State Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, secured committee approval last week for legislation that would allow certain ivermectin products intended for human use to be sold over the counter in Oklahoma pharmacies, marking one of several measures advancing at the Capitol addressing health care access, foster care services and public safety.

House Bill 4124 cleared the House Public Health Committee on a 5-1 vote Wednesday and now becomes eligible for consideration in the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee.

The proposal would authorize pharmacists to provide ivermectin suitable for human use without requiring a prescription from a licensed health care professional. The measure also includes language shielding pharmacies from criminal or civil liability for supplying the medication under the law.

Fetgatter said the legislation stems from constituent concerns and aims to expand access in rural areas where obtaining medical care can require lengthy travel.

“Many people throughout Oklahoma and the nation take ivermectin for a variety of ailments,” Fetgatter said. “And while it can be prescribed by doctors, many currently choose to purchase this product over the counter at the local farm supply store. We’re just asking that pharmacies be able to offer this the same way.”

Fetgatter, who represents House District 16 covering portions of Muskogee, Okmulgee and Tulsa counties, said the bill would provide residents with greater discretion in accessing products they believe are beneficial, particularly in communities with limited health care providers.

If ultimately approved, HB 4124 would establish a new pathway for pharmacy distribution of the medication, though additional legislative review remains before the measure could become law.

— Foster care services extension advances In the Senate, leadership also moved forward legislation focused on support for young adults transitioning from foster care.

Senate Bill 1806, authored by Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, passed committee review and would allow eligible individuals receiving services through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to voluntarily remain in foster care programs until age 21.

The measure also creates an opportunity for some young adults who previously aged out of foster care to re-enter services if they are under 21 and meet eligibility criteria.

Paxton said the proposal reflects recognition that many young people exiting foster care continue to need stability and support as they enter adulthood.

“For many of these young adults, turning 18 doesn’t mean they suddenly have the support system needed to succeed,” Paxton said. “This bill ensures they have access to stability as they enter young adulthood.”

Under SB 1806, participants ages 18-21 could qualify for extended services if they are completing secondary education, enrolled in college or career technology programs, participating in workforce preparation initiatives, working at least 80 hours per month or unable to participate due to documented medical conditions.

Participation would remain voluntary, and the measure is now eligible for consideration on the Senate floor.

— Bill targeting impersonation of law enforcement passes Senate Lawmakers also advanced legislation aimed at strengthening penalties for individuals who falsely present themselves as law enforcement officers.

The Oklahoma Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1936, authored by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, in a 48-0 vote Monday.

The bill would elevate impersonating a law enforcement officer from a misdemeanor to a felony offense, carrying potential penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Hall said the proposal was prompted by recent incidents involving individuals posing as officers, raising safety concerns statewide.

“Oklahomans need to be able to trust that the person pulling them over or knocking on their door in the middle of the night truly is a law enforcement officer,” Hall said.

The measure now moves to the House for consideration, where it is co-authored by House Appropriations Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon.

— Housing stability measures targeting student outcomes progress Meanwhile, House lawmakers advanced two additional proposals focused on reducing student displacement and improving educational outcomes linked to housing instability.

House Bill 3386, authored by Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, would require mediation through Oklahoma’s Early Settlement Mediation Program before eviction proceedings involving households with minor children move forward.

Clinton said the bill takes a practical approach to addressing chronic absenteeism by focusing on housing stability without altering eviction timelines or imposing additional costs on landlords or tenants.

“Chronic absenteeism is closely linked with lower test scores and poor educational outcomes,” Clinton said. “If we are going to improve education in Oklahoma, it starts with stabilizing housing for kids.”

The measure now advances to the Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee.

A companion initiative, House Bill 3698 by Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, would establish a pilot program providing legal representation for indigent families with pre-K through 12th grade students facing eviction in selected metro and rural communities.

Pogemiller said research shows housing instability has immediate and long-term impacts on student attendance and performance, underscoring the need for supportive interventions.

The proposal cleared the House Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee and now moves to the full House Appropriations and Budget Committee.