Weekly Wonk: Creating a minimum age of adjudication is common sense youth justice reform | SQ 640 – Roadblock or solution? | Property tax cuts aren’t the real driver of housing costs | More

What's up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing,

SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2026 Subscribe // View latest headlines Opinion: Property tax cuts aren't the real driver of housing costs   Oklahomans are frustrated by rising housing costs, but this session, lawmakers are targeting the wrong culprit. While property taxes are drawing most of the attention at the Capitol this year, the real cost surge — homeowners' insurance — remains largely overlooked. Lawmakers should take a closer look before rushing to cut property taxes that fund schools and services. [Aanahita Irani Ervin / The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Fact Sheet: Property taxes are vital to the health of local government in Oklahoma Creating a minimum age of adjudication is common sense youth justice reform   Oklahoma's youth justice system is tasked with ensuring youth who cause harm face fair consequences, but is also responsible for protecting children and promoting long-term public safety. One of the most effective ways to do both is by setting a reasonable minimum age of adjudication at 12 years old, like Senate Bill 2097 proposes. Adjudication is the court process for determining if children can be held criminally responsible, or delinquent, in court. [Jill Mencke / OK Policy] The evolving limits of government liability under Oklahoma's Governmental Tort Claims Act (Capitol Update)   Sovereign immunity was a common law doctrine brought to the United States from England that stood for the axiom, "the King can do no wrong," meaning generally that a state and its political subdivisions cannot be held liable for the negligent conduct of their employees without the state's permission. However, the Supreme Court ceded power to the legislature to enact laws determining the extent to which the state would be held liable. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update] Policy Matters: SQ 640 – Roadblock or solution?   For decades, Oklahoma lawmakers have passed untargeted tax cuts rather than investing in core services, leaving agencies with budget cuts and forcing them to do more with less — often past the breaking point. State Question 640 — which imposes strict limits on how our state can raise revenue — has constrained Oklahoma's ability to adapt and grow for decades. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record] Apply Now for the 2026 Oklahoma Summer Policy Institute   OK Policy's Oklahoma Summer Policy Institute (SPI) brings together highly-qualified college students, recent graduates, and new policy professionals for a three-day learning experience that informs participants about Oklahoma's policy landscape and provides tools and resources to create change in our state. Apply by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, May 10, 2026. Learn More & Apply Know someone who would be a good fit for SPI? Please send them the link above. Is it legal to lower the minimum wage in Oklahoma? Yes: Every U.S. state, including Oklahoma, can generally lower their minimum wage, but stipulations apply. [Oklahoma Watch] From OK Policy: What you need to know about the minimum wage in Oklahoma Oklahoma's Housing Paradox: Vacant Units Everywhere, Affordable Ones Nowhere: Data from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency's Housing Needs Assessment shows the state has more than 220,000 vacant housing units, including nearly 39,000 listed as available for rent. But that number masks a more complicated reality. The issue isn't how many units exist. It's whether they can be rented. The gap between what it costs to build housing and what renters can afford has widened to the point that many projects never get off the ground. [Oklahoma Watch]   Tulsa mom emerges from trauma and addiction with a degree — and ideas to help parents like her: A few years ago, Amanda Billings stopped to consider her life. She knew she talked too much, shared too much. She knew her choices led to substance abuse addiction and the loss of her oldest children to foster care. She never felt like she fit into the world. [Tulsa Flyer] Use Tax   The use tax is a complementary tax to the state sales tax that is applied to items bought outside a state (or not taxed inside) but used, stored, or consumed in the state. Oklahoma taxes items subject to the use tax at the same rate as the sales tax.    For several decades, states were limited in their ability to collect use taxes by a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Quill v. North Dakota, that determined that retailers lacking a physical presence in a state, or "nexus," could not be required to collect and remit taxes. The growth of online commerce led to significant revenue losses for states and local governments and various efforts to circumvent the Quill decision.  In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the Quill precedent in South Dakota vs. Wayfair, Inc. In a 5-4 decision, it upheld a South Dakota law that required retailers to collect and remit tax on purchases even if the seller does not have a physical presence in the state, ruling that an economic presence should be the basis for taxing a sale. Oklahoma amended its laws to conform to the Wayfair decision: as of November 2019, a remote seller with $100,000 or more in taxable retail sales of tangible personal property during the preceding 12 calendar months is required to  collect and remit Oklahoma sales tax.   Oklahoma collected $638.5 million in state use tax revenues in FY 2024, which represented a 38.4 percent increase from the $461.3 million collected in FY 2021 and nearly triple the $203.2 million in use tax revenue collected in FY 2016.   Look up more key terms to understand Oklahoma politics and government here. "Good medicine teaches us to do no harm. Public policy should follow the same principle."   - Rich Rasmussen, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hospital Association, arguing that proposals to roll back Medicaid expansion would disrupt a system that is currently improving access to care, stabilizing hospitals, and bringing significant federal funding into Oklahoma's health care system. [The Oklahoman] Opinion, Hospital CEO: Medicaid expansion has stabilized rural hospitals in Oklahoma   In rural Oklahoma, when the local hospital struggles, the entire community feels it.   Jobs disappear. Businesses hesitate to invest. Families face longer drives for care when emergencies happen. The hospital is quite literally a lifeline. In many communities, the hospital is more than a health care provider. It is one of the pillars that holds the community together.   That is why discussions about weakening or repealing Medicaid expansion should concern every rural community in our state.    [Jimmy Leopard / Tulsa World] 1 in 5 — Nearly 1 in 5 Oklahomans working a single, full-time job cannot afford a modest one-bedroom rental at fair market rent, while 2 in 5 cannot afford a two-bedroom rental. Even for full-time workers, wages are insufficient to afford housing for Oklahoma's low-wage earners. [National Low Income Housing Coalition via OK Policy]   3.0% — The share of Oklahoma public school students who lacked a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence during the 2021–22 school year. Oklahoma ranks 40th on this measure, reflecting the scale of student homelessness and housing instability across the state. [America's Health Rankings]   180 — The estimated number of people in Oklahoma awaiting court-ordered mental health restoration services in May 2025. Inconsistent data and gaps in tracking across agencies make it difficult to determine the true scope of the backlog, raising concerns about the system's ability to meet demand or even accurately measure it. [Briggs v. Friesen Court Consultant Report]   222,211 — The number of Oklahoma adults enrolled in SoonerCare through Medicaid expansion as of January 2026. Coverage has been a lifeline not only for individuals accessing care, but also for hospitals and providers across the state who rely on stable reimbursement to keep their doors open. [Oklahoma Health Care Authority]   0 — The number of non-elected officials who would be part of a proposed state constitutional convention under the current language in House Joint Resolution 1089. The bill is intended to give voters the chance to approve a constitutional convention meant to modernize and reform the Oklahoma Constitution by May 2028. Under the bill, the delegates drafting the new or revised constitution would be composed entirely of actively serving lawmakers, instead of an even split between lawmakers and representatives of the state's tribal nations. [KOSU] The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes: The United States is failing its lowest-income renters. Extremely low-income renters face an enduring shortage of affordable and available homes and, as a result, experience severe housing cost burdens. Absent public subsidy, the rents these households can afford are generally too low to support new construction or maintain existing housing. At the same time, decades of federal underinvestment in housing assistance leaves three out of four households eligible for rental assistance without support. [National Low Income Housing Coalition]   The Current State of Youth Homelessness Approaches: Insights and Observations: Youth homelessness is often driven by family conflict, poverty, and systems like foster care and juvenile justice that fail to provide stable support during transitions to adulthood. Many young people experiencing homelessness face barriers to education, employment, and health care, which can make it difficult to exit homelessness once they enter it. The report highlights gaps in coordination between systems and limited access to prevention and early intervention services. Addressing youth homelessness requires more stable housing options, stronger support systems, and earlier intervention before young people reach a crisis point. [Community Solutions]   The Legislative Primer Series for Front-End Justice: Competency to Stand Trial: Competency to stand trial means a person must be able to understand their charges and participate in their defense, but growing demand for evaluations and limited resources have created major delays in this process. Many people end up waiting in jail for long periods — sometimes longer than their potential sentence — while trying to access evaluation or restoration services. States are responding by expanding community-based programs, jail-based restoration, and diversion options that focus on treatment and support instead of detention. Improving coordination, reducing wait times, and investing in community services are key to making the system more efficient and less harmful. [National Conference of State Legislatures]   Medicaid Expansion Helps Newly Eligible Adults and Groups Traditionally Eligible for Medicaid: Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has increased coverage and access to care not only for newly eligible low-income adults but also for groups who were already eligible, such as children and people with disabilities. When adults gain coverage, more children enroll as well and families are better able to access preventive care and maintain financial stability. Expansion has also improved access to care, treatment, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities who may not qualify under stricter traditional eligibility pathways. Overall, expanding Medicaid strengthens coverage, health outcomes, and stability across multiple populations — not just those newly eligible. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]   The history of Oklahoma's Constitutional Convention: The history of Oklahoma's Constitutional Convention begins with conditions leading up to statehood. The area known as Oklahoma was originally called Indian Territory. After the 1889 opening of the Unassigned Lands within Indian Territory to settlement by non-Indians, in 1890 the western portion of present Oklahoma was created as Oklahoma Territory. Together, the two regions were commonly known as the Twin Territories. [Oklahoma Historical Society] Support Our Work with a Donation What's up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In The Know.   Click here to subscribe to In The Know. Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org   Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive emails from us, please unsubscribe.

In The Know: Lawmakers propose a state constitutional convention | #okleg advances major changes for state school superintendent, Board of Education | Why Oklahoma shouldn't put kids under 12 in court

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) Why Oklahoma shouldn't put kids under 12 in court | Youth justice explained   Oklahoma has no minimum age for bringing children into the youth justice system — and the data shows it's not working. OK Policy's Youth Policy Analyst Jill Mencke breaks down some of the current legislation, why developmental science matters for public policy, and what smarter alternatives actually look like. [Jill Mencke / OK Policy] From OK Policy: Creating a minimum age of adjudication is common sense youth justice reform Apply Now for the 2026 Oklahoma Summer Policy Institute   OK Policy's Oklahoma Summer Policy Institute (SPI) brings together highly-qualified college students, recent graduates, and new policy professionals for a three-day learning experience that informs participants about Oklahoma's policy landscape and provides tools and resources to create change in our state. Apply by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, May 10, 2026. Learn More & Apply Know someone who would be a good fit for SPI? Please send them the link above. 0   The number of non-elected officials who would be part of a proposed state constitutional convention under the current language in House Joint Resolution 1089. HJR 1089 would ask voters whether to hold a constitutional convention — essentially a full rewrite of the state's founding legal document — by May 2028. If approved, the people writing those changes (called "delegates") would all be current state lawmakers. That means the group responsible for rewriting the Constitution would be made up entirely of sitting politicians, rather than a broader mix of voices across the state. The measure currently excludes Tribal Nations, who had delegates at the state's original constitutional convention. [KOSU] The history of Oklahoma's Constitutional Convention   The history of Oklahoma's Constitutional Convention begins with conditions leading up to statehood. The area known as Oklahoma was originally called Indian Territory. After the 1889 opening of the Unassigned Lands within Indian Territory to settlement by non-Indians, in 1890 the western portion of present Oklahoma was created as Oklahoma Territory. Together, the two regions were commonly known as the Twin Territories. [Oklahoma Historical Society] "Given the way we're running government right now, I sure think it'd be a dangerous time to have a constitutional convention. You have to have a thoughtful plan. You have to truly include people."   — Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt of Oklahoma City, sharing concern over the lack of bipartisan representation among delegates to a state constitutional convention should House Joint Resolution 1087 proceed to the ballot and be approved by voters. [The Journal Record] Oklahoma News   Oklahoma passes new data privacy law targeting big tech, data brokers: It's nearly impossible to go online without websites collecting tiny bits of data about you, your location and habits. A new Oklahoma law is trying to give users more control over who can access that information. [The Oklahoman]   State Government News   House lawmakers approve measures to send Medicaid expansion back to ballot: House lawmakers advanced a measure to ask voters to remove Medicaid expansion from the state Constitution despite concerns that it could result in hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans losing health care. [Oklahoma Voice]   Oklahoma lawmakers eye constitutional convention: Oklahoma Republicans are moving a bill through the legislature that would allow residents to vote on altering the state constitution. But some lawmakers worry about who exactly would have a say in the process. [KOSU] Oklahoma House proposes state constitutional convention [The Journal Record] Republicans seek to enshrine voter identification requirement into Oklahoma Constitution: A measure seeking to enshrine into the state Constitution a requirement that voters provide identification at the polls is a political stunt, critics said. [Oklahoma Voice]   Lawmakers advance major changes for Oklahoma schools chief, state Board of Education: Measures to dramatically change the selection of Oklahoma's state superintendent and top school board have advanced past the state House. [Oklahoma Voice]   Why far-right lawmakers are trying to 'slow down' the Oklahoma Senate: Lengthy debates, extensive questioning and hours of bills being recited aloud have painted the picture at the Oklahoma Capitol, as a far-right coalition of lawmakers tries to stall progress on proposed laws. [The Oklahoman] Sen. Shane Jett accuses Sen. Todd Gollihare of copying his Medicaid bill (video) [The Oklahoman] Is it legal to lower the minimum wage in Oklahoma? Yes. Every U.S. state, including Oklahoma, can generally lower their minimum wage, but stipulations apply. [Oklahoma Watch] From OK Policy: What you need to know about the minimum wage in Oklahoma Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, tribal hunting and fishing, voter information and more (podcast): The panelists talk about the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as the new Homeland Security Secretary, Gov. Kevin Stitt's pick of Tulsa energy executive Alan Armstrong to fill the rest of Mullin's term and the State Supreme Court siding with Attorney General Gentner Drummond in a fight over hunting and fishing on tribal lands. [KOSU]   Opinion: SQ 843 would dismantle Oklahoma's essential services: Oklahoma is once again facing a decision that will shape the future of our communities for decades to come. State Question 843, which proposes eliminating property taxes — also known as ad valorem taxes — may sound appealing at first glance. Who wouldn't want lower taxes? But beneath that simple promise lies a dangerous reality: a massive and permanent loss of funding with no clear plan to replace it. [Caedmon Brooks / The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Fact Sheet: Property taxes are vital to the health of local government in Oklahoma Federal Government News   US Senate turns down photo ID requirement for voting, slammed by Dems as 'theatrics': The U.S. Senate was unable to agree Thursday whether to require photo identification to vote in federal elections, as the chamber debated a larger bill that would make several changes to how Americans register and cast ballots. [Oklahoma Voice]   Tribal Nations News   Cherokee Nation, Muscogee Nation to offer Summer EBT: The Cherokee Nation and Muscogee Nation separately affirmed that they will participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer EBT program this year, which provides any child who is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals with $40 per month for June, July and August on a pre-loaded debit card to help their family purchase groceries. [Tulsa World]   Federal grants will pay for tribal nation transportation projects across Oklahoma: A dozen tribal nations in Oklahoma will receive more than $2 million in federal transportation safety grants, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. [KOSU]   Muscogee (Creek) National Council rejects proposal to send executive term limits amendment to voters: The Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council voted down a proposal that would have allowed citizens to vote on term limits for the nation's principal and second chiefs. [Documenters / Tulsa Flyer]   Voting and Election News   Election roundup Trump endorses T.W. Shannon in Oklahoma lieutenant governor race [The Oklahoman] Edmond Public Schools District 1: Incumbent Lee Ann Kuhlman challenged by Codie Tiffin [NonDoc] Tulsa Public Schools District 7: Incumbent Susan Lamkin faces Michael Phillips [NonDoc] Education News   Ad Blitz: Parents Targeted in Push for Early Literacy Overhaul: Oklahoma parents are on the receiving end of a full-court press about how children here are among the nation's worst readers. Who's behind the public awareness campaign filling up Facebook and Instagram feeds and spaces in local television, radio and print media right now? A philanthropist and retired oil and gas operator in Tulsa. [Oklahoma Watch]   New social studies standards pass Oklahoma State Board of Education vote: After a year of controversy and upheaval, a more neutral set of academic standards for social studies instruction will advance to the state Legislature after receiving approval from the Oklahoma State Board of Education. [Oklahoma Voice] OSBE unanimously approves new social studies standards [Tulsa World] Health News   Oklahoma health care officials ask lawmakers for more funding, to restructure mental health agency: Oklahoma officials are proposing major structural changes to the state's health care system, including privatizing some mental health facilities or shifting them to new agency control. [Tulsa Flyer]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Curbside to spin off from Homeless Alliance after 13 years: After more than a decade of incubation, Curbside Enterprises is launching as an independent nonprofit organization, separating from the Homeless Alliance beginning in April. [The Journal Record]   Economy & Business News   Data center debate reaches east Tulsa, where residents question what's coming: Some east Tulsans are worried about a major data center proposal — Project Anthem — will overuse city water and cause pollution. They have also raised questions about transparency around the developer and possible utility increases for residents. PartnerTulsa, the city's economic development arm, has not yet revealed who is behind the project. [Tulsa Flyer]   Hundreds turn out for Inola smelter informational open house: Officials with companies building a planned $4 billion aluminum smelter at the Port of Inola and others with Tulsa Ports answered questions amid many local and area residents. [Tulsa World]   Community News   Sharia, mosques, politics. Who is stoking fear of Muslims and why now?: A wave of anti-Muslim sentiment surging in pockets of the country, from a group of Republican congressional leaders and several Oklahoma legislators taking aim at sharia law — a framework for ethical, moral and legal behavior based on Islam — to the campaign rhetoric of two high-profile Oklahoma gubernatorial candidates. Local Muslim leaders say there's a certain timing to the current barrage of Islamophobia, whether it is coming from Congress, the statehouse, political campaigns or citizens' rhetoric at municipal government meetings. [The Oklahoman]   Female Tulsa leaders seek to break barriers, create thriving communities: Sustainable communities are created by women who challenge systems built on inequities. That was the message Wednesday from some of Tulsa's most prominent female leaders during a Women's History Month panel. [The Oklahoma Eagle] Support Our Work with a Donation In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org okpolicy.org    Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive emails from us, please unsubscribe.