OKLAHOMA CITY - State Rep. Jim Shaw wants to give local communities more control and better protect taxpayers this year.
To do that, Shaw filed several bills five bills addressing everything from local control, protecting taxpayers and increasing accountability in infrastructure and community development.
“Oklahomans deserve a say in the decisions that affect their lives, their property, and their tax dollars,” Shaw, a Republican from Chandler said. “This package puts control back with local communities and taxpayers rather than politicians, bureaucrats, and lobbyists.”
Shaw’s bills include: House Bill 3723 which would require county commissioner approval and, in some cases, a vote of the people before large-scale green energy projects can be built. Shaw said the measure “reinforces local control and ensures residents have a say before projects move forward in their communities.”
House Bill 3724 which focuses on high-demand energy or industrial facilities. The bill aims to prevent taxpayers from funding infrastructure upgrades. According to Shaw, it would:
•Prohibit taxpayer-funded subsidies.
•Require companies to fund their own electric infrastructure improvements.
•Set strict water-use limits and mandate decommissioning plans.
•Ensure compliance with local ordinances.
•Allow counties and municipalities to prohibit projects.
•Give citizens the power to petition for a public vote via initiative or referendum.
House Bill 3725 which requires most new hires in Oklahoma to be verified using E-Verify, a federal system that confirms employment eligibility. The bill directs the Oklahoma Department of Labor to create a centralized online portal for compliance and reporting, while establishing penalties for violations and protections for employers acting in good faith. House Bill 3726 which would end the crosspledging of toll revenues between future turnpike projects while still honoring existing bond obligations. Shaw said the measure is designed to promote financial accountability and transparency for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority House Bill 3727 which targets the use of public funds for lobbying. Political subdivisions would be prohibited from using taxpayer money to hire lobbyists or pay associations that employ lobbyists, and a six-year “cooling-off” period would apply to former legislators wishing to register as lobbyists. Shaw said the bill would reinforce public trust and reduce the influence of taxpayer-funded lobbying.
Shaw said Oklahoma has seen rapid growth in wind and solar energy projects, particularly in western and rural counties. While these projects generate clean energy, some residents and landowners have raised concerns about land use, wildlife impact, and transmission lines.
House Bills 3723 and 3724 would give local officials and communities more control over such projects, though some critics argue the measures could slow energy development and investment.
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has also faced scrutiny for cross-pledging toll revenues. Supporters of House Bill 3726 say requiring each project to stand alone financially increases accountability, while critics worry it could limit flexibility in planning or increase costs.
While Shaw frames the bills as measures to strengthen community input and protect taxpayers, some stakeholders have raised concerns about potential impacts: Green Energy and Industrial Projects (HBs 3723 & 3724)
•Renewable energy developers and utility companies note that requiring county, approval or public votes could affect project timelines, costs, and planning certainty.
•Some energy and environmental groups say additional restrictions could limit the state’s ability to expand energy or infrastructure projects.
E-Verify Mandates (HB 3725) •Employers and business associations highlight potential administrative challenges, compliance costs, and penalties for unintentional errors.
Turnpike Authority Changes (HB 3726)
•Infrastructure officials caution that ending crosspledging could reduce financial flexibility for funding interconnected or large-scale projects.
•Observers suggest separating revenues might lead to higher tolls or slower project completion.
Lobbying Restrictions (HB 3727)
•Associations and lobby groups are concerned about the prohibition on taxpayer-funded lobbying and the six-year “cooling-off” period could be restrictive for advocacy and professional opportunities.
•Some say the measures might limit input from organizations on public policy matters.
All five bills are eligible for consideration during the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, which began Feb. 2. Committees will decide whether to advance the bills to the House floor.