At the Oklahoma Capitol, a traffic safety bill born from a Glenpool tragedy is picking up speed. House Bill 2979, known as the Talyn Bain Act, is named for a nine-year-old Glenpool boy who was killed on his way to school and has now cleared its first hurdle in the Legislature. The measure, filed by Rep. Chris Banning, who represents Glenpool and Bixby, would let the Oklahoma Department of Transportation create reduced-speed school zones on certain high-speed state highways after the September crash that triggered an outcry from families and school officials.
What the Talyn Bain Act Would Do
The proposal directs ODOT to set a 45 mile per hour school zone on qualifying stretches of state highway that run directly alongside school property and do not have grade-separated entrances. The lower speed limit would be enforceable during designated drop-off and pick-up windows when flashing beacons are activated, according to the Oklahoma House. Local cities or towns would take over responsibility for keeping the new signs and equipment in working order once they are installed. The bill is aimed at highway segments where access roads are considered inadequate for safely handling school traffic.
A Deadly Stretch
The push for the Talyn Bain Act grew out of the Sept. 8, 2025 multi-vehicle crash on State Highway 67 (151st Street) near Warrior Road that killed 9-year-old Talyn Bain and injured members of his family, a wreck that galvanized neighbors and school leaders. After a safety study and sustained public pressure, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission agreed to lower speed limits along large portions of SH 67 and to add school-zone flashers. Residents and teachers had long warned reporters that the corridor was dangerous for students coming to campus by car or on foot, according to KJRH.
Committee Vote And What's Next
Legislative records show the House Public Safety Committee voted 5-0 on yesterday to advance HB 2979 as amended, sending it on for further consideration, according to LegiScan. The bill has been referred to Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight and remains eligible to be placed on the calendar during the Second Regular Session. If lawmakers pass it and the governor signs it, the Oklahoma House release states the law would take effect Nov. 1, 2026, setting a clear date for when communities could start using the new authority.
Supporters argue the plan gives towns a more direct path to slow traffic where school campuses sit tight against fast state routes, although cities would still have to handle sign upkeep and operate the flashing beacons. Glenpool officials and state legislators have already worked with ODOT on temporary and permanent changes along Highway 67, and advocates say putting this policy into statute could make it easier for other communities to push for similar safety fixes, according to KRMG.
