The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) has released its 2026 legislative scorecard, evaluating state lawmakers on their support for policies benefiting children and families. The annual assessment highlights major legislative achievements, including a ban on child marriage and expanded foster care support for young adults.
The nonpartisan organization reviewed hundreds of bills introduced during the 2026 legislative session before selecting 25 measures for its final evaluation. The report also recognizes lawmakers who demonstrated leadership in advancing child welfare, education, and family support policies.
OICA Evaluates Oklahoma Lawmakers on Child Advocacy Legislation
OICA began tracking more than 350 legislative proposals during the year, eventually narrowing its assessment to 25 bills considered particularly significant for Oklahoma children.
The organization delayed releasing its scorecard until after the election period to prevent the findings from becoming campaign material. Instead, the report is intended to help constituents understand their elected representatives’ voting records and encourage continued engagement on children’s issues.
Lawmakers received additional credit for introducing legislation designed to improve children’s lives. Under the scoring system, legislators earned five bonus points for submitting qualifying proposals.
Approximately two-thirds of the evaluated lawmakers, or 100 of 145, received these additional points.
Legislative leaders were also eligible for bonus points reflecting responsibilities that sometimes required them to miss votes while performing other official duties.
Child Marriage Ban Among Oklahoma’s Major Legislative Achievements
One of the most significant measures highlighted in the report was Senate Bill 504, sponsored by Republican Sen. Warren Hamilton and Rep. Nicole Miller.
The legislation prohibited child marriage in Oklahoma, making the state the 17th in the nation to adopt such a ban, according to OICA.
The measure passed unanimously in the Oklahoma Senate but secured only 51 votes in the House of Representatives, the minimum required for passage.
OICA identified the legislation as a major advancement in protecting minors and expressed hope that additional states would adopt similar restrictions.
Expanded Foster Care Support Extends Services Through Age 21
Another major legislative accomplishment was Senate Bill 1806, introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton and Rep. Mark Lawson.
The legislation established an extended care support system for eligible foster youth through age 21, provided they participate in programs supporting continued education or workforce training.
The policy builds on the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, which allowed states to extend federally reimbursable foster care services to eligible young adults ages 18 through 21.
Research cited by OICA indicates that young adults participating in extended foster care generally experience better outcomes than those who leave the system without continued support.
As of July 2025, 36 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and nine tribal governments had approved Title IV-E extended foster care programs.
Top-Scoring Oklahoma Lawmakers Recognized Across Party Lines
OICA emphasized its nonpartisan approach by recognizing leading lawmakers from both major political parties.
The organization’s highest-scoring legislators, designated its 2026 valedictorians, were Democratic Senate Leader Julia Kirt of Oklahoma City and Republican House Speaker Kyle Hilbert of Bristow.
Senate Leaders Earn Additional Recognition
The organization’s salutatorian honors went to three Republican senators: Lonnie Paxton, Chuck Hall, and John Haste.
Overall, 32 lawmakers earned scores of 100 or higher, while 14 received D grades with scores of 60 or below.
Legislators who served only partial terms were excluded from the grading process.
OICA Announces 2026 Legislators of the Year
In addition to the scorecard, OICA recognized lawmakers for their contributions to children’s policy and public service.
The organization’s 2026 Senators of the Year were Republican Sens. Lonnie Paxton and Ally Seifried, along with Democratic Sen. Mary Boren.
Republican Sens. Darcy Jech and Darrel Weaver received recognition for their service as retiring lawmakers.
In the House, Republican Reps. Emily Gise and Nicole Miller and Democratic Rep. Trish Ranson were named Representatives of the Year.
OICA also honored retiring House members Brian Hill and Chris Kannady, both Republicans, and Democratic Rep. Cyndi Munson.
Special Recognition for Legislative Leadership
The organization’s board presented additional recognition to Republican Sen. Warren Hamilton and Republican Rep. Mike Osburn for their work on complex children’s policy issues.
OICA credited both lawmakers with collaborating on difficult legislative matters and demonstrating a commitment to improving conditions for Oklahoma children.
Legislative Scorecard Aims to Strengthen Accountability
The 2026 scorecard provides Oklahoma residents with a framework for evaluating how their elected officials addressed legislation affecting children and families.
By highlighting voting records, legislative sponsorships, and bipartisan achievements, OICA aims to encourage greater accountability and continued progress on child welfare policies.
The organization’s assessment underscores the importance of sustained legislative attention to child protection, foster care services, and opportunities for young people across Oklahoma.
