Rising Medicaid costs are becoming one of the biggest challenges facing Oklahoma lawmakers as they work to finalize the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

A proposal focused on turning thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells across Oklahoma into usable energy assets is moving to the State Senate after gaining strong support in the House.

The Oklahoma House has approved legislation aimed at positioning the state to host a national research laboratory focused on natural gas and other advanced technologies.

State Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, said the second week of the 2026 legislative session brought a full slate of committee meetings and key policy discussions, including the first meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he chairs.

Legislation authored by State Rep. Nick Archer of Elk City recently moved forward in the Oklahoma House.

A bill authored by state Rep. Anthony Moore, a Republican from Clinton, is set for consideration this week by the Oklahoma House Energy Committee.

A bill filed ahead of the Oklahoma Legislature’s 2026 session would significantly limit civil lawsuits against oil and gas companies, including claims tied to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

As the second session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature gets underway, Elk City’s own Rep. Nick Archer has introduced House Bill 3175, a measure aimed at positioning Oklahoma for growth in advanced nuclear energy.

Rep. Nick Archer has introduced legislation aimed at positioning Oklahoma to compete for a future U.S. national laboratory and other major federal research centers.

Rep. Anthony Moore (R-Clinton), who served as Speaker Pro Tempore during the First Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature, called the session “phenomenal,”.

Oklahoma is positioning itself as a leader in the space industry with the recent signing of Senate Bill 912.

On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Legislature passed House Bill 1732, a measure that affirms the right of public schools to broadcast their own athletic events, including preseason, regular season, and playoff games.

Oklahoma House Republicans this week selected their leadership team for the 60th Legislature, with Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, stepping into a prominent role as Caucus Vice Chair.

District 57 Representative Anthony Moore (R-Clinton) has been elected Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives by the Oklahoma House Republican Caucus.

State lawmakers haven been busy preparing for the next legislative session slated to begin next spring.