Oklahoma House Bill HCR1013

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/15/25
• Engrossed: 4/21/25

Caption

Concurrent resolution; Christ is King; distribution.

Summary

HCR1013 is a concurrent resolution that proclaims “Christ is King” and formally recognizes the spiritual heritage of Oklahoma. The resolution frames this declaration as an expression of faith and gratitude, emphasizing the role of Christian belief in the history, culture, and moral identity of many Oklahomans. It also states that the proclamation is meant to honor voluntary religious expression and not to establish a religion or infringe on individual rights. The resolution directs that copies be distributed to the Governor and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and made available to the public. As a concurrent resolution, it is primarily symbolic and declaratory rather than regulatory; it does not amend the Oklahoma Statutes, create a new program, or impose legal duties on agencies or private parties. Its practical effect is limited to an official legislative statement of values and recognition of religious heritage.

Impact

HCR1013 does not change state law or alter any existing statutes. Its impact is limited to the Legislature’s official expression of support for a Christian proclamation and its instruction that the resolution be distributed publicly and to selected state officials. The measure may be cited as a symbolic affirmation of religious liberty and Oklahoma’s cultural heritage, but it has no direct legal or fiscal effect on state agencies, courts, schools, or private citizens.

Sentiment

The available vote suggests the resolution had majority support in the House, passing 71-16, indicating generally favorable sentiment among most members. The text itself is strongly affirmative and celebratory in tone, presenting the proclamation as consistent with Oklahoma’s history and constitutional protections for religious expression. There is no committee transcript available, but the recorded vote shows that while the measure was broadly supported, it also drew a meaningful minority of opposition.

Contention

The main point of contention is the resolution’s religious content and whether a legislative body should formally proclaim a specifically Christian declaration. Supporters present it as a symbolic recognition of faith, religious liberty, and Oklahoma’s spiritual heritage, while opponents likely object to government endorsement of a religious message or to the exclusionary implications of elevating one faith tradition in an official state resolution. The resolution anticipates this criticism by stating it is not intended to establish religion or infringe rights, but the vote total indicates that the religious-speech aspect remained divisive.