OML Advocate Legislative Bulletin 13-26

Oklahoma Legislature Balances Farewells and Key Votes As Session Nears Finish Line

It was a full and fast-moving week at the Oklahoma Legislature, blending meaningful farewells with significant policy action as lawmakers push toward adjournment. Members took time to recognize departing colleagues and reflect on their service, while still advancing key legislation across both chambers. Several high-profile bills cleared critical votes, with a few more still waiting to be heard such as the TSET Reset Resolution, HJR 1077. We remain vigilant to protect local control from any unforeseen issues that could arise in conference committee. With deadlines tightening, the pace remains brisk as legislators work to finalize priorities and close out the session. 

An OML priority bill is sitting on the Governor's desk awaiting action.

OML Priority/Firearms/Judges: HB 3062 by Rep. Derrick Hildebrandt (R-Catoosa) and Sen. Christi Gillespie (R-Broken Arrow) allows a retired municipal judge, having served as a municipal judge for twenty (20) cumulative years, as certified by OMJA, and who is qualified to serve as a municipal judge, to carry a firearm throughout the state to use only for personal protection; provided, however, the retired municipal judge shall not be authorized to carry the firearm into any district court of this state. Retired district judges, district attorneys or assistant district attorneys who are currently authorized to carry firearms throughout the state pursuant to state law shall be exempt. The chief judge of the district court may issue a written order allowing a municipal judge to carry a firearm within the district court during the time period in which he or she serves as the chief judge.

The bill goes into effect on November 1, 2026.