Oklahoma Lawmakers Highlight Passage of “Talyn Bain Act” to Improve School Zone Safety
Oklahoma Lawmakers Highlight Passage of “Talyn Bain Act” to Improve School Zone Safety
OKLAHOMA CITY — State Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, and State Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, are praising the approval of House Bill 2979, also known as the “Talyn Bain Act,” following its signing into law. The legislation is designed to improve traffic safety around schools located near high-speed highways across Oklahoma.
Remembering Talyn Bain Through New Safety Legislation
The bill was named in memory of Talyn Bain, a 9-year-old Glenpool student who died in a traffic accident near his school in 2025. Supporters of the legislation say the measure was created to help prevent similar tragedies in the future by reducing speeds in high-risk school areas.
Representative Banning, who authored the measure in the House, said the legislation represents an important step toward making school zones safer for children and families.
According to Banning, the bill focuses on areas where major highways with high speed limits pass close to schools, creating potentially dangerous situations for students, parents and school staff. He said the hope is that the new law will help save lives and reduce the risk of future accidents near Oklahoma schools.
Bain Family Reflects on Talyn’s Lasting Legacy
Members of the Bain family also expressed appreciation for the support shown by lawmakers and community members throughout the legislative process. The family said they are thankful Talyn’s memory will now be connected to efforts aimed at protecting children statewide.
Family members shared that while no legislation can undo the loss they experienced, they believe the law could help spare other families from similar heartbreak. They also thanked Representative Banning, Senator Gollihare and others who supported the proposal and worked to move it through the Oklahoma Legislature.
New Law Establishes Reduced-Speed School Zones Near Highways
Under House Bill 2979, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation will have the authority to establish 45 mph school zones along portions of state highways under certain conditions. The reduced-speed zones may be created at the request of local jurisdictions if the highway currently carries a speed limit of 65 mph or higher, passes within 150 yards of a school and does not include a direct exit ramp into the school area.
The legislation allows cities and local governments to coordinate with ODOT in identifying locations that meet the qualifications outlined in the law. State transportation officials have reportedly identified around 14 locations across Oklahoma that could potentially qualify for the reduced speed zones.
Lawmakers Say the Measure Could Save Lives
Senator Gollihare said the law is intended to improve safety for students and families traveling near schools situated along busy highway corridors. He noted that lowering speeds in these areas is a practical safety measure that could help prevent serious accidents and save lives in the future.
Gollihare also credited the effort as a collaborative project involving lawmakers, transportation officials and community members who supported the proposal from its early stages through final approval. He additionally thanked Gov. Kevin Stitt for signing the legislation into law.
ODOT and Local Communities to Share Responsibilities
As part of the implementation process, ODOT will be responsible for placing roadway signs in qualifying areas, while local jurisdictions will handle future maintenance and operational expenses associated with the school zones.
The “Talyn Bain Act” is scheduled to officially take effect on Nov. 1, 2026.
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