Oklahoma's 2023 Session Has Begun

This is the first week the Capitol is back in session, which means many new bill proposals from both sides. The republicans had many bills pushed through committee, and democrats say they aren’t happy about some of them. Specifically, the ones dealing with gender-affirming care and abortion.

Starting the week off, Gov. Stitt gave his State of the State Address, where he laid out goals for cutting taxes, instilling a merit-based teacher pay raise, and passing several healthcare bills.

“I’m calling for the legislature to send me a bill that bans all gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies on minors in the state of Oklahoma,” Gov. Stitt said in his State of the State Address.

Senate democrats are opposing multiple bills during committee hearings, including some that would ban gender-affirming care for minors and ban abortions, with exceptions.  

“If these bills pass, and I believe they will, then the state will have total control of the healthcare decisions of the state of Oklahoma,” Kay Floyd, a democratic Senator, said.

The republicans are unfazed by the democrats negativity.

“The minority party’s not gonna vote for anything that has to do with saving the lives of the unborn, so I wasn’t terribly concerned with their lines of questioning, “ Republican Senator Julie Daniels said.

Republican House leader Charles McCall says he’s optimistic about what’s to come this session. 

“I think there are a lot of opportunities before us and the 59th legislature,” McCall said.

As always, News 9 will be paying close attention to the Capitol and all of the goings-ons this session.