Childcare, firefighter aid, and mental health lead 2025 Oklahoma legislative priorities

In a recent segment of Your Vote Counts, political analyst Scott Mitchell sat down with State Senator Cody Frix and Representative Suzanne Schreiber to reflect on Oklahoma’s 2025 legislative session, preview upcoming interim studies, and discuss the early impact of the 2026 election cycle.

1 in 5 bills signed into law

Representative Schreiber highlighted that only about 20% of bills filed made it into law this session, but noted one major success: her new childcare bill. Starting in July, childcare employees will be eligible to receive childcare assistance themselves — a move she says will strengthen the workforce and economy.

“That is just gonna be a huge help to the industry and our workforce,” Schreiber said. "It's a step in the right direction."

Support for firefighters and healthcare access

Senator Frix emphasized legislation aimed at supporting rural volunteer firefighters and improving healthcare affordability. One new law will provide a $250 tax credit for cancer screenings, a major health risk for firefighters in Oklahoma.

“We know cancer is one of the top causes of death for our firefighters,” Frix said. “Proud to get that across the finish line.”

Frix also pointed to a new “cash pay” healthcare bill that allows out-of-network payments to count toward patients’ insurance deductibles.

Politics already shaping next session

Looking ahead, both lawmakers acknowledged that the fast-approaching 2026 election cycle is already influencing the political environment.

“I think all Oklahomans should buckle up for a lot of political mail that will be coming their way for this next election cycle,” Frix said. “Certainly looks like we're going to have a full field in the governor's race, and looking like probably a runoff.”

Schreiber expressed concern about political violence possibly discouraging civic participation, referencing recent national incidents.

“We cannot act out of fear,” she said.

Key interim studies on the horizon

As the Legislature prepares for the second half of the 60th session, both lawmakers outlined their priorities for interim studies.

Schreiber is working on a study of sex trafficking, aiming to improve legislative understanding and identify gaps in services for victims.

“We really need to be bearing down on that,” she said, citing Oklahoma’s high domestic violence rates.

Frix mentioned ongoing work around food dye regulation and expanding the homemade food market, referencing a study that may revisit failed legislation from earlier this year.

Unfinished business for 2026

Looking ahead to the next session, lawmakers expect debate on several key issues, including Oklahoma’s new business courts, housing policy, and mental health system reforms.

Schreiber said Oklahoma must adopt a stronger statewide approach to its housing crisis. “It’s underreported in the media,” Schreiber said.

Frix highlighted the ongoing transition at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, where a new interim commissioner has been appointed. He said the Legislature will stay engaged with efforts to meet requirements under a longstanding federal decree and “right-size” the agency.