GLENPOOL, Okla. — Legislation aimed at enhancing safety for students on state highways has been introduced in the Oklahoma House.
House Bill 2979, known as the Talyn Bain Act, was authored by Representative Chris Banning, R-Bixby. It proposes that the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) establish reduced-speed school zones on certain state highways if requested by local jurisdictions.
The act is named in memory of Talyn Bain, a 9-year-old killed in a September crash on Highway 67 in Glenpool. According to authorities, Bain’s vehicle was struck when another truck attempted to avoid a turning semi-truck. A school bus from Glenpool Public Schools was also involved, but no students aboard were injured.
If enacted, the bill would require ODOT to lower speed limits to 45 miles per hour adjacent to schools without adequate access roads during designated pick-up and drop-off times.
“This bill seeks to honor Talyn by taking responsible steps to protect children on their way to and from school,” Banning stated. He emphasized that the measure would empower local communities to address safety concerns.
ODOT has already reduced the speed limit on Highway 67 from 65 to 45 miles per hour in the Peoria area, where 15 percent of crashes in Glenpool occur. If passed, the bill would take effect on November 1.