A new Oklahoma law aimed at improving safety near schools located along high-speed highways will take effect later this year.
House Bill 2979, known as the Talyn Bain Act, was signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt. The measure was authored by Oklahoma Representative Chris Banning and Oklahoma Senator Todd Gollihare.
The law is named after Talyn Bain, a 9-year-old Glenpool student who died in a crash near his school in 2025.
The measure directs the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to establish 45 mph school zones on certain state highways when requested by local governments. The reduced speed zones can be created on highways with speed limits of 65 mph or higher that are located within 150 yards of a school and do not have a direct exit ramp into the school zone.
Banning said the legislation is intended to address dangerous traffic conditions near schools and help prevent future tragedies.
“If we can prevent even one tragedy like this from happening again, then this effort is worth it,” Banning said.
According to the legislation, ODOT has identified about 14 locations across Oklahoma that currently meet the criteria outlined in the bill.
Gollihare said the new law is a commonsense step to improve safety for students and families traveling near schools located along major highways.
Under the law, ODOT will install the required signage while local jurisdictions will handle ongoing maintenance and operational costs.
The Talyn Bain Act takes effect Nov. 1, 2026.
