I was saddened to hear about the death of Jesse Biscamp, one of five people injured after a fire at the Valero Ardmore refinery. I’m working with local officials and responders to determine the cause of this incident and steps moving forward. In the meantime, my prayersarewithMr.Biscamp’sfamily. I’m grateful for the outpouring of support for his family and the others injured. This was a terrible tragedy.
This week in the House of Representatives, I had the privilege of again welcoming members of the state championship Class 4-A fastpitch softballteamfromLoneGrove, as well as one of their coaches, onto the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Other team members joined in the gallery.
This team has played in the state championship game six consecutive years. They were a state runner-up three years ago and back-to-back champions in 2024 and 2025. This past year, they did not allow one run in the state tournament against them.
The young ladies that participate in this program all have a history of teamwork and good grades and just have a spirit of excellence and honor about them. They make their hometown and our House district look the best it can, and I really appreciate their hard work and dedication on the softball field and in the classroom.
Lone Grove’s previous coach, Dennis Furr, died of cancer in 2024, which was really rough on the players. The team is now led by Head CoachChanceGriffinandAssistant Coach Steve Pybas. These coaches have worked really hard to continue the tradition of excellence in Lone Grove softball, and I thank them for what they have done.
Meanwhile in the House, I was able to pass several bills in committee during the week.
House Bill 3887 would remove the requirement for physicians to provide a referral every 30 days for patients to continue their physical therapy.
House Bill 3883 would require governing bodies of public utilities, mainly municipalities, to advise users of their responsibilities in using the public utilities, and the governing body must adopt methods to safeguard against system malfunctions and follow rules of the Department of Environmental Quality at a higher level than what is required currently. The measure also establishes liability protections for public utilities and third-party contract operators.
House Bill 3885 would specify mandatory disciplinary actions for children in the third through fifth grades who assault or attempt to assault their teachers. Many instances have been brought to my attention where teachers were stabbed or much worse. By third grade, students should be expected to self-regulate or face some consequences. The hope is this sends a message to our teachers that we support their safety as they work. House Bill 3880 would clarify theTourismDepartment’sin-house sales team handles advertising and sponsorships across all publications, digital platforms, conferences and events. Currently, part of this work is done by Oklahoma Today magazine. This clarifies this is all to be done under the umbrella of the Tourism Department.
Remember, if I can help you with anything, please do not hesitate to reach out: (405) 557-7383 or Josh. Cantrell@OKHouse.gov.
Josh Cantrell serves District 49 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Love County and parts of Carter and Marshall counties.