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Open for Business Oklahoma (OFBO) members are fortunate to have Bud Ground as a trusted guide at the state capitol. With more than 35 years of experience in the electric utility industry and a post-retirement consulting career in legislative and regulatory affairs, Ground knows how to navigate the often-complicated legislative process, which intersects with the interests of OFBO member companies. 

 

Ground’s insights and relationships make him an invaluable resource for OFBO and its members, which is why we caught up with him to get his take on what the next legislative session may hold.

 

While the legislature isn’t in session, activity is still ongoing. Many lawmakers are now back at the capitol through early November engaging in interim studies, a way to learn more from subject matter experts about topics that may prove relevant during the next legislative session. 

 

“These studies often lay the groundwork for bills we’ll see once the session begins,” Ground explained. 

 

Ground is currently tracking more than a dozen pertinent interim studies for OFBO, covering everything from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, methods to grow Oklahoma’s aerospace activity, Oklahoma's water usage and the state's freight transportation infrastructure, to name just a few. 

 

Following the conclusion of interim studies, legislators have until Dec. 5 to request bills for the 2026 session, and over the following weeks, those bills will be refined and prioritized. Then, beginning Monday, Feb. 2, the legislature will officially convene, with work continuing through the end of May. 

 

What’s on the horizon for 2026 and beyond? In addition to the new bills that will be filed, there are potentially thousands of leftover bills that may be revived. It’s a lot to keep track of, but Ground is up to the task.

 

“I go through every single bill to see how it might impact Open for Business Oklahoma,” said Ground, who methodically adds each bill to a tracking list and compiles his findings into regular updates to ensure OFBO members are informed. 

 

According to Ground, eminent domain remains a central issue to watch, especially as it relates to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and the turnpike in Norman. Increased infrastructure funding, including for roads, water and wastewater, is always a promising possibility.

 

As for how OFBO members can gear up for the next legislative session? Ground emphasized the importance of relationship-building. “Get in contact and remain in touch with your legislators. Not just those who represent your home address, but also those for your company,” he advised. 

 

“If you can invite legislators into your workplace, introduce them to your employees and explain what issues are important to you, that’s laying critical groundwork for future conversations when you may need to call on them related to a bill,” Ground explained. “When the time comes for us to ask members to reach out to their legislators, those relationships make all the difference.”

 

Finally, Ground reminds OFBO members that in the legislative world, you should never rule anything out. 

 

“Nothing is ever dead. An idea, a bill, a policy, something that didn’t move forward one year can always come back around,” he said. “We can’t give up or become complacent. We have to watch continually.”

 

The principles that OFBO was founded on are always potentially at stake, an even greater reminder of the importance of persistence and relationship-building. 

 

A key OFBO member benefit is representation by legislative and communication advocates at the state capitol. If you’re not yet an OFBO member company, reach out to us today.