By: Journalist Andrea Gooden (ORU)
Zero star Rep. Braden Hamilton (OSU) presented an unexpectedly bright bill this session.
His proposal on public transportation cultivated overwhelming support, leaving his peers — often eager to criticize — scrambling to find significant flaws in its structure or intent.
Despite his zero star status, the representative demonstrated a sharp ability to craft a bill that resonated with his audience. The nine-page bill entailed all the proper details, information and clearly stated execution.
Fellow representatives praised its purpose, marking a strong step forward for Hamilton’s reputation as a legislator.
Rep. Billy Hamilton (OSU) said he spent four weeks writing his bills.
“I had three bills presented before most people even had one in, including this one,” Rep. Hamilton said. “Originally, it was 13 pages long — we shortened it a lot because I was a little too ambitious in some of my adventures.”
Hamilton said its adaptability to local needs through ridership metrics and community polling is important.
He shared his personal passion for transportation and how it fueled his legislative efforts, explaining that the framework aimed to connect underserved suburban and developing areas in Oklahoma. Reflecting on the unexpected 517-vote landslide, Hamilton said he is excited for the future impact of the bill.
“The intention of the bill is to provide a system that basically builds itself around the community that it serves,” Rep. Hamilton said.
The Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature will undoubtedly be watching for what comes next from Rep. Hamilton — perhaps a zero star no more.