Oklahoma Capitol News — What Happened This Week & What’s Ahead Next Week 5/14/2026
The Oklahoma Capitol saw another fast-moving week as lawmakers pushed major legislation to Governor Kevin Stitt’s desk while veto fights began heating up ahead of the session’s final weeks.Governor Stitt signed dozens of bills into law this week while rejecting several others. According to the Governor’s office, “Governor Kevin Stitt signed 35 bills into law while vetoing eight.” The same update noted additional Senate measures were also approved and rejected during the week as lawmakers raced toward adjournment.
Source: Governor Stitt signs 35 bills into law, vetoes 8
One of the biggest Capitol stories involved education policy. Governor Stitt signed HB 3705, expanding Oklahoma’s school choice tax credit program. The Governor’s office stated the measure increases the program cap to $275 million and highlighted growing participation statewide. Stitt said, “I want education freedom for every family in Oklahoma,” and added, “kids belong to parents, not the government.
”Source: Governor Stitt signs HB 3705 education bill�
Transparency around vetoes also became a major topic this week. Governor Stitt launched a public online veto portal explaining his decisions on rejected legislation. Stitt stated, “If you ever wonder why I veto something, go read the message attached to that bill on my website.” The new portal is expected to become a major reference point as more bills reach the Governor’s desk over the next several days.Source: Governor Stitt launches veto website�
One veto drawing statewide discussion involved Oklahoma Educational Television Authority funding legislation. According to KOSU, Governor Stitt vetoed the OETA extension bill and wrote that “funding a television station is not a core function of state government.” Another closely watched veto involved legislation related to human composting.
Source: KOSU coverage of OETA and composting vetoes�
Looking ahead into next week, veto override battles are expected to dominate activity inside the Capitol. Oklahoma lawmakers are preparing for additional debates as House and Senate leadership decide whether enough votes exist to override the Governor on key measures. KOCO reported lawmakers were reviewing more than 30 vetoes as the legislative session entered its final stretch.
Source: KOCO report on veto override discussions�
Lawmakers are also expected to continue budget negotiations, finalize late-session bills, and push for floor votes before the constitutional adjournment deadline later this month. Political observers across Oklahoma will be watching closely as the Capitol enters one of the busiest periods of the entire legislative session.
Mercury Whitehouse Oklahoma Capitol News —
Following the decisions shaping Oklahoma’s future.