Senate Review by Senator Darcy Jech
The Legislature has offi cially adjourned from the 2025 session. It was an incredibly productive year as we worked to pass policies that will improve the lives of Oklahomans and move our state forward. Most importantly, we passed a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The final agreement includes flat budgets for most state agencies, with some seeing slight budget cuts. The budget agreed to by the Senate, House and Governor maintains core agency services and leaves our state savings in a strong position at $3.5 billion, ensuring we can weather future shortfalls, while also making strategic and significant investments.
One investment to note is the $250 million appropriation to construct a new, state-of-the-art veterinary medicine teaching hospital at Oklahoma State University. This facility will help return OSU to its position as a top veterinary school, while also supporting our state’s workforce, economy, and the rural communities that rely on critical veterinary services.
The budget also includes funds for deferred maintenance projects at various state-owned sites, as well as investments in public education, county roads and bridges, and other key areas.
Dozens of good policies made it across the finish line this session, I’m pleased to report that two particular bills I authored, Senate Bill 713 and House Bill 2161, were among them.
SB 713 requires the owner or operator of a new wind energy facility to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for installation of a light-mitigating technology system that complies with FAA regulations and industry standards.
HB 2161 relates property guidelines for museums and provides timelines to obtain ownership of an item if it is not claimed by the lender. This measure will offer clarity for museums across our state as they work to maintain archives and preserve our history.
Among other legislative business is the Senate’s confirmation of executive nominations for individuals selected to serve on various state boards and commissions. I was proud to carry the nomination of Ryan Deatherage of Kingfisher to serve on the State Board of Education. I appreciate him serving our state in this capacity and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have in shaping the future of education in Oklahoma.
Many of our accomplishments this session can be credited to Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, who has exhibited exemplary leadership in his first session in this role. I’m deeply grateful for his guidance and commitment to investing in the future of our state, and look forward to seeing what we accomplish under his continued leadership.
We also welcomed more than a dozen new senators to our body, and I enjoyed working with them on various initiatives, as well as hearing their unique perspectives on matters affecting our state and their home districts.
Through the busy session, I am thankful to have had many from Senate District 26 visit the Capitol, whether to serve as a Senate page, celebrate a day of recognition, advocate for an issue, or simply tour the Capitol and its historical exhibits. I’m looking forward to visiting with many more constituents through the interim months and continuing collaboration on projects throughout the district.
There are many exciting things to come in this year’s interim as we plan for interim studies, prepare for the Route 66 Centennial celebration, and gear up for legislative work in the 2026 session. To top it off, the Oklahoma City Thunder is bringing more cause for celebration to the state by claiming the NBA Western Conference Championship and advancing to the NBA Finals.
It is an exciting and proud time to be an Oklahoman, and it is an honor to serve you and work on behalf of our community. If I can assist you in any way, please contact my office at 405-521-5545 or Darcy. Jech@oksenate.gov.