West Area Council – January 2026
January 14, 2026
Guest Speaker: Senator Jack Stewart (Oklahoma Senate District 18)
Meeting Summary
Senator Jack Stewart provided an in depth overview of his professional background, legislative experience, and priorities heading into the second year of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature. With more than four decades of experience as a professional engineer and extensive service as a Canadian County Commissioner, Senator Stewart emphasized his practical, infrastructure focused approach to public service and policymaking.
The discussion focused heavily on how Oklahoma’s legislative process functions in practice, including bill filing deadlines, committee authority, floor procedures, and the limited number of bills that ultimately become law. Senator Stewart stressed that early engagement with legislators during the interim is essential for stakeholders seeking statutory changes.
Several policy areas of direct relevance to home builders and local governments were addressed, including municipal authority, zoning practices, property tax concerns, infrastructure funding, workforce challenges, and the balance of power between cities, counties, and the state. Broader statewide priorities such as education reform, mental health services, fiscal policy, and budget constraints were also discussed.
Key Points and Takeaways
1. Legislative Process and Practical Realities
Approximately 3,000 bills are filed each legislative year between the House and Senate. Only a small percentage ultimately become law due to committee discretion, floor scheduling limitations, and tight deadlines.
Committee chairs hold significant gatekeeping authority and may decline to hear bills without explanation. Early communication with legislators before session begins greatly increases the likelihood of a bill receiving consideration.
2. Senator Stewart’s Legislative Focus
Senator Stewart’s initial Senate work concentrated on addressing statutory gaps affecting county governments, particularly limitations created by Dillon’s Rule. Much of his current legislative activity is driven by constituent requests rather than broad policy initiatives.
He encouraged home builders and industry groups to bring forward specific statutory issues early so they can be evaluated and potentially drafted for future sessions.
3. Growth and Representation in Canadian County
Canadian County continues to be the fastest growing county in Oklahoma, resulting in the creation of a new Senate district. This rapid growth presents strong opportunities for home builders while also increasing pressure on infrastructure, zoning decisions, and public services.
4. Municipal Authority Versus State Oversight
Cities operate with broader discretion than counties and are not subject to Dillon’s Rule, creating uneven regulatory environments. Zoning, infrastructure requirements, and development standards at the municipal level were identified as recurring concerns for the homebuilding industry.
In many cases, legal action becomes the only avenue for relief, reinforcing the need for clearer statutory guardrails at the state level.
5. Property Taxes and State Question Concerns
Senator Stewart acknowledged strong voter frustration with rapidly increasing property taxes. A proposed state question eliminating property taxes would have significant consequences for counties, which rely almost entirely on property tax revenue to operate.
Education funding, particularly for CareerTech systems, is heavily dependent on property taxes, making reform efforts complex and high risk.
6. State Budget and Fiscal Policy Overview
Oklahoma operates under a balanced budget requirement. Education accounts for roughly 40 to 50 percent of the state budget.
Recent major one time expenditures included the purchase of the Lawton prison, expansion of the OSU Veterinary Medical Hospital, and expansion of the Children’s Hospital. Future budgets are expected to be tighter due to income tax reductions and the elimination of the state grocery tax.
7. Workforce and State Employee Challenges
State agencies, including the Department of Corrections, face ongoing recruitment and retention challenges driven by wage pressures and job stress. Senator Stewart expressed support for state employee pay raises while emphasizing the need to carefully evaluate recurring budget impacts.
8. Education and Workforce Development
Legislative priorities include third grade literacy, increasing the number of instructional days, and continued investment in CareerTech programs. Oklahoma CareerTech remains a national strength but faces capacity constraints due to high demand.
9. Engagement Opportunities for COHBA Members
Senator Stewart emphasized that the interim period from June through November is the most effective time to raise legislative concerns. Builders are encouraged to provide specific examples of regulatory challenges and statutory language when possible.
Legislative staff can assist in drafting bill language once concepts are submitted, but early coordination is essential.
Strategic Relevance for COHBA
This discussion reinforces the importance of early legislative engagement and interim advocacy. It highlights opportunities to address zoning, impact fees, and municipal overreach through statutory clarification and underscores the need for coordinated messaging on property taxes, infrastructure funding, and workforce development.