SB 1410 requires Oklahoma's Department of Agriculture to operate an "Ag in the Classroom" program for K-12 students in both rural and urban schools, developing curriculum and providing teacher training. The bill mandates that the department may offer incentives like recognition, project funds, or certificates to teachers using the program. It increases funding by raising the fee from $24 to $27 per Agricultural Awareness license plate deposited into the program's revolving fund, with excess funds specifically allocated for expanding the program into urban schools. The program must be run directly by the Department of Agriculture, with cooperation from the State Department of Education and Oklahoma State University Extension. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 2961 waives tuition and fees for spouses and children of Gold Star veterans (those killed in U.S. military service) at Oklahoma's public higher education institutions and career technology schools. It expands existing tuition waivers - previously limited to children of fallen peace officers, firefighters, and law enforcement retirees - to include Gold Star families who meet residency requirements (Oklahoma resident at death or during enrollment). The waiver covers all tuition and fees for up to five years and applies to both the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education and career technology districts. This bill modifies Sections 3218.7-1, 14-134, and 14-134.1 of Oklahoma Statutes, effective July 1, 2026.
HB 3000 recreates Oklahoma's State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering until July 1, 2027, extending its operation beyond a previous sunset date. The bill specifies that the 11-member board must include one member from each congressional district (with adjustments for redistricting), plus at-large appointments, and requires members to have specific professional experience in cosmetology or barbering, or represent schools or the public. It mandates qualifications like minimum age, high school graduation, and active practice in the field, while prohibiting conflicts of interest (e.g., members cannot be from the same school or promote professional associations). This bill maintains the board's structure and oversight role for cosmetology and barbering licensing without introducing new regulations for practitioners.
HB 3265 amends Oklahoma's police pension law to clarify disability benefit eligibility for law enforcement officers. It specifically expands the definition of "mental health specialist" to include licensed psychologists for disability certification (Section G). The bill establishes a clear benefit scale based on disability percentage (e.g., 50-74% impairment equals 75% of accrued retirement benefit) and presumes line-of-duty disability for officers exposed to hazardous substances like chemicals or blood-borne pathogens, unless proven otherwise (Section I). These changes directly affect Oklahoma police officers seeking disability benefits through the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System.
HB 3298 establishes standardized procedures for Oklahoma judges to interview children in custody, visitation, and adoption cases. It requires judges conducting such interviews to have specialized training and consider factors like the child's age, potential harm, and whether alternatives exist. The bill mandates written records of interviews and limits attendance to the child's attorney and guardian ad litem, excluding parents. It applies to most civil child-related court cases but excludes existing juvenile court proceedings and testimony.
HB 3431 restricts ownership of rare earth mineral rights in Oklahoma by foreign governments designated as adversaries. The bill amends existing law to specifically replace "oil" with "rare earth minerals" in ownership restrictions, focusing on critical minerals vital for technology and defense. It directly affects foreign entities classified as adversaries under state law, preventing them from holding mineral rights for rare earth resources. The key mechanism establishes new ownership limitations for these minerals, though the bill does not define which foreign governments qualify as "adversaries." The amendment clarifies the bill's scope to rare earth minerals, excluding oil and other resources.
HB 3498 modernizes Oklahoma's corporate law framework by updating and clarifying the Oklahoma General Corporation Act and Oklahoma Limited Liability Company Act. It directly affects all corporations and limited liability companies operating in Oklahoma, including their boards, officers, and shareholders. Key changes include clarifying rules for contracts with beneficial owners, strengthening fiduciary duty standards for controlling shareholders, updating procedures for stock issuance and corporate meetings, and organizing outdated references into a single, accessible code. The bill also adjusts terminology and jurisdictional references to align with current legal practices.
HB 3500 removes a nine-month deadline for beneficiaries to accept property through a transfer-on-death deed after the owner's death, effective November 1, 2026. It directly affects property owners who create such deeds and their designated beneficiaries, who must now submit an affidavit with the owner's death certificate to claim the property within nine months (for deaths after November 1, 2011). Key provisions include requiring beneficiaries to verify the owner's death, marital status at death, and property details via affidavit, and clarifying that partial acceptance by one beneficiary is valid. Property not accepted within the timeframe reverts to the deceased owner's estate. The bill simplifies the process by allowing notarized affidavits to be recorded without formal acknowledgment.
HB 3443 authorizes the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to increase specific permit fees for oversized or overweight vehicles, including Special Overheight Trailer Permits (30-day and annual) and Longer Combination Annual Permits. The bill requires fee adjustments to use a cost-of-living formula through 2024. These changes directly affect trucking companies and drivers who require these specialized permits for oversized loads. The bill does not alter vehicle size or weight limits but modifies the fee structure for existing permit types.
HB 3501 allows alcohol manufacturers in Oklahoma to hold multiple licenses for producing different types of alcoholic beverages (like beer, wine, or spirits) on the same premises, provided they maintain good standing with the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission and Oklahoma Tax Commission. Businesses seeking additional licenses must obtain federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) approvals for "alternating proprietorship" arrangements and notify ABLE when applying for a second license at a single location. The bill requires the ABLE Commission to create rules for these arrangements and amends existing law to clarify the Commission's authority over manufacturing licenses - specifically excluding distribution or wholesale licenses. This change directly affects alcohol producers seeking to diversify their operations under one physical location.
HB 3413 requires Oklahoma state agencies to submit detailed annual budget requests by October 1 each year, including specific data on program needs, contractor details, and consultant reports. Agencies must publicly post final consultant reports on the state purchasing website and provide information on shared financial services costs to identify potential savings. The bill mandates standardized reporting formats covering program outcomes, staffing, revenue estimates, and capital lease debt for the current and next two fiscal years. It directly affects all state agencies (excluding higher education institutions) by increasing transparency in budget planning and spending oversight. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3462 updates Oklahoma's plumbing licensing rules by revising definitions and qualification requirements for license applicants. It reclassifies "master plumber" as "plumbing contractor" and specifies that residential journeyman applicants must be 18+ with 3 years of experience, an associate's degree plus 2,000 hours of training, or military experience. Unlimited journeyman applicants require similar education and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed contractor. The bill directly affects plumbing professionals seeking licenses in Oklahoma, particularly those applying for residential or unlimited journeyman or contractor credentials.
