Kristen Thompson unveils ‘Oklahoma Forward’ legislative agenda to boost economy, protect families

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, today unveiled her comprehensive "Oklahoma Forward" legislative agenda for the 2025 session, emphasizing economic growth, public safety, family values, and consumer protections. This initiative aims to prioritize the well-being and prosperity of all Oklahomans.

"My 'Oklahoma Forward’ agenda is dedicated to fostering a thriving economy, safeguarding our communities and upholding the values that make our state exceptional," Thompson said. "By focusing on these key areas, we are ensuring a brighter future for every Oklahoman."

Components of her "Oklahoma Forward" agenda include:

Growing Oklahoma’s Economy

• Expanding the Sales Tax Holiday (SB 231): This bill proposes increasing the number of tax-exempt items during Oklahoma’s back-to-school sales tax holiday, providing financial relief to families.
• Small Business and Innovation Incentives (SB 324): Aimed at boosting innovation and job creation, this legislation offers tax credits for research and development activities within the state.

Supporting Oklahoma Families and Workers

• Protecting Food and Futures (SB 4): This legislation prohibits the use of certain artificial dyes and preservatives, ensuring the food Oklahomans eat is safe and healthy.
• Preventing Hidden Fees and Business Scams (SB 986): A consumer protection measure designed to eliminate hidden fees in businesses, ensuring transparent pricing for consumers.
• Health Insurance Access (SB 1019): This bill prohibits insurers from enforcing any restrictions on the duration of covered anesthesia services or denying coverage or payment based on time under anesthesia, increasing health outcomes for Oklahomans.
• Supporting Working Families (SB 256): By creating tax credits for employers and childcare workers, this bill supports working parents to ensure their children have safe and consistent childcare.

Keeping Oklahoma Safe

• Strengthening Laws Against Sexual Violence (SB 630): By expanding the legal definition of rape, this legislation aims to close existing loopholes and ensure justice for survivors.
• Social Media Protections for Kids (SB 838, SB 839): These bills seek to restrict social media access for young children and label social media platforms as addictive, promoting mental health.
• School Training on Substance Abuse (SB 913): Brought forward by a constituent, this legislation directs the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, contingent on federal funding, to supply emergency opioid antagonists to public schools and establish an opioid overdose education program for authorized school personnel.

Investing in Oklahoma’s Future

• Virtual Learning Options for Schools (SB 758): cracks down on virtual learning days. It allows virtual days only for severe weather, staff shortages, maintenance issues, or state-approved reasons, requiring districts to notify the State Department of Education within 72 hours. The Department has one week to verify compliance—if schools fail, they must make up the time with in-person instruction. Strict virtual learning hour requirements are enforced, with audits ensuring student participation; if most don’t comply, another in-person day is required. Annual reports will keep the public informed and reinforce that the best education happens in the classroom, not behind a screen.
• Promoting Local Food in Schools (SB 985): Establishing the Oklahoma Local Food for Schools Program, this legislation aims to bring fresh, local produce into school meal programs.
• Strengthening Oklahoma’s Workforce (SB 664): empowers the Construction Industries Board to collaborate with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to promote workforce development, strengthening opportunities for skilled labor.

Strengthening Oklahoma’s Values

• Protecting Against Discrimination (SB 942): Ensuring that no student or employee faces discrimination in Oklahoma schools, this legislation upholds fairness and equality.
• Recognizing Anti-Semitism in Law (SB 991): By adopting a clear, legal definition of anti-Semitism, this bill seeks to prevent hate and discrimination within the state.

Senator Thompson said her "Oklahoma Forward" agenda reflects a commitment to economic prosperity, public safety and strong family values. Through these legislative efforts, she aims to create a more affordable, safer and thriving Oklahoma for all residents.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Kristen Thompson at 405-521-5592 or Kristen.Thompson@oksenate.gov.