Articles
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Law & Principles
OCPA files amicus brief to defend free speech
A man in Oklahoma is serving prison time for “stalking” even though his only “crime” was posting a YouTube rant about his ex-wife. OCPA’s Center for Law & Liberty filed a brief urging the Court of Criminal Appeals to correct this abuse and make clear that offensive or unpleasant speech is still protected speech.Ryan Haynie | February 9, 2026
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Education, Law & Principles
One reform would dramatically boost Oklahoma voter participation. Lawmakers should finish the job
Oklahoma’s school-board elections are intentionally held on obscure winter and spring dates, producing abysmally low turnout and giving disproportionate influence to special interests.Jonathan Small | February 9, 2026
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Law & Principles
Speaker Hilbert’s bill to bar illegals from welfare clears first hurdle
Legislation that would implement new safeguards to ensure welfare benefits in Oklahoma are provided only to legal U.S. citizens has easily advanced from a state House committee.Ray Carter | February 4, 2026
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Law & Principles
2026 OCPA Legislative Scorecard: Watch List
Here is a list of bills that are eligible to be included on the OCPA Legislative Scorecard for the 2026 legislative session.Staff | January 30, 2026
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Law & Principles
OCPA statement on SQ 836 signature submission
OCPA President Jonathan Small issued a statement regarding news that proponents of State Question 836 have submitted signatures to place the measure on Oklahoma's statewide ballot.Staff | January 26, 2026
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Law & Principles
Pro-SQ 836 group says nearly all Republican lawmakers ‘should be voted out’
After 114 Republican lawmakers warned voters about SQ 836, the Kirkpatrick Policy Group responded by thanking OCPA “for providing a list of the first politicians who should be voted out once SQ 836 passes.”Ray Carter | January 26, 2026
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Law & Principles
Oklahoma weighs tougher penalties for disrupting worship
Senate Bill 743, authored by state Sen. Todd Gollihare, would impose jail time and escalating fines for those who invade or obstruct religious gatherings. The bill is inspired by both national incidents and harassment at Gollihare’s own church.Ray Carter | January 23, 2026
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Law & Principles
Nearly all Oklahoma Republican state lawmakers oppose SQ 836, warn of California-style elections
More than 90 percent of Oklahoma House Republicans and 97 percent of Senate Republicans are urging voters to reject State Question 836, warning that the proposal would dismantle Oklahoma’s primary system and replicate California’s “top two” model.Ray Carter | January 22, 2026
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Law & Principles
State lawmakers urge Oklahomans: Be wary of signing SQ 836 petition
Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton and Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, along with 112 of their fellow members of the Oklahoma Legislature, issued an open letter to the people of Oklahoma, urging them to be wary of signing the initiative petition to place State Question 836 on the statewide ballot.Staff | January 22, 2026
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Law & Principles, Good Government
Accused criminal’s reelection highlights Oklahoma election-date problem
A Warr Acres city councilman was reelected without a single vote cast—then arrested days later on charges of first-degree rape and multiple counts of lewd acts with children—highlighting what critics call a structural flaw in Oklahoma’s low-profile, off-cycle elections.Ray Carter | January 20, 2026