As the First Session of the 60th Legislature begins, Oklahoma is entering a new era of leadership and opportunity. Governor Kevin Stitt’s upcoming State of the State speech will set the tone for what he views are the legislative priorities ahead, while also addressing what he believes are the challenges and opportunities facing our state.

This session also marks a historic shift in leadership, with Kyle Hilbert serving as the youngest Oklahoma House Speaker ever and Lonnie Paxton leading as Senate Pro Tem. With fresh leadership comes renewed energy and a commitment to moving Oklahoma forward.

I am excited to introduce a series of bills designed to strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce, protect our natural resources and support those who work hard day-in and day-out to serve our communities. Here are my bill highlights:

HB 1258: A New Era for Teacher Compensation

Education starts and ends with teachers. We need to compensate our educators, so they don’t move to other states just to get a raise. HB1258 introduces a new teacher compensation plan that allows educators to choose a salary structure that competes with private industry pay structures. This bill would add three additional years to the end of the current salary schedule, teachers will have the opportunity to earn up to $100,000 per year, depending on their education level. This legislation would be a game-changer for attracting and retaining top teaching talent in Oklahoma.

HB 1263: Protecting Our State’s Water Resources

Oklahoma’s lakes and reservoirs are vital for our environment, economy and the Oklahoma way of life. HB1263 would prohibit the construction of any new wind turbines within 40 miles of any body of water covering 10,000 surface acres or more.

HB 1261: Reforming the Wrecker Industry

The efficiency and oversight of our state’s wrecker industry directly impact public safety and road management. HB1261 would transform and streamlines our state’s wrecker regulations by providing better oversight and quicker response times to changes in the industry.

HB 1268: Strengthening Retirement for First Responders

Our county sheriff ’s departments and EMTs dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our communities. HB1268 would amend the current retirement pension for our county sheriff ’s departments and emergency medical technicians (EMT’s). This bill would change their current retirement pension by incorporating a five-year Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). This longoverdue change would provide greater financial security for those who risk their lives daily for the safety and well-being of Oklahomans.

As we move into this legislative session, my commitment remains the same – to advocate for policies that improve the lives of Oklahomans while protecting this land that we love. I look forward to working with my colleagues and hope to make these initiatives a reality.

Neil Hays serves District 13 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of McIntosh, Muskogee and Wagoner counties.