HB 4203 would permit residential buildings with four or fewer stories (Group R-2, such as apartment buildings) to use a single exit instead of multiple exits, provided they meet specific safety standards. The Oklahoma Universal Building Code Commission must develop guidelines for this exception. It directly affects residential building owners and developers in Oklahoma by modifying exit requirements for certain new construction projects. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4311 amends Oklahoma's Unclaimed Property Fund rules to clarify allowable deductions from funds before deposit. It permits the State Treasurer to deduct up to 6% of funds for administrative costs (including legal fees and technology), 15% for a Clearinghouse Fund, and 25% for attorney fees in enforcement actions. The bill requires detailed public records of unclaimed property claims after 12 months, including claimant names and property details. These changes directly affect the State Treasurer’s office, financial institutions holding unclaimed property, and individuals seeking abandoned assets. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the "Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund" for Oklahoma's tobacco settlement funds. It requires that at least 75% of new tobacco settlement payments (after 2001) be deposited into this trust fund, with specific percentages increasing over time. The trust fund's earnings must be used for cancer research, tobacco prevention programs, children's health initiatives, senior care programs, and education-related expenses, with unused funds remaining in the trust. The amendment creates two governing boards to manage investments and allocate funds, and it would require voter approval before taking effect.
SB 1936 reclassifies 49 existing offenses as Class D1 felonies in Oklahoma law, including a new felony for falsely impersonating a peace officer (under amended Section 264 of Title 21). It also broadens seizure authority in forfeiture proceedings (amending Section 1738) and updates related statutory references. The bill affects individuals committing these specific offenses, such as those impersonating law enforcement or violating banking regulations. It takes effect January 1, 2026.
SB 1847 modifies Oklahoma's ADvantage Waiver Program, which provides Medicaid home- and community-based services. It creates an exception allowing individuals with cognitive impairments to qualify if they were already residing in an assisted living center contracted with the state when their impairment developed, and the center has a specific accommodation plan. This change directly affects adults with cognitive impairments who live in state-contracted assisted living facilities and developed their condition after moving in. The bill does not alter financial or age requirements but adjusts eligibility for this specific group. The exception applies to those meeting all three conditions outlined in the bill's new subsection B.
SB 1932 allows motor carriers organized as corporations, LLCs, LLPs, or partnerships to be represented by their own officers, members, managers, or partners - not attorneys - at Oklahoma Motor Carrier Safety and Hazardous Materials Transportation Act administrative hearings. This change directly affects businesses in the commercial transportation sector that choose not to hire legal counsel for these proceedings. The bill modifies the existing hearing process to provide this representation option, effective November 1, 2026.
Oklahoma's SJR 39 proposes a constitutional amendment to reduce limits on annual increases in property tax assessments. It would lower the maximum annual growth rate for most real property from 5% to 3% (for tax years 2027 onward) and further reduce limits for homestead properties (primary residences) and agricultural land from 3% to 1%. The amendment applies to locally assessed real property, excluding personal property and properties with recent transfers or improvements. If approved by voters, these changes would take effect for tax years beginning in 2027.
HB 1047 allows up to three specific racetrack organizations in Oklahoma to operate limited numbers of gaming machines (player terminals) at their facilities, but only during live horse racing events or simulcast wagering. It caps terminal counts at 650 for racetracks in counties over 600,000 people and 250 for others, requiring quarterly reporting to the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. The bill explicitly prohibits local governments from restricting these gaming operations and clarifies that tribal gaming under existing compacts remains separate from this authorization. It does not create new gaming licenses but expands existing racetrack operations under strict, defined conditions.
HB 2933 requires Oklahoma insurers to submit quarterly reports by March 2027 (and quarterly thereafter) detailing policy cancellations, renewals, claims, and wind coverage exclusions by ZIP code. It prohibits insurers from using traffic records older than three years (or five years for reckless driving) when setting rates or canceling policies, and bans cancellation for first claims or dismissed charges. The bill mandates that insurers include a "Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights" in policies, requires good-faith negotiation for disputes, and prohibits using aerial imaging to reduce coverage. These changes aim to increase transparency in property insurance practices and protect consumers from unfair rate adjustments or cancellations.
HB 1730 clarifies rules for Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPEERS) members who return to state employment after retiring. It directly affects state employees who retire and later work for participating employers (like state agencies or schools). Key provisions require retirees returning to work to notify OPEERS, prohibit receiving retirement benefits while earning above Social Security's annual earnings limit, and offer two options: (1) continue receiving benefits with adjusted calculations based on new service, or (2) waive benefits for 36 months to earn full service credit toward future benefits. The bill also specifies employer responsibilities for submitting retirement details and correcting errors that could disqualify benefits.
HB 2956 prohibits individuals with certain disciplinary histories from owning Oklahoma appraisal management companies (AMCs). Specifically, it bars anyone who had their appraiser credential refused, denied, suspended, revoked, or surrendered due to serious disciplinary action in any jurisdiction from owning or controlling an AMC. This directly affects potential AMC owners and ensures only those without such histories can hold ownership roles. The bill amends Oklahoma's Appraisal Management Company Regulation Act to establish this ownership requirement, focusing on accountability in the appraisal industry.
HB 2955 amends Oklahoma's Captive Insurance Company Act to clarify rules for "protected cells" within captive insurance companies. It requires companies to clearly identify protected cells (separate risk pools) and specifies that these cells aren't separate legal entities. The bill adds requirements for disclosure, written approval for transfers, and mandates that assets remain with the company during liquidation. These changes directly affect all Oklahoma-based captive insurance companies operating under the Act, particularly those using protected cells for risk management.
