Senator Jerry Alvord Highlights Meaningful Legislative Progress to Serve Rural
Oklahoma Families and Communities​

 

June 14, 2025 (Carter County, OK) - After a focused and productive legislative session at the state Capitol, I am glad to be back home and actively engaging with constituents across the district. I am truly looking forward to the upcoming calendar of community events, speaking engagements, and constituent meetings, as this time of listening, serving, and planning for the next session will help ensure that your voice remains the top priority when I return to the capitol next session.

 

My work in the Oklahoma Legislature included several key victories for rural Oklahomans, centered on protecting the children and those at risk, improving healthcare, law and order, education, and expanding opportunity for our region.

I was the Senate author on three key priority bills:

• HB 2798 – A step forward in protecting children, this bill enhances child abuse reporting protocols, ensuring swift, responsible action and clarity in mandatory reporting systems.

• HB 1364 – Strengthens Oklahoma’s laws by applying obscenity and child abuse protections to AI-generated materials, a necessary update to safeguard our children in an evolving digital world.

• HB 1360 – Builds critical new protections for victims of domestic violence, prioritizing safety and support in some of the most traumatic and dangerous circumstances.

I am honored to have authored several additional bills addressing everyday concerns voiced by constituents:

• SB 518 – Requires medical marijuana packaging to carry clear warning labels, prioritizing health and safety.

• SB 562 – Protects public transit workers from violence with added legal safeguards.

• SB 1028 – A notary and deed theft prevention measure designed to guard against fraudulent property claims.

• HB 1216 – Targets unlicensed and out-of-state contractors with stricter penalties, ensuring fairness and protection for local contractors and homeowners.

 

Despite progress, I would be remiss not to also express transparently disappointment over several vetoes by the Governor. I am proud to support HB 2164, a non-partisan anti-corruption bill that was initially vetoed, but our Senate overrode the veto with bipartisan support, ensuring public officials convicted of corruption can never hold office again. Similarly, HB 1389, which expanded preventative mammogram insurance coverage, was vetoed; and in the interest of advancing public health and protecting life, I also supported the override, in addition to advocating that the bill should have gone further to include diagnostic mammograms as well.

 

I am honored to have co-authored several important measures:

• SB 631 – A tough-on-crime law to ensure those who shoot into homes or businesses serve at least 85% of their sentences.

• SB 1027 – Secures Oklahoma-based petition processes and brings signature gathering beyond urban centers thus giving a voice to rural Oklahomans and restoring balance to statewide ballot access.

• HB 2818 – A reaffirmation of the castle doctrine, reinforcing the rights of Oklahomans to defend their homes.

 

In addition, building upon work I completed throughout last year’s interim and in many meetings with businesses, families, and job champions, I was able to contribute significant research and language to bills this session in response to the recent Chevron Deference ruling, helping ensure courts defer to Oklahoma’s rights and sovereignty. This work was incorporated into legislation by Senator Bergstrom (SB 1024/SB 995) and Representative Kendrix (HB 2728/HB 2729), reflecting the collaborative spirit of responsible governance.

 

It's an honor to bring the voice of our rural communities to the Capitol. Every bill, every vote, every debate—I carry with me the trust and hopes of the people I serve. Now back in district, I’m energized to continue this work shoulder-to-shoulder with our communities.

 

As I return to local events, planning, and research for the next legislative session, I remain guided by my core belief: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23. Thank you for the honor of serving you.

 

Alvord is on the State Board of Directors for the Association of County Commissioners and serves as a Committee Member for Legislative Oversight. He supports Community Youth Services of Southern Oklahoma, the Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma, Sara’s Project, Murray State Foundation and Southern Oklahoma FFA and 4H organizations. Alvord is a financial counselor and Elder for Crosspoint Fellowship Church. In addition, he has been an NRA Convention  Co-Chair, has been an NRA certified handgun instructor, a member of Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, a member of the Noble Foundation, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Alvord is also a proud graduate of Leadership Ardmore and Leadership Oklahoma, as well as a presenter for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.