Rep. Rusty Cornwell

05/21/2026

Oklahoma House of Representatives
Communications & Public Affairs
May 20, 2026


Session Wrap Up
By Rep. Rusty Cornwell
(405) 557 – 7319

As another legislative session comes to a close, I’ve spent some time reflecting on the challenges and accomplishments of the second session of the 60th Legislature. Every year brings its own hurdles, but this session certainly had more than most. Too often, politics can get in the way of good policy, and that’s frustrating for Oklahomans who simply want government focused on solving problems and serving their communities. I have said many times the real battles here are not the traditional party line divisions. Instead, it's those jockeying for another political position.

Even with those challenges, we still delivered several important wins for rural Oklahoma and House District 6.

One of the biggest accomplishments this year was getting House Bill 3143 signed into law. This measure extends the moratorium on new medical ma*****na grow licenses for another two years, giving law enforcement and regulators more time to crack down on cartels and bad actors that have caused serious problems in many rural communities across our state.

I also authored House Bill 3144, which would have capped the number of grow licenses issued once the moratorium expires. Late in the process, concerns were raised that the legislation could unintentionally impact the current moratorium, so we made the decision to pause that effort for now. I fully expect this issue to return next session because we still need safeguards in place to prevent the system from becoming overwhelmed and to ensure proper oversight of license holders and operations.

Another bill I authored, Senate Bill 1613, was also signed into law this year. The measure updates and modernizes portions of Oklahoma’s LP gas statutes to help the industry keep pace with changing regulations and operational practices. Propane remains critically important to Oklahoma families, agriculture and businesses, especially in rural parts of the state and our nation.

This session, we also approved another historic investment in public education, including additional funding for classrooms and teachers. We passed a permanent statewide ban on cell phones during the school day to help reduce distractions and improve classroom learning environments. We also approved legislation requiring large energy consumers to cover the upfront cost of major infrastructure upgrades instead of shifting those costs onto everyday Oklahoma ratepayers. I was proud to co-author that measure.

While not every bill crossed the finish line, I remain committed to fighting for the values and priorities of the people I represent in House District 6.

It continues to be an honor serving our district at the Capitol. If you ever have questions, concerns or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at [email protected]

05/08/2026

It was wonderful to be back home in District today. Thank you to Vinita Superintendent Gabe Schmitt for taking me around to the schools to present the Teacher of the Year citations to each site teacher. Shae Roper & Terri Bowzer. Unfortunately Tony Nash and Matt Young were out today but hope to catch them next week. Thank you to all our Vinita teachers for their hard work and dedication to our students! We greatly appreciate all your hard work!

04/08/2026

Cornwell Honors Army Veteran as Veteran of the Week

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita, recognized Staff Sergeant Bobby Joe “BJ” Floyd in the House Chamber as Veteran of the Week, honoring his service to the United States Army and Oklahoma law enforcement.

Floyd served in the United States Army from 1973 to 1976. After completion of basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was stationed in Germany, where he worked for three years as a demolition specialist and mechanic. Floyd was then honorably discharged and received a National Defense Service Medal for his service.

"Bobby Joe Floyd has committed his life to serving his country, community and his family," Cornwell said. "It was a privilege to honor him at the Capitol and recognize his hard work and dedication in serving both our nation and our state."

In addition to his service for our country, Floyd came home to Oklahoma and worked for over 40 years in Law Enforcement. He retired from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol after 23 years and went on to serve another 16 years as the Craig County Undersheriff. Floyd then continued his service by working for another 2 years for the Vinita Police Department.

Many members of Floyd’s family have also worked in law enforcement, including his wife, who is an Army veteran. Floyd was joined by his family at the State Capitol to be formally recognized by the Oklahoma Legislature as the Veteran of the Week.

04/07/2026

04/06/2026

It was a privilege to acknowledge the Veteran of the Week at the Capitol today from my District. Congratulations, BJ Floyd. His surprise was evident, as his family and friends had maintained secrecy for a couple of months.