Okmulgee County residents gathered last week at Legislative Forums to hear updates from state lawmakers on the progress of the 2026 Oklahoma legislative session. Topics included the state budget, Medicaid funding concerns, tax reform efforts, proposed legislation and questions from the public regarding current bills under consideration.

The forum provided insight into how legislative decisions are made and how proposed laws could impact Oklahoma communities.

— State Budget & Fiscal Outlook

Legislators reported that the proposed state budget totals approximately $12.79 billion, reflecting a generally flat budget year with an average 2% reduction across many state agencies, while maintaining funding priorities in key areas such as education, mental health services and healthcare programs.

Among the major allocations discussed:

• $2,000 pay raise for teachers statewide, includ- ing CareerTech instructors

• $250 million increase for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, partially addressing rising Medicaid costs

• Additional funding to support mental health programs and competency restoration services

• $15 million investment tied to Oklahoma’s role in hosting events connected to the 2028 Olympics, expected to increase tourism and economic activity

• Continued investment into a long-term Legacy Fund, designed to generate interest revenue that could eventually support tax reductions in future generations Lawmakers emphasized that while agencies requested more than $13 billion, the legislature worked to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining essential services.

— Medicaid Costs & State Question Discussion A significant portion of the discussion focused on Oklahoma’s high Medicaid participation rate and concerns about long-term sustainability if federal funding formulas change.

Currently, Medicaid expansion operates under a 90% federal / 10% state funding match. Legislators expressed concern that proposed federal adjustments could shift the ratio closer to 60% federal / 40% state, which could significantly strain Oklahoma’s budget.

To address this risk, lawmakers indicated a possible future state question that would remove Medicaid expansion from the state constitution and place it into statute, allowing the legislature greater flexibility to make adjustments if federal funding changes.

— Constitutional Convention Proposal

Legislators also discussed the possibility of asking voters to approve a state constitutional convention, a process required periodically under Oklahoma law.

Supporters argue the current constitution is lengthy and limits the legislature’s ability to make tax reforms or fiscal adjustments efficiently. A convention could allow voters to consider structural changes, including how taxes are modified or approved.

— Major legislative topics discussed

Several individual bills were highlighted during the forum:

• Consumer Protection & Licensing – Lawmakers discussed efforts to strengthen protections for consumers hiring contractors, particularly in response to reports of fraudulent builders taking large deposits without completing work. Proposed licensing requirements could help prevent financial losses and reduce workload for the Attorney General’s office.

• Fireworks Retail Sales (“Rockets Red Glare Bill”) – One proposal would allow retailers to sell fireworks year-round, aligning sales regulations with current law allowing consumer use of fireworks throughout the year. Legislators said the bill is intended to support local businesses that currently lose sales to neighboring states.

• Wildlife Management & Bear Population Issues – Lawmakers discussed concerns from southeastern Oklahoma residents regarding increasing bear populations. Proposed legislation would adjust hunting season timelines in an effort to better manage wildlife populations and address safety concerns reported by constituents.

• Government Restructuring (OMES) – A major administrative reform bill proposes restructuring the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) into separate divisions focused on finance, technology and operations. Legislators said the change is intended to improve efficiency within state government.

• Second Amendment Restoration Bill – A bill under consideration would restore firearm rights to certain non-violent felony offenders after a waiting period, provided they meet specific legal conditions.

— Discussion of SB 1679 – Preserving Oklahoma Values Act During the public question portion of the forum, attendees asked about Senate Bill 1679, which references concerns about foreign legal systems being applied in state courts.

Legislators indicated the bill is intended to ensure that Oklahoma courts rely on the U.S. Constitution and Oklahoma law when making legal decisions. Some discussion referenced public concern about the potential influence of foreign legal principles, although legislators acknowledged that constitutional protections already address many of these issues.

— Tourism & Economic Development

Officials highlighted continued efforts to promote Oklahoma tourism, noting international interest in:

• Native American cultural sites

• Route 66 attractions

• Historic communities and heritage tourism Leaders encouraged local communities to leverage these opportunities as visitors travel through the state.

— Community engagement emphasized

Throughout the forum, legislators emphasized that many bills originate from concerns brought forward by constituents. They encouraged residents to continue sharing issues affecting their communities, noting that even smaller or localized concerns can lead to legislative proposals.

Monthly forums provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions directly and stay informed about policy decisions affecting the state.