Resolution; memorializing the 31st anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building; remembering the victims; honoring the survivors; thanking the heroic first responders; and urging continued healing.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lonnie Paxton

The bill creates an official ceremonial tribute commemorating the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, honoring victims and survivors and promoting healing and resilience.

Authored by Senator Paxton

Purpose and Intent

SR 43 is a memorial resolution by the Oklahoma Senate, introduced in the 2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026).

Main purpose: to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

The resolution explicitly honors the victims, pays tribute to the survivors, thanks the heroic first responders, and urges continued healing for all affected.

Key Provisions and Provisions Impact

Formal remembrance statement: The resolution recognizes the date and the national impact of the 1995 bombing, noting its status as the worst act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.

Acknowledgment of casualties: It references the 168 fatalities (including 19 children) and notes that some victims were pregnant women; it also mentions the broader harms to hundreds of others.

Memorial reference: It cites the Gates of Time inscription from the Oklahoma City National Memorial, highlighting themes of remembrance, impact of violence, and the shared pursuit of comfort, strength, peace, hope, and serenity.

Official action: The Senate expresses a ceremonial commitment to remembrance, honoring, gratitude toward first responders, and encouragement of ongoing healing on the anniversary date.

Who/What Is Affected

Scope is ceremonial and symbolic:

The Oklahoma State Senate and its members.
Victims and survivors of the 1995 bombing, the families, first responders, and the broader Oklahoma City community.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial and its interpretation of the events (via alignment with its memorial message).

No new laws, appropriations, or regulatory changes are proposed; the action is commemorative and reflective.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Session: 2nd Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature (2026).

Introduced as SR 43, authored by Senator Lonnie Paxton (with Paxton as sponsor and co-sponsor).

Action history:

First Reading on April 20, 2026.

The resolution is a memorial/open-expression measure; it does not create fiscal obligations or enforceable public policy changes.

Overall Impact

The bill serves as an official declarative tribute by the Oklahoma Senate.

It reinforces collective memory, honors those affected by the 1995 attack, and promotes a message of healing and resilience for the community.

It provides a formal, public acknowledgment of the anniversary, aligning state leadership with commemorative and humanitarian values.

Bill