AGRICULTURE & WATER

Should human waste be used as fertilizer in Oklahoma? Lawmakers debate the topic (KOCO) — Oklahoma lawmakers deliberated on the use of biosolids, or human waste, as fertilizer at the state Capitol, assessing the environmental and health risks versus the agricultural benefits. Concerns were raised about potential toxic chemical exposure from biosolids used on farms. Opponents like Saundra Traywick from Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches strongly criticized the practice, while proponents highlighted possibilities for waste transformation into assets. Dr. Jayson Lusk from Oklahoma State University pointed out the need for more research to understand biosolids' impacts and to inform regulatory decisions.

Oklahoma Attorney General at Odds With Ag Sec in Poultry Waste Case (Meatingplace) — In Oklahoma, a dispute has arisen between the Attorney General's Office and the Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur Starling, concerning legal representation in a longstanding lawsuit against poultry companies for pollution. The attorney general has objected to Starling’s motion to employ private counsel, stating that Oklahoma law mandates the attorney general's control over state litigation. This lawsuit, initiated in 2005, addresses pollution from poultry litter affecting the Illinois River watershed in northeastern Oklahoma. The attorney general maintains that disagreements over policy do not constitute a legal conflict justifying new counsel.

Oklahoma governor seeks a settlement in the Illinois River federal lawsuit (Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) — In the ongoing federal lawsuit over pollution in the Illinois River, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is advocating for a settlement disagreement on how to proceed with the Northwest Arkansas poultry companies responsible for phosphorus pollution. Governor Stitt, prioritizing the poultry industry, is in conflict with Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who accuses Stitt of prioritizing corporate interests over environmental health. This legal battle has far-reaching implications for water quality and agriculture practices in Northeast Oklahoma, affecting local communities and ecosystems reliant on the Illinois River.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Ok Commerce Awards $750K Through New Community Marketing Program (The Journal Record) — The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has launched a new initiative, the Oklahoma Community Marketing Partnership Program, which has allocated approximately $750,000 in matching funds to 42 community marketing projects across 32 cities in Oklahoma. This program aims to enhance local marketing efforts with a total expenditure exceeding $2 million, thereby attracting new job opportunities and business investments. Notable recipients include the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, Enid Regional Development Alliance, and the Tulsa Regional Chamber. The funding supports projects that aim at community storytelling and asset marketing to boost economic activity.

EDUCATION

From prison classes to the Capitol, Lindel Fields’ journey led to the top of Oklahoma schools (Oklahoma Voice) — Lindel Fields, a Tulsa native with a horticulture teaching background that began in a state prison, has been appointed as Oklahoma’s new state superintendent of education following Ryan Walters' resignation. Fields, who was first in his family to teach, led a notable career in the CareerTech system before being appointed. His diverse experience includes teaching inmates and leading professional education programs. Governor Kevin Stitt chose Fields aiming to promote a cohesive educational direction for Oklahoma. Fields, emphasizing relationship-building, will likely focus on leveraging his practical approach to enhance state education.

Special education enforcement would be up to states under Trump plan (Oklahoma Voice) — The Donald Trump administration is proposing to shift enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from the U.S. Department of Education to individual states, prompting concern among educators and disability-rights advocates that decades of federal oversight could be dismantled. Nearly all staff in the office responsible for IDEA enforcement were fired in October, though a federal judge temporarily halted the layoffs. The draft strategy would return responsibility for monitoring compliance and distributing funds to states, even though many states currently lack the infrastructure or resources to carry out that role effectively. With federal funding already covering less than 12 % of special-education costs and 31 states failing to meet required standards, critics argue this move could leave vulnerable students without protections or recourse.

ELECTIONS

Republican Philip Lancaster Announces Bid for Oklahoma House District 54 (citynewsokc.com) — Republican Philip Lancaster Jr., a 30-year-old Army veteran and Cleveland County GOP Precinct Chair, has officially announced his candidacy for Oklahoma House District 54. Lancaster is focusing his campaign on public safety, education reform, and economic development, specifically targeting job growth and regulatory reductions linked to Tinker Air Force Base and the energy sector. He emphasizes his military background, commitment to fiscal conservatism, and advocacy for stronger parental rights in education. Lancaster aims to support the local workforce and infrastructure, highlighting his dedication to service and conservative values.

Let the 2026 Oklahoma lame duck hunt begin (NonDoc Media) — With the upcoming 2026 elections in Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt, approaching the end of his term-limited tenure, is increasingly labeled as a "lame duck." Meanwhile, Attorney General Gentner Drummond has not only criticized Stitt but has also emphasized his support for tribal sovereignty by dismissing a citation against a Choctaw Nation citizen—a move that aligns with the tribal leaders' perspectives on observing the rule of law. This action further underscores the complexities and political tensions surrounding state and tribal relations, which have been exacerbated by the implications of the 2020 McGirt ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. Drummond’s active stance against Stitt hints at brewing conflicts in their political relations, particularly affecting their handling of tribal issues in the state.

Oklahoma City lawmaker being investigated for forgery, embezzlement, search warrants show (Oklahoma Voice) — Oklahoma City lawmaker Representative Ajay Pittman is under investigation by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office for alleged forgery and embezzlement involving her campaign funds. Search warrants suggest Pittman used these funds for personal expenses like clothing, dining, and electronics and may have forged documents to conceal these actions. Despite these allegations and a prior settlement with the Ethics Commission for similar misconduct, Pittman has not been formally charged. Her legislative roles have been suspended pending further investigation.

Ethics Commission weighs in on Oklahoma candidates’ banking practices (Oklahoma Voice) — The Oklahoma Ethics Commission is considering changes to simplify how candidates manage campaign bank accounts when seeking reelection. Currently, candidates are required to close their campaign committees at the end of each election cycle and open new ones when they run again, which has often led to shutting down existing campaign bank accounts and opening new accounts as well. Two draft advisory opinions would allow candidates running for the same office again to keep their existing bank account, even though they must still close and reopen the campaign committee. Supporters say this could reduce unnecessary administrative work and confusion over funds being transferred between accounts. The draft opinions also recommend removing election years from campaign account names to avoid misinterpretation. The commission will take public comment and is expected to vote on the proposed clarification on Nov. 13.

ENERGY

Toxic wastewater from oil fields keeps pouring out of the ground. Oklahoma regulators failed to stop it (KOSU) — Toxic wastewater, a byproduct of oil and gas drilling containing cancer-causing chemicals, continues to spill from old wells across Oklahoma, posing a serious pollution risk. Despite attempts by state regulators and experts like Danny Ray to investigate and mitigate the problem, spills have been increasing in frequency, with over 150 incidents reported in the last five years. Research attributes the issue to high-pressure injection wells fracturing underground rock layers, which enable wastewater to escape through thousands of poorly maintained or unplugged orphan wells across the state.

Trying to understand why electric rates are rising (Oklahoma Energy Today) — Despite rising utility costs nationwide, Oklahoma remains among the lowest for electricity rates with only a 0.3% increase from September 2018 to August 2025, contrasting sharply with significant spikes in states like California and Maine. While neighbors like Kansas and Iowa have seen decreases, Oklahoma's steady rates benefit from a diverse energy mix, including natural gas, wind, and oil. This stability continues to give Oklahoma a competitive advantage economically and helps keep household and industry energy expenditures low despite broader market volatility.

Legislative interim study eyes impact of data centers (Southwest Ledger) — The Tulsa Project Clydesdale data center, one of the latest such facilities in Oklahoma, will consume an estimated 6.1 million gallons of water daily, positioning it as a major user in the region. This revelation comes from a legislative interim study, initiated by State Representative Amanda Clinton, focusing on the environmental and infrastructural impact of Oklahoma's burgeoning data center industry. The study highlighted concerns about extensive water and energy consumption, with potential implications for local utilities and resources. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission's deliberations on new power generation projects suggest residential rate increases to accommodate growing electrical demands from these centers. Despite significant capital investments and the expansion of related local businesses, the creation of permanent jobs remains minimal, averaging fewer than 10 full-time positions per data center.

HEALTH CARE

Hospital price transparency now mandatory under Oklahoma law (Oklahoma Voice) — Oklahoma hospitals are now mandated to post online the prices for their services as dictated by Senate Bill 889. This law, authored by Sen. Casey Murdock and Rep. Mark Lepak and heralded by Governor Kevin Stitt, is designed to enhance consumer power by enabling patients to compare costs before choosing medical services. The Oklahoma State Department of Health will monitor hospital compliance; non-compliance could lead to hospitals being unable to collect on certain medical debts. This initiative aligns with federal mandates for hospital price transparency and aims to curb health care expenses by fostering informed consumer decisions.

Practice and Advanced Practice Information (Oklahoma.gov) — The passage of HB 2298, effective November 1, 2025, grants independent prescriptive authority to qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Oklahoma. Application submissions for this authority will begin on November 3, following the governor's approval of emergency rules on October 29. APRNs must review changes to the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act and ensure compliance with new guidelines, including malpractice insurance requirements. The legislation continues to evolve the role of APRNs, building on historical expansions of authority since 1976.

Oklahoma attorney general attacks managed Medicaid in letter to OHCA director (KOSU) — Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has raised concerns regarding the management of Medicaid under the SoonerSelect program, claiming significant financial pressure is being put on small, community-based providers due to reduced reimbursement rates and payment delays by private companies managing care. Drummond’s letter to Clay Bullard, the new director of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, highlighted the risk of collapsing pediatric care networks in Oklahoma, impacting healthcare accessibility for children statewide. He urged OHCA to address these issues promptly to prevent close down of provider services, emphasizing the negative implications for healthcare access in rural areas.

Oklahoma hospitals bracing for impact of Medicaid cuts in communities 'already at risk' (The Oklahoman) — Oklahoma hospitals, particularly rural facilities such as the one in Blackwell, are preparing for significant financial challenges due to impending Medicaid cuts. These reductions are projected to cost Oklahoma hospitals approximately $6.7 billion over the next decade. Hospital administrators express concern that the impact of these cuts will extend beyond Medicaid recipients, affecting the entire community. These rural hospitals have long served as critical healthcare providers in their regions, with staff members often having decades of service.

HUMAN SERVICES

Oklahoma Human Services to begin furloughs, see effects on child care subsidy amid government shutdown (KGOU) — The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) is initiating furloughs affecting about 2,300 employees due to the federal government shutdown. This affects personnel differently based on salary levels. The DHS states the decision aims to optimize limited resources while maintaining essential services. The shutdown significantly hinders DHS's ability to function effectively, impacting various assistance programs, including child care subsidies. Measures are taken to manage resources, leading to alterations in the child care subsidy program and a temporary halt on new applications and renewals for school-age children.

Officials vote to provide $1 million per week to Oklahoma food banks until SNAP is funded (Oklahoma Voice) — State leaders in Oklahoma have approved a plan to distribute $1 million weekly from the state’s emergency fund to food banks if federal food-assistance programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remain unfunded during the federal government shutdown. The unanimous vote by the Contingency Review Board — including Kevin Stitt, Lonnie Paxton and Kyle Hilbert — allows up to seven weeks of funding from the $7.8 million emergency-fund balance, contingent on previous week’s funds being fully expended. Two-thirds of the funds will go to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (serving 53 counties) and the remainder to the Eastern Food Bank of Oklahoma; distribution is restricted to SNAP recipients. The board also approved a $72,000 allocation to upgrade state systems so funds could be loaded onto EBT cards if needed. With an estimated 680,000 Oklahomans depending on SNAP and food banks currently providing only one meal for every nine that SNAP does, officials say more drastic steps may be required if the shutdown continues past Dec. 1. 

Governor announces homeless encampment sweep operation in Oklahoma City (KOSU) — Governor Kevin Stitt announced the spread of Operation SAFE from Tulsa to Oklahoma City, aiming to clear homeless encampments. The operation involves the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, in partnership with Key to Home, to either house homeless individuals or enforce legal actions. The initiative has resulted in substantial debris clearance in Tulsa, and similar efforts are expected in Oklahoma City to connect affected individuals with services, or enforce law compliance related to homelessness, emphasizing public safety and cleanliness.

STATE GOVERNMENT

Hundreds of new Oklahoma laws took effect November 1 (Oklahoma Voice) — Approximately 280 new laws will go into effect across Oklahoma, including a cut to the state’s top income tax rate from 4.75 % to 4.5 % via House Bill 2764, which also sets a framework for eventual elimination of the tax. The package also comprises expansion of diagnostic mammogram insurance coverage through House Bill 1389, a prohibition on insurers imposing time limits on anesthesia use in procedures with Senate Bill 1019, access to six-month birth-control prescriptions via Senate Bill 176, a new state law banning handheld cellphone use in school/work-zones via House Bill 2263 (exceptions allowed for hands-free or emergency use), the creation of the Statewide Official Compensation Commission through House Bill 2674 to set salaries of statewide officers, and a sales-tax exemption for gun-safety devices through Senate Bill 50.

Hundreds of new laws to take effect in Oklahoma on Nov. 1. Here's a peek at some key measures (KGOU) — A range of 276 new laws will come into effect on November 1 in Oklahoma, spanning topics including tax reductions, DUI regulations, and renewable energy. Significant among these is an income tax cut brought about by House Bill 2764, which lowers the top income tax rate to 4.5% for higher earners and removes the lowest three tax brackets. Senate Bill 54 introduces stricter penalties for DUI offenses, classifying certain first offenses as felonies. Changes in renewable energy policies will see an end to tax credits for small wind turbine manufacturers and restrictions on using eminent domain for building renewable energy projects. These laws will impact various aspects of life and economy in Oklahoma.

Change in leadership at Oklahoma juvenile justice agency (Oklahoma Voice) — Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma has appointed Sharon "Shel" Millington as the new interim director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs. Millington, who replaces Tim Tardibono, previously served as the chief clinical officer at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and has extensive experience in behavioral health interventions. The Office of Juvenile Affairs provides education, prevention, and treatment services to youth in the state’s criminal justice system, focusing on safety and stability under new leadership.

Oklahoma high court questions need for TSET legislative changes (Oklahoma Voice) — The Oklahoma Supreme Court justices on Monday expressed serious skepticism over whether the Legislature should be allowed to suddenly grant appointing authorities the power to remove members of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) board before the end of their seven-year terms, questioning the need for unveiling such a sweeping change. The issue stems from House Bill 2783, which would allow those who appoint TSET board members to dismiss them “at will,” altering the board’s status as a voter-approved independent entity that oversees around $2 billion in state tobacco settlement funds. Attorneys for TSET argue this move undermines the trust’s original purpose and removes protections intended to safeguard the board’s independence; state-law defenders say no actual removal has occurred and claim the challenge is premature. Meanwhile, justices asked pointed questions about differences in term lengths between board members (seven years) and the appointing officials (two years for the House Speaker), probing why such a removal-at-will mechanism was necessary if no obvious gap in accountability existed.

TRIBAL RELATIONS

Drummond stops Choctaw citizen’s hunting ticket, calls Stitt a ‘petulant lame duck’ (NonDoc Media) — Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has dismissed a hunting citation against a Choctaw Nation citizen, asserting the state will not prosecute Native American hunters acting under tribal law even without a state license. Drummond criticized Governor Kevin Stitt’s interpretation of the McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling and expressed a commitment to respecting tribal sovereignty. This approach may indicate potential future legal challenges regarding the rights of tribal members to hunt and fish in Indian Country across Oklahoma.