requires a vehicle wider than 12 feet to be accompanied by an escort vehicle while traveling on state highways. The rule is meant to keep large loads like construction equipment, oversized machinery and manufactured homes safely visible to other drivers.

Drummond’s opinion concludes that requirement does not apply to farm equipment. Oklahoma law defines equipment used exclusively for farming, such as swathers and balers, as an “implement of husbandry” rather than a “vehicle,” and specifically excludes implements of husbandry and the trailers used to haul them from the state’s definition of “vehicle.” Because the escort law only applies to vehicles, it does not apply to farm equipment or the trailers hauling it. The opinion was requested by state Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) after an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper cited a driver for hauling a swather on a trailer without an escort.

Oklahoma Three-Year Degree Programs Approved

On September 3, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved three-year bachelor’s degree programs at three state universities. Earlier this year, Rep. Ryan Eaves (R-Atoka) and Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville), authored and passed House Bill 3315 directing the State Regents to study the feasibility of three-year, or 90-credit-hour, bachelor’s degree programs. A traditional bachelor’s degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. The measure was signed into law by Governor Stitt on April 30. The feasibility study examined accreditation standards, workforce alignment, affordability, transferability and other considerations related to shortened degree programs.

The State Regents approved four bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Oklahoma (OU), Oklahoma State University (OSU) and Rogers State University that will require between 90 and 103 credit hours. OU will offer a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Social Work. OSU will offer Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Business Essentials and Applications. Rogers State will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Workforce Development.

Court Ruling Upholds House Bill 1775

On September 9, the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the State of Oklahoma. The court struck down a lower court order that blocked part of House Bill 1775, the state’s law barring public schools from teaching discriminatory concepts as fact. “This is a significant win for Oklahoma and affirms a simple principle: every Oklahoma student deserves to be treated as an individual, not defined or divided by race or sex,” said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The law prohibits public school employees in K-12 schools from teaching, or requiring teachers to teach, eight discriminatory concepts as correct, including that one race or sex is inherently superior to another, that an individual’s moral character is determined by race or sex, or that a person bears responsibility for actions taken by others of the same race or sex in the past.

Since June 2024, a District Court order barred the State from enforcing key parts of the law, including two of the prohibited concepts while the underlying lawsuit continued. The Tenth Circuit ruled that order was wrong and lifted it entirely, meaning the State can now enforce every part of the legislation. The court found the law’s plain language gives teachers clear direction on what’s prohibited: they can teach about events like the Tulsa Race Massacre, historical figures’ beliefs and current policy debates, but may not instruct students that any of the eight prohibited concepts is true. Oklahoma is now the first state in the country to have such a law upheld by a federal appellate court.

Roosevelt Bridge Groundbreaking

On September 10, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and its contracted design-build team gathered with federal, state and local officials at Lake Texoma State Park for the groundbreaking of the Roosevelt Bridge replacement project. The $408 million project will replace the 80-year-old bridge connecting Bryan and Marshall counties over Lake Texoma on US-70. Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz emceed the event and was joined by Sean McMaster, administrator of the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Sen. James Lankford and Zachry Construction/Traylor Bros., the design-build team. Sharing in the celebration were state legislators, county, local and Tribal officials and community members.

“After years of working with the Department of Transportation to obtain federal funding, I’m grateful to have secured the largest transportation grant in Oklahoma history for this project,” said Senator Lankford. “This is a historic investment in Southern Oklahoma that will ensure safer, more reliable travel for school buses, truck drivers, families and tourists that cross Lake Texoma every day.” The project will include construction of a new four lane bridge, improvements to roadway approaches along US-70, and enhanced safety features such as full shoulders, lighting and a pedestrian path. Lake Texoma reaches depths of 65 feet near the bridge, making the foundation work a major engineering challenge. The current bridge will remain open during construction. The new bridge is expected to be completed in the fall of 2029.

Permitting Delayed for Aluminum Smelter

On September 15, Gov. Kevin Stitt expressed concern that the City of Inola’s seven-month moratorium on the permitting process for the proposed primary aluminum smelter facility sends a troubling message to future job creators considering Oklahoma. “For more than a decade, this has been a locally led effort: PSO began preparing for major industrial growth in 2014; Inola zoned this area for heavy industrial use in 2017; and the Port Authority began developing its industrial park in 2019 with the help of State and Federal funding,” said Governor Stitt. “In 2023, the Port Authority pursued the competitive RFP process to bring this project to Inola, and the city remained an engaged and active partner in preparing to bring the safest, most modern aluminum facility in the world right here to Oklahoma. The State has since partnered to help protect electricity rates for everyday consumers and bring updated infrastructure to the area.” Governor Stitt added, “Local voices should continue to speak into the process, but changing the rules in the middle of a multi-year permitting process undermines the certainty job creators need to invest billions of dollars and create thousands of jobs.”

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond also filed a lawsuit that is pending in the courts to block construction of the proposed aluminum smelting complex, citing environmental and ownership concerns. Drummond filed the lawsuit while he was competing with Mike Mazzei (a supporter of the aluminum facility) for the Republican nomination for governor. The proposed facility – Oklahoma Primary Aluminum – would be the largest primary aluminum production plant ever constructed in the U.S. with a planned capacity exceeding 750,000 metric tons of aluminum per year.

Bringing a Military College to Oklahoma

On September 22, state Senator Kelly Hines (R-Oklahoma City) held an interim study examining the potential relocation of Valley Forge Military College to Oklahoma and the opportunities the institution could bring to the state’s workforce and higher education and military institutions. Senator Hines, a decorated combat veteran with more than 34 years of military service, said bringing Valley Forge to Oklahoma would bring value to the entire state, its higher education system and create a pipeline for local military institutions. Oklahoma is one of three states at the top of their relocation list, and a decision is expected in the coming months. Valley Forge currently has about 100 students and attracts cadets from across the country.

The college, located in Pennsylvania, is a two-year military college that has operated for nearly 100 years. It provides students with an opportunity to earn an associate degree while participating in a military education and leadership program. The college also offers an Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program that can allow qualified cadets to earn a commission as a second lieutenant after two years. The college would not be intended to compete with or replace existing Oklahoma colleges and universities. Instead, it would serve as a feeder program for four-year institutions. Valley Forge officials said approximately 98% of the college’s graduates go on to complete a four-year degree, creating a pathway for students to continue their education while also receiving military training and leadership development. Representatives from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education discussed potential options for integrating Valley Forge into the state’s higher education system.

Birth Certificate Questions Answered

On September 29, the Oklahoma Supreme Court told a federal appeals court that state law does not allow changes to the sex designation on birth certificates. In a 6-3 ruling, the state high court answered three questions submitted by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Dustin Rowe said Oklahoma law permits only specifically authorized birth certificate amendments. The court concluded that the statute does not authorize changes to the sex designation and never has, including changes based on gender identity. But, Justice James Combs, joined by Justice James Winchester, said the Oklahoma Supreme Court should have refused to answer the questions. Justice Noma Gurich also dissented.

The case involves three transgender plaintiffs who sought to change their Oklahoma birth certificates to match their current gender identities. They obtained state court orders approving the changes, but the Oklahoma State Department of Health denied their applications, citing Gov. Kevin Stitt’s 2021 Executive Order 24. The plaintiffs sued Stitt and state health officials in federal court. The opinion matters because it means that overturning the executive order would still leave the statutory restriction in place. The ruling supplies the state-law interpretation for the 10th Circuit to use as it considers the federal case.

Online Voter Application Issues Resolved

October 9, was the voter registration deadline for the 2026 General Election. Records show that 1,906 people successfully submitted an electronic voter registration application via the OK Voter Portal’s Online Voter Registration System on October 9, the most of any single day in 2026. Contrary to some reports, there were no issues with the Online Voter Registration System itself on the final day. However, the interface between the Online Voter Registration System and Service Oklahoma’s data experienced temporary communication issues for a couple of hours late that afternoon. The matter was quickly resolved and nearly 800 applications – approximately 40% of the daily total – were then successfully submitted.

Paul Ziriax, Secretary of the State Election Board, noted that the communication interface issue should not be confused with applicant errors or other statutory restrictions. “There appears to be some conflation of routine user errors with the brief issue that occurred Friday with the communication interface. For example, a person contacted our office on Friday to report that her family member could not submit a voter registration application using the portal and attempted to blame it on the portal. However, it turned out that the applicant attempted to use a registration address that differed from the address on the applicant’s driver license, which is not permitted under state law. This is an example of an error on the part of the applicant and had nothing to do with the Online Voter Registration System,” Ziriax said.

The Online Voter Registration System does not register individuals to vote. The system is one of several methods an individual may choose to submit a Voter Registration Application. All applications are required to be manually processed and approved by the individual’s County Election Board Secretary. Individuals are not registered to vote until their application has been processed and approved. Online applicants must provide a current and valid Oklahoma driver license number or State ID number. The information must match the information that is on file with Service Oklahoma – including the applicant’s name, birthdate, address and ID number. The applicant must also have a digital signature on file with Service Oklahoma.

Starling Steps Down From Cabinet Post

Jeff Starling stepped down from his gubernatorial cabinet position as Secretary of Energy and Environment on October 3. He has served as secretary since 2024. Starling lost in the June 16 Republican primary for Attorney General to Jon Echols. Gov. Kevin Stitt named Deputy Secretary of Energy and Environment Chris Schinnerer to succeed Starling and serve until his term ends in January. “Jeff has been a valuable member of my team, and I know he’ll continue fighting for Oklahoman and American energy,” Stitt said. Schinnerer has worked on energy issues in both government and the private sector. He served in the Bush administration before returning to Oklahoma, where he worked for Devon Energy and Lagoon Midstream. Stitt credited Schinnerer with supporting the oil and gas industry and helping lead Oklahoma’s effort to secure a U.S. Department of Energy grant for a Nuclear Energy Lifecycle Campus.

New Oklahoma Secretary of Education

On August 5, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced that Superintendent Lindel Fields will serve as Secretary of Education while continuing in his role as State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Lindel has already shown strong, steady leadership, and I am confident he will continue serving Oklahoma students and families with focus and integrity in this expanded role,” said Governor Stitt. Fields said he is honored to serve in both roles and remains committed to supporting students and teachers across the state. “I look forward to serving in both roles with the same steady focus, collaboration, and commitment to students that have guided our work this past year,” said Fields. Governor Stitt also thanked his previous Secretary of Education, Dan Hamlin, for his service.

Gatz Retiring from ODOT

On October 7, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced that Tim Gatz, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), would be retiring from the agency effective October 31, 2026. “Tim has been with my administration since the very beginning, and he’s been my go-to on every road, bridge, and turnpike question for nearly eight years,” said Governor Stitt. Gatz has also served as Governor Stitt’s Secretary of Transportation since 2019, and will continue to serve in the Cabinet for the remainder of Governor Stitt’s term.

Gatz began his career at ODOT in 1990 as a drafting technician and rose through the ranks, joining the agency’s executive team in 2006 and serving as deputy director from 2013 to 2016. Governor Stitt named ODOT’s chief engineer, TJ Dill, as interim director. Dill has served in multiple roles within ODOT since joining the agency in 2013. He has served as ODOT’s chief engineer since 2024, leading statewide engineering and operational functions.

Interim Emergency Management Director

Oklahoma Emergency Management director, Annie Mack Vest, will leave the agency on October 30 to return to the private sector. Vest joined the agency in December 2023 and has helped guide the state’s response to tornadoes and wildfires. She also served on the Oklahoma Wildland Fire Response Working Group, which focused on improving disaster coordination among agencies and state and local governments. Governor Stitt thanked Vest for her work at the agency. “Annie redefined emergency response and disaster management,” said Governor Stitt. “She turned around an agency overburdened by bureaucracy and streamlined relief for Oklahomans.”

Chief Operations Officer John Dean will be taking over as interim director. Dean has worked in state emergency management roles since 2022. He previously served as a city manager in Oklahoma and Texas, helping communities navigate natural disasters, following a 20-year career in U.S. Army Special Forces. “I’m grateful for John’s willingness to step into this role,” said Governor Stitt.

Archer Elected Chair of The Energy Council

Oklahoma State Representative Nick Archer (R-Elk City) has been elected chair of The Energy Council, an international, nonpartisan organization focused on energy policy. Archer was selected for the 2026-2027 term during the council’s annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico in September. He has been a council member since 2010 and has served on its Executive Committee since 2022. For the past year he has been the Vice Chair. Archer also chairs the Oklahoma House Energy Committee and serves on the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee.

The Energy Council is a nonpartisan legislative organization made up of 14 energy-producing states and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The group was initially founded in 1975 as the Southwest Regional Energy Council and was composed of five states. The organization provides a forum for lawmakers to discuss energy markets, infrastructure, technology, environmental policy and other issues affecting energy-producing regions.

Legislation to Ban Kratom

State Representative Tim Turner (R-Kinta) intends to pursue legislation during the 61st Oklahoma Legislature to address dangerous kratom-derived compounds linked to a growing number of deaths in Oklahoma. The former sheriff and longtime narcotics officer said his legislation would place dangerous kratom alkaloids and concentrated or synthetically enhanced compounds, including 7 Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl and Dihydro-7-Hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15), under Schedule I of the Oklahoma Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. Turner said he also wants lawmakers to examine avenues for holding manufacturers and distributors accountable when evidence shows their products contributed to deaths or serious injuries

According to information from the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), from January through June of this year, 38 deaths were reported involving one of the identified compounds alone. Another 73 deaths involved at least one of the compounds in combination with another intoxicating drug or substance. OCME has further reported that the increase in associated deaths began during the latter half of 2025 and has escalated in recent months. The agency has cited ease of accessibility, unregulated content, promotion as dietary supplements and vague package labeling as factors that can contribute to misconceptions about product safety. The kratom-based products are available over-the-counter at convenience stores and other establishments.

Passing of Former Senator Lerblance

Former state Senator Richard Lerblance (D-Hartshorne) passed away at his home in McAlester on July 25, at the age of 80. He represented Senate District 7 in southeastern Oklahoma from 2003 to 2012, where he succeeded the longtime Senator Gene Stipe. He previously served in the Oklahoma House from 2002 to 2003. He was a liberal Democrat, scoring a cumulative average of 18% on the Oklahoma Conservative Index during his 12 years in the Oklahoma Legislature.

Beyond his legislative service, Lerblance served multiple terms on the Muscogee Creek Nation Supreme Court, including as Chief Justice and Vice-Chief Justice, while also maintaining a law practice in Hartshorne for more than four decades. He had also served on the Hartshorne City Council, the Hartshorne Board of Education, and as Chief of the Hartshorne Fire Department.

Passing of Former Senator Dugger

Former state Senator Tom Dugger (R-Stillwater) passed away at Stillwater Medical Center on October 5, 2026 from advanced Parkinson Disease. He was 77 years old. Dugger, graduated in accounting from OSU, became a CPA, and worked as a financial advisor and accountant. Prior to his election to the Oklahoma Senate, he served as Stillwater City Councilman and Vice Mayor. He was elected to the Senate from District 21 in 2016 succeeding the retiring late Senator and former OSU President James Halligan. Dugger was reelected in 2020, but did not seek reelection to a third term in 2024 due to the challenges to his health. He was one of the more politically moderate Republicans in the Legislature, scoring a cumulative average of 54% on the Oklahoma Conservative Index.