HB 1102 creates a process for Oklahoma's Corporation Commission to allow regulated utilities (like gas and electric companies) to use ratepayer-backed bonds instead of traditional financing to recover "extreme purchase costs" or "extraordinary costs" (such as unexpected fuel expenses). The bill requires utilities to provide detailed cost estimates, demonstrate customer savings from bond financing versus traditional methods, and undergo a mandatory audit of costs before approval. The Commission must evaluate whether bond financing reduces customer bills through lower interest rates or longer repayment periods, and utilities must offset recovered costs if insurance or grants cover part of the expenses. This change takes effect November 1, 2025, modifying how utilities recover certain costs from customers.
This bill updates Oklahoma's divorce filing process by changing legal terminology from "divorce" to "dissolution of marriage" in all court documents. It requires the Oklahoma Bar Association to create simple, plain-language forms for divorce cases and directs the Administrative Office of the Courts to provide public online access to these forms. The standardized forms would be optional for people filing divorce cases, not mandatory. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.
HB 1944 requires Oklahoma public secondary schools to assign grade levels to students in grades 9-12 based on earned course credits starting in the 2025-2026 school year, rather than traditional age-based progression. Students earn specific grade levels (e.g., 0-6 credits = freshman, 19+ credits = senior) based on cumulative credits, and those not meeting credit thresholds for advancement remain in their current grade level. The bill mandates that school districts include four specific items on student report cards: current earned credits, credit-based grade level, remaining graduation requirements, and projected graduation date. It becomes effective July 1, 2025.
SB 975 requires the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to get legislative approval via joint resolution before raising toll rates on any state turnpike. It specifically prohibits the Legislature from approving toll increases that offer more than a 10% discount to any specific group of users. The bill directly affects toll collection on Oklahoma's turnpike system and changes the process for rate adjustments. It takes effect November 1, 2025, and amends existing law to add these requirements.
HB 1788 reduces Oklahoma's individual income tax rates for tax years 2024-2025. It lowers rates across all income brackets for both single filers and married couples filing jointly, with the top marginal rate decreasing from 5.5% to 4.75% on income above certain thresholds. The bill also eliminates the deduction for federal income taxes paid when calculating taxable income. These changes directly affect all Oklahoma residents and nonresidents with taxable income during 2024-2025.
HB 1879 modifies Oklahoma's public retirement systems by changing contribution rules and benefit calculations for state employees. It requires employees and employers to make specific contributions under defined benefit plans (guaranteed lifetime payments based on salary/history), while allowing employees to purchase additional service credit at actuarial cost to reach retirement eligibility. The bill also updates vesting rules for defined contribution accounts (like personal savings plans) and clarifies how service credit is calculated for retirement benefits. These changes directly affect current and future Oklahoma public employees enrolled in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.
HB 2890 requires Oklahoma schools to include a student's parent or guardian in most electronic communications (like emails, texts, or social media messages) between school staff and students, unless the communication occurs on a school-approved platform for academic purposes or the parent has opted out. Parents can choose which types of communications to exclude and can change their opt-out preferences at any time. The bill allows exceptions for emergencies, mandates schools to train staff on these rules, and requires investigations if staff bypass the requirement, potentially leading to disciplinary action. This directly affects students, parents, and school personnel like teachers and administrators.
HB 2755 modifies Oklahoma's tax credit program for donations to biomedical and cancer research institutes. It sets annual spending limits: $2 million total for both types of donations through 2025, then $1.5 million for biomedical research and $500,000 for cancer research annually after 2025. Taxpayers can claim credits up to $1,000-$25,000 per donation (depending on filer type or business status), with credits calculated using annual formulas based on prior year claims. The bill defines qualifying organizations as those receiving specific NIH funding levels ($20M/year for biomedical institutes, $4M/year for cancer institutes) and requires donations to support peer-reviewed research.
HB 1018 prohibits physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers from performing pelvic exams on anesthetized or unconscious female patients without specific authorization. It directly affects female patients under anesthesia and healthcare providers who conduct such exams. The bill requires either informed written consent from the patient, the exam being part of a necessary surgical or diagnostic procedure, or it being medically required for a patient unable to consent. The law takes effect on November 1, 2025.
HB 1102 establishes a new process for Oklahoma's regulated utilities (like gas and electric companies) to recover unusually high "extreme purchase costs" or "extraordinary costs" (e.g., major equipment purchases or emergency expenses) through customer-funded bonds instead of traditional financing. It requires utilities to provide detailed cost estimates, demonstrate customer savings from bond financing versus standard rates, and undergo mandatory audits before costs are approved for recovery. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission must review these applications, ensuring costs are fair and reasonable while prioritizing long-term customer savings through lower interest rates and extended repayment periods. This bill directly affects utility companies seeking cost recovery and their ratepayer customers, with the new rules taking effect November 1, 2025.
HB 2732 standardizes divorce-related court forms and terminology in Oklahoma. It requires all dissolution of marriage proceedings to use the title "In re the Marriage of _____ and ______" and replaces the term "divorce" with "dissolution of marriage" in legal documents. The Oklahoma Bar Association must create plain-language standard forms for divorce cases, and the Administrative Office of the Courts must provide public online access to these forms via the Oklahoma State Courts Network - though using them remains optional. This bill directly affects individuals filing for divorce in Oklahoma courts and takes effect November 1, 2025.
HB 1606 establishes the Oklahoma Massage Therapy Board to regulate the profession and amends Oklahoma's Massage Therapy Practice Act. The bill sets licensing requirements for massage therapists and schools, prohibits unlicensed practice using terms like "massage therapist," and defines the scope of practice (e.g., therapists cannot diagnose illness, use ultrasound, or prescribe medicine). It clarifies that physicians and other licensed health professionals providing services within their scope do not need additional massage therapy licensing, and permits limited exceptions for students, visiting instructors, and emergency response teams. The bill is currently pending after being withdrawn from committees in February 2025.
