OACT - Oklahoma Anti-Corruption Taskforce

JUDGE ORDERS DHS TO PAY ATTORNEY FEES TO REINSTATED WHISTLEBLOWER

TULSA, OK — March 2026

A judge has ordered the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) to pay attorney fees to Rosario Chico, a terminated whistleblower who was later reinstated following court proceedings.

In an order issued March 9, 2026, the Court found that Chico is the prevailing party and entitled to recover attorney fees under Oklahoma administrative law.

The Court rejected DHS’s objections, finding they were not supported by the evidence or applicable law, and reaffirmed its prior finding that DHS did not have a reasonable basis to terminate Chico.

DHS has been ordered to pay the attorney fees within 45 days.

BACKGROUND

For the second time, a judge has ruled in favor of Tulsa whistleblower Rosario Chico.

A second judge denied Oklahoma Human Services’ Motion to Reconsider, affirming the prior order that Chico be reinstated to her position with DHS.

Chico has officially returned to work.

This ruling upheld the original November 24, 2025 Final Order, which overturned her termination, required reinstatement with full back pay and benefits.

Chico, a DHS Child Welfare Specialist in Tulsa County, was terminated on September 23, 2025, less than 24 hours after helping lead a protest calling for transparency and accountability in the child welfare and court systems.

For years, Chico had publicly advocated for child protection reforms, independent audits of DHS, investigations into agency leadership, and systemic accountability in abuse cases.

DHS maintained it was within its authority to fire her over the use of sick leave. After a formal contested hearing, the court rejected that position, finding termination was not justified and unsupported by the record.

Supporters have long viewed the termination as retaliatory.

Chico, a major network television producer turned child advocate, has been outspoken about what she describes as dangerous systemic failures within DHS, including the mishandling of child abuse cases. Her advocacy has included organizing rallies, filing petitions, speaking at the Capitol, and working with lawmakers on legislation aimed at strengthening protections for children and families.

LAWMAKERS STEP IN

In a letter dated February 5, 2026, multiple Oklahoma State Senators and Representatives wrote directly to Oklahoma Human Services Director Cartmell expressing serious concerns over the agency’s handling of Chico’s employment matter.

The legislators questioned why DHS continued to expend taxpayer funds resisting court orders while simultaneously requesting additional budget increases from the State.

At the same time DHS is reportedly seeking approximately $70 million in additional funding beyond its allocated budget, lawmakers raised concerns about fiscal responsibility and the continued use of public funds to fight a matter that has now been affirmed multiple times.

Chico has returned to work.

Although reinstated, Chico’s autoimmune treatment was disrupted during the months she was removed from work.

Her health insurance lapsed immediately upon termination. Specialists required new referrals before treatment could resume. As of this update, certain specialist appointments and autoimmune treatment protocols have not yet restarted due to the disruption caused by the termination and delays in compliance with the reinstatement order.

While DHS states it is happy to welcome her back, personal attacks and questionable conduct from DHS legal counsel cast doubt on whether the agency intends to fully comply with the court’s orders or force additional litigation. Chico is now seeking DHS records related to her termination and the agency’s litigation.

Chico is represented in the employment termination/reinstatement case by attorney Shar Agosto of August Law Firm PLLC - Oklahoma. Be sure to follow and like August Law Firm PLLC - Oklahoma.

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE HEARING
SB 1386 – Courtroom Video Transparency Act

Wednesday, March 4, 2026
2:30 PM
Senate Room 535
Oklahoma State Capitol

CALL TO ACTION

Do you want cameras in Oklahoma courtrooms?

The Senate Appropriations Committee will hear SB 1386, the Courtroom Video Transparency Act.

This bill strengthens courtroom transparency, protects constitutional rights, and modernizes Oklahoma’s court record system.

Please contact members of the Appropriations Committee and ask them to vote YES on SB 1386.

Committee Member Emails:

[email protected]
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When you email the appropriations committee members please attach Senator Gillespie as well.
[email protected]

Vote YES on SB 1386.

Oklahoma needs you!

SB 1386 will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee this Tuesday, and this vote will decide whether Oklahoma takes a major step forward in transparency, accuracy, and fairness inside our courts.

Courtrooms across the state are operating without reliable records because of the ongoing court reporter shortage. SB 1386 is the solution that ensures complete and accurate recordings, protects due process, and restores trust in the system.

📢 Please contact the Judiciary Committee and tell them to VOTE YES on SB 1386.
Oklahoma families deserve honest, transparent courts.
Justice cannot wait.

I’ll drop the Judiciary Committee members’ email addresses in the comments. Please take a moment to send them a quick message of support for SB 1386. Every single email makes a difference.

DHS is not here to help you.

Childcare is a private small business, just like any other. It should not be buried under endless rules that are not backed by real data. Regulation should stop at clear, data driven safety standards. What we are seeing now is overreach, plain and simple.

Every new rule costs providers time, money, and energy, and none of it is making childcare more available or affordable for families. When will enough be enough?

I am asking every childcare provider, teacher, parent, small business owner, etc... in Oklahoma to stand behind my campaign and help push back.

Here is how you can help right now 👇
- Share and like my posts constantly so this message reaches everyone.
- Ask your friends, coworkers, parents, and fellow providers to like and follow this page.
- Go to my website and volunteer to make phone calls or knock doors. I can provide you with a list. www.ForstForOK.com
- Donate. If you can, consider $50 to $100 or more. If not, please give at least $25. I get it, every childcare provider is strapped for cash but what's $25-$100 to change the face of your business and make it profitable. Not only that but change the lives of the children, employees, and families you serve.
www.ForstForOK.com/donate

OKDHS is not listening to you. All of the protests, media appearances, and crying out to DHS is not working. We have to get in the legislature the be the ones that make the laws and I am ready to do that but I can't do it alone. I need real support not just people saying they are with me on a Facebook comment.

What will it take for you to truly get involved? At what point do you say my livelihood and my kids are worth fighting for? DHS will regulate you out of business and then you, your employees, your kids, and your families will truly suffer.

If you are tired of being ignored and regulated into the ground, now is the time to act. Every dollar, every door knocked, every share, and every phone call helps us fight back against bureaucratic overreach.

💪👶📢

As we head into 2026, here’s what farmers and ranchers can expect based on current market and policy outlooks — practical, honest, and grounded in reality.

🐄 CATTLE & BEEF
Beef demand is at its highest level since 1983, providing a strong foundation for producers. Fed cattle supplies are expected to remain among the tightest in the past decade, supporting prices. Analysts expect cattle prices to hold steady and gradually rise in 2026 compared to the second half of 2025 — a slower, more sustainable increase than the sharp run-ups of recent years.

Recent market drops were driven largely by policy uncertainty and plant closures, not weak demand. Headlines moved futures before any actual policy changes were in place — a reminder of how sensitive ag markets are to signals from Washington.

🌾 GRAIN MARKETS
Grain markets are entering 2026 in a more balanced position:
• Corn and soybeans face large global supplies, limiting explosive rallies
• Demand from livestock feed, exports, and renewable fuels continues to provide support
• Input costs have eased from recent highs, but margins will depend on yield, timing, and basis
• Weather and global trade policy will remain key drivers of volatility

💰 FARM SUBSIDIES & SAFETY NETS
Producers can expect continued reliance on existing farm safety-net programs in 2026:
• ARC and PLC programs remain in place, offering downside protection for crop producers
• Temporary or supplemental assistance programs may continue to bridge gaps caused by market volatility
• USDA lending, crop insurance, and conservation programs remain funded, providing stability and access to capital
• Long-term Farm Bill certainty is still unresolved, meaning producers should plan for extensions and short-term measures rather than sweeping policy changes

📊 THE BOTTOM LINE FOR 2026
✔️ Strong beef demand
✔️ Tight cattle supplies
✔️ Gradual price improvement, not dramatic spikes
✔️ Grain markets that reward disciplined marketing
✔️ Safety nets in place, but policy uncertainty remains

🌟 LOOKING AHEAD
2026 is shaping up to be a year of measured opportunity. The fundamentals for both livestock and grain producers remain solid, but success will favor those who manage risk, watch policy closely, and plan for the long term.

Here’s to a safe, productive, and profitable 2026.

Happy New Year from Hands Off My Land.