Rep. Ty Burns has resigned from the Oklahoma House of Representatives following his guilty plea earlier this week to domestic abuse and assault charges.
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert said he agreed with Burns’ decision to step aside.
“Domestic violence of any kind cannot and will not be tolerated by the House of Representatives,” Hilbert said in a statement Friday. “I share his belief that it is best for him and his family to focus on his treatment and rehabilitation at this time. Alexis and I will be praying for Ty and his family as they navigate this challenging time.”
Burns pleaded guilty Thursday in Pawnee County District Court to one misdemeanor count of domestic abuse and two misdemeanor counts of assault. He received a one-year suspended sentence and will complete a Batterers Intervention Program.
“It is in the best interest of the people I serve in House District 35 and, most importantly, my family, to step down from my position,” Burns wrote in his resignation letter. “I take full responsibility for my actions and am getting counseling with my family. Although not an excuse for my actions, I am receiving intensive treatment for issues from my military service that I have long ignored as a problem. I am confident this will make me a better husband and father.”
“Over the next month, I will finish taking care of the remainder of my constituents’ issues and will ensure my interim study on PTSD proceeds, where I am personally participating in a brain mapping study of veterans with a traumatic brain injury.”
He had served in the House since 2018 and was also a Member of the House Ag Committee.
