04/23/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Rep. Mark Chapman
Office: (405) 557-7388
Final Stretch at the Capitol Brings Key Progress
We’re moving right along at the Capitol, and another major deadline is now behind us. With each passing week, we’re getting closer to the end of session and the pace is picking up as we work to finalize legislation.
This week marked an important milestone as all Senate bills had to advance out of House oversight committees. Any measure that made it through is now eligible to be heard on the House floor. At the same time, we’re continuing work on the state budget in both chambers. This is the point in session where everything starts coming together and long hours turn into final decisions.
One of the biggest accomplishments this week was the passage of the Strong Readers Act, which has now been signed into law. This is a meaningful step forward for education in Oklahoma. Right now, only about 27% of our third graders are reading at grade level. That’s not a statistic anyone should be comfortable with, and it’s something we have to address head-on.
This new law focuses on early reading screenings, science-based instruction, stronger support for teachers and better communication with parents. It’s designed to catch reading challenges early and give students the tools they need to succeed. The results won’t show up overnight, and it will likely take several years to see the full impact, but this is about building a stronger foundation for the next generation.
We also passed Senate Bill 1221 on the House floor this week. This measure will allow Oklahomans to track their driver license or ID in the mail and adds an option for expedited shipping. It brings a little more transparency and convenience to a process most of us have dealt with at one point or another.
Additionally, I was very pleased to see my bill, Senate Bill 1859, pass overwhelmingly through the committee process. The measure establishes a Cyber Crimes and Fraud Unit within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and is now awaiting consideration on the House floor. This is an important step in the fight against online fraud, especially when it comes to protecting older Oklahomans and those most vulnerable.
Another highlight this week was 4-H Day at the Capitol. It’s always a pleasure to welcome students from across the state who are involved in 4-H. These young people are learning leadership, responsibility and service, and those lessons stick with them long after they leave the program. Seeing that kind of engagement reminds me why this work matters.
This week also marked 31 years since the Oklahoma City bombing. We had the opportunity to hear a powerful program at the Capitol featuring Kari Watkins, Chairman Chris Fleming, Rep. Ellyn Hefner and Rep. Rick West. Their remarks served as a reminder of the lives lost, the families forever impacted and the resilience that followed.
Rep. Rick West also shared his personal experience, having lost colleagues and friends in the bombing, which brought a sobering and deeply personal perspective. It’s something our state will never forget, and it continues to shape who we are today.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, my office is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected] or call at (405) 557-7388.
