HB 4428 requires Oklahoma's pension benefit plans (like state retirement funds) to vote on shareholder proposals solely based on financial impact, banning consideration of environmental, social, or political goals. It mandates that pension boards base all voting decisions on "pecuniary factors" (financial risk/return) to maximize shareholder value, and prohibits proxy advisors from providing recommendations that include non-financial considerations. Boards must annually report all votes, including their decision, management's stance, and any proxy advisor's recommendation, publishing the report online by March 1 each year. The law applies to all state pension systems and takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4408 requires the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and the Administrator of the Courts to submit annual data by July 31st on offenders convicted only of crimes reclassified under State Question 780 (which reduced penalties for certain low-level offenses). This data includes unique offenders, days served, and sentence lengths for offenses now classified as misdemeanors or with adjusted dollar thresholds. The Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency must then calculate the state's annual savings from reduced incarceration costs within 30 days, using actual data or best estimates if needed. The final calculation is binding and cannot be revised later, with the bill taking effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4322 amends Oklahoma's Funeral Services Licensing Act to require that individuals designated as "funeral director in charge" of a funeral establishment, commercial embalming establishment, or crematory must hold dual licenses as both a funeral director and an embalmer. This change directly affects managers of these facilities, mandating they meet qualifications for both roles instead of only one. The bill updates licensing requirements in Section 396.3, specifying that dual licensure is now necessary for the "in charge" position, while still allowing separate licenses for funeral directors who do not perform embalming. The policy focuses on standardizing qualifications for leadership roles in the funeral services industry.
HB 4237 creates the "Oklahoma Criminal Procedure Act of 2026" as a standalone legislative act, explicitly stating it will not be codified into the Oklahoma Statutes. The bill sets an effective date of November 1, 2026, for this new act. This is a procedural bill that names a future legislative framework but does not establish new substantive criminal procedure rules or affect any specific groups. It has no direct policy impact beyond its own naming and effective date.
HB 4427 requires Oklahoma's State Board of Education to create rules defining "distinguished qualifications" for adjunct teachers, including minimum experience and education requirements. It prohibits adjunct teachers without a valid teaching certificate from instructing core subjects in prekindergarten through fourth grade unless a school district obtains a waiver from the State Board. The bill also mandates annual reports from the State Department of Education detailing adjunct teacher qualifications, subject areas taught, and their distinguished experience. These reports must be published online and shared with legislators by January 15 each year. The law directly affects school districts, adjunct teachers, and the State Board of Education, with no impact on standard teaching certification requirements.
This bill names the "Oklahoma Education Reform Act of 2026" and sets its effective date as November 1, 2026. It does not include substantive policy provisions or mechanisms, as it is a procedural naming act with no described legislative changes or affected parties. The bill is currently in early committee review stages.
HB 4298 amends Oklahoma's child care licensing rules to improve oversight and standards for licensed facilities. It requires the Department of Human Services to create specialized advisory committees (for residential care, child care centers, homes, and quality ratings) with specific representation from facility owners, parents, Native American advocates, and service providers. The bill also prohibits children from being left unsupervised with teens under 18, bans soft bedding/toys in infant sleeping areas, and mandates 60 days' electronic notice to licensees before rule changes take effect. These provisions directly affect all licensed child care centers, homes, and residential facilities in Oklahoma, with the law taking effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4338 amends Oklahoma's existing Brine Development Act to clarify definitions and update the law's purpose. It specifically defines key terms like "brine" (subterranean saltwater containing minerals such as lithium and bromine), "brine owner," and "solution gas," while emphasizing public policy goals like reusing produced water. The bill directly affects brine producers, regulators (Oklahoma Corporation Commission), and companies extracting minerals from brine, by establishing clearer operational rules for brine development. It does not create new programs but refines existing legal language for greater precision in how brine resources are managed. The changes take effect November 1, 2026.
This bill proposes changes to Oklahoma's voting eligibility rules for individuals with criminal convictions. It would modify the current law regarding when felons regain their right to vote after completing their sentences. The amendment seeks to restore specific language that defines the conditions under which convicted felons can vote again. This legislation directly affects people with criminal records who are seeking to restore their voting rights. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further review.
HB 4275 standardizes certification rules for two mental health roles in Oklahoma: behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists. It requires the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to establish uniform education, exam, supervision, and continuing education standards for these professionals. The bill applies to individuals employed by state/local governments, contracted service providers, tribal facilities, or VA facilities, and restricts certified titles to these specific employment settings. Certification fees are capped at $100, and failure to comply with rules may result in suspension or revocation. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4104 expands Oklahoma's sex offender registration requirements by adding 38 new offenses to the list that trigger mandatory registration. It amends Oklahoma Statutes to require registration for convictions involving second or subsequent domestic violence offenses, stalking, certain animal cruelty, specific violations of the Sex Offenders Registration Act (like failing to register), and other specified crimes. This affects individuals convicted of any of these newly designated offenses, including repeat domestic abuse, stalking, or offenses related to non-compliance with registration rules. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and does not address loitering as implied by its title.
HB 4302 grants Oklahoma's Office of Juvenile System Oversight new authority to inspect children's facilities (both state-operated and privately run facilities receiving state/federal funding) and subpoena child or juvenile records from these entities. It requires the Office to conduct unannounced annual inspections, investigate complaints about the children's system, and handle foster parent grievances related to safety concerns. The bill mandates confidentiality for complainants, with limited exceptions only when a safety threat is communicated. This directly affects children's facilities, foster parents, and oversight staff by strengthening accountability mechanisms within Oklahoma's juvenile system.
