04/22/2026
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Communications & Public Affairs
April 16, 2026
Oversight Work Advances as District Responds to Storms
By Representative Neil Hays
(405) 557-7302
Week 11 of the Second Session of the 60th Legislature is heavily focused on the oversight committee process. This is where we review the measures from the Senate that were passed out of policy committees.
We are also hearing all the Joint Committees on Appropriation bills. These bills are the ones that focus on how we expect state agencies to spend their appropriated dollars.
Our next major deadline is April 23. By that date, all measures from the Senate must be reported from oversight committees to be available for consideration on the House floor. This may seem familiar to you, as we went through the same process earlier this session with measures that originated in the House chamber.
Once Senate measures have successfully gone through oversight committees and have secured passage on the House floor, they are then referred to the Governor's office. The same process is happening in the Senate Chamber, with the bills we previously passed off the House floor this session.
Our district experienced a frightening moment this week as a tornado moved through the area. I am grateful for the way our community came together in its aftermath, helping clear downed trees and power lines and looking out for one another.
Please stay connected with your city’s official social media pages and websites for timely updates and warnings as severe weather develops. Those alerts can make a real difference in keeping you and your family safe.
I also want to recognize Muskogee’s new mayor, Ryan Lowe. Within moments of being sworn in, he was faced with responding to severe weather in our community, and I appreciate his leadership during a challenging start. I look forward to working with him to his new position.
As we move through the heart of tornado season in Oklahoma, I encourage everyone to remain weather aware. Have a plan in place for where your family will go during a storm and keep a "go bag" ready with essential items in case of an emergency.
Finally, I encourage you to continue supporting your neighbors in the cleanup efforts. Many of you already have, and it speaks to the strength and character of District 13.
I know that this can be a very difficult time, and I want to support our district in any way I can. Please reach out to my office if you need help with the aftermath of these storms.
In addition to legislative work, we hosted one of my favorite days at the Capitol this week… OSU Day! It was so nice to have the Cowboys in the People's House. From the sounds of the band to the singing of the alma mater, I really enjoyed meeting with students, and even Pistol Pete, who signed some of my OSU memorabilia! OSU makes such a large impact on our state, and they are doing great work in agriculture and economic development.
It is a privilege to serve the people of our district. I take that responsibility seriously, and I am dedicated to listening and representing you.
Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. You can email me at [email protected] or call my office at (405) 557-7302. I’d love to hear from you!
