Local business leaders and residents gathered the first Friday in February for the Chamber of Commerce legislative update, where Representative Scott Fetgatter and Senator Bryan Logan provided a candid overview of early-session activity at the Oklahoma Capitol. The discussion ranged from committee hearings and regulatory reform to immigration enforcement, state budget pressures and the growing political tension surrounding several high-profile issues.

— A Busy First Week at the Capitol

Senator Bryan Logan described the opening days of the session as fast-moving and intense, noting that he had two bills heard in committee during his first week.

One measure targets organized retail crime involving gift cards. Logan explained that criminals often skim gift card information before the cards are purchased, leaving unsuspecting recipients with empty balances. The bill is designed to address organized operations rather than individuals who steal physical cards, emphasizing consumer protection and accountability for larger criminal networks.

Another bill would allow yearround retail sales of fireworks and permit display fireworks on private property, barring local burn bans. Logan said the proposal originated from a constituent request and is intended to expand property rights while still allowing safety restrictions during high fire risk periods.

He also discussed legislation establishing an eight-foot “safe access” buffer within 100 feet of religious facilities, following a reported protest incident in Creek County. The measure does not prohibit protest but seeks to ensure individuals can enter and exit religious services without obstruction.

Additional bills Logan referenced include:

• A measure allowing homebased businesses to operate without municipal interference if traffic and licensing standards are met.

• Industry-related updates affecting roofing, plumbing and utility contractors.

• An insurance-related proposal to help political subdivisions manage catastrophic financial exposure.

“These are not flashy bills,” Logan noted, “but they affect how people operate and do business every day.”

— Budget Pressures & Healthcare Authority Shortfall Representative Scott Fetgatter, who chairs the House Finance Committee, shifted the conversation toward the state’s financial outlook. He revealed that the Oklahoma Health Care Authority has requested approximately $500 million in additional funding, potentially placing the state between $500 and $700 million in deficit for recurring revenue obligations.

Fetgatter explained that his committee received 65 bills with fiscal impacts ranging from millions to tens of millions of dollars. Only 13 remain under consideration.

“As Finance Chair, I’m the gatekeeper of the budget,” Fetgatter said. “Every one of those bills is taking money out of recurring revenue, and we have to watch that closely.”

He cautioned that even if short-term funds can be drawn from reserves, long-term structural deficits could worsen next year due to Medicaid expansion costs.

— E-Verify bill sparks internal debate

One of the most contentious legislative debates discussed involved a proposal to require all Oklahoma businesses to use the federal E-Verify system for employee citizenship verification.

Fetgatter opposed the bill in committee, raising concerns about mandates on small businesses and data privacy. He questioned whether requiring every employer to input employee information into a federal database was necessary, especially when businesses may already have documentation confirming citizenship.

The bill failed to advance in committee after members declined to make a motion, a procedural outcome Fetgatter said reflects the difficulty of passing legislation without broad support.

He emphasized that the legislative process is intentionally challenging. “Passing a law should not be easy,” he said, adding that collaboration across factions is essential for success at the Capitol.

— Immigration & ICE enforcement draw questions Much of the forum centered on immigration enforcement and ICE activity, reflecting heightened national tensions.

Logan stated that one controversial Senate bill discussed would restrict the use of state or federal tax dollars to provide services to undocumented individuals, particularly through nongovernmental organizations receiving public funds.

He framed the issue as a fiscal responsibility question, asking whether taxpayer funds should be directed toward individuals who entered the country illegally.

Fetgatter acknowledged the emotional weight of the issue, noting that immigration enforcement is largely federal jurisdiction. He expressed support for legal immigration but maintained that individuals who enter illegally have broken the law and are subject to consequences.

Both legislators described immigration as a long-standing federal problem exacerbated by policy shifts at the national level. However, they emphasized that Oklahoma lawmakers have limited authority over ICE operations.

Community members raised concerns about profiling, due process and the visibility of enforcement actions. The exchange reflected deep divisions but remained largely civil, with participants urging clearer communication and guidelines for enforcement practices.

— Marijuana Policy & Executive Tensions

Fetgatter also addressed the governor’s comments about the state’s medical marijuana industry, stating that regulatory challenges stem in part from vetoes of reform legislation in previous sessions.

He warned that placing medical marijuana back on the ballot to repeal legalization could result in substantial financial liability for the state, arguing that business license holders could pursue compensation under constitutional “takings” principles.

The comments underscored ongoing tension between the legislative and executive branches over regulatory authority and implementation.

— Education & Literacy Focus

On the House side, Fetgatter identified third-grade literacy as a primary legislative focus this year. Lawmakers are prioritizing reading benchmarks, citing data that students who fail to reach grade-level reading proficiency by third grade face long-term academic disadvantages.

He also noted that teachers are the most represented profession within the Oklahoma Legislature, pushing back against claims that education policy is crafted without educator input.

— Looking Ahead

As the forum concluded, both legislators acknowledged that the session is only beginning and that more complex debates lie ahead. With budget negotiations looming, immigration tensions simmering nationally and education reform on the agenda, lawmakers face a session likely to generate continued public scrutiny and spirited debate.

The Chamber plans to continue hosting legislative updates as the session progresses.