HB 2792 preserves over $120 million in existing rural economic funding by designating the "Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity Fund" (PREP Fund) as a continuing fund, no longer subject to annual fiscal year limits. It ensures specific projects funded by prior legislation - such as $25 million from HB 1019 (58th Legislature) and $22.5 million from HB 1017 - retain their full allocations without needing new annual appropriations. The bill directly affects rural economic development projects that received these previously allocated funds, preventing lapse of committed resources. It makes no new spending commitments but secures continuity for existing rural economic initiatives.
SB 146 expands eligibility for mental wellness services provided through the Department of Public Safety's Mental Wellness Division. The bill changes who can access these services, though specific new eligibility groups aren't detailed in the provided context. It became law on May 29, 2025, without requiring the Governor's signature. This policy change directly affects individuals seeking mental health support through this specific state division.
SB 287 modifies the tax year used by aerospace businesses to claim a state income tax credit. It changes the requirement from the standard tax year to a different fiscal period for calculating this specific credit. The bill directly affects aerospace companies that qualify for this tax incentive. It became law on May 29, 2025, without the Governor's signature.
SB 85 increases the state's reimbursement rate for counties operating jail facilities, directly affecting county correctional systems and the state budget. The bill amends the existing funding structure to provide higher per-inmate payments to counties. It became law on May 29, 2025, without the Governor's signature. This policy change adjusts the financial support provided to counties for housing inmates.
HB 2793 appropriates $8 million from Oklahoma's Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity Fund to the Emergency Medicine Revolving Fund, established under prior legislation (HB 2784). This funding supports emergency medical services and facilities across Oklahoma, directly benefiting hospitals, clinics, and emergency care providers. The money will be used to replenish the revolving fund, allowing it to provide loans or grants for emergency medicine infrastructure without requiring new annual appropriations. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and was enacted without the Governor's signature on May 29, 2025.
This concurrent resolution directs the removal of Oklahoma's Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Victoria Friesen, citing the legislature's loss of confidence due to a $30 million budget shortfall and alleged financial mismanagement. It references Oklahoma Statute 43A §2-101, which allows the legislature to remove the commissioner with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. The resolution does not change mental health services or funding but formally approves her removal as a procedural step. It affects Commissioner Friesen and the agency's leadership structure, not the delivery of mental health services to Oklahomans. The resolution has been approved by both chambers and is being processed for final enactment.
HB 1084 prohibits insurance companies from requiring policyholders to assign their benefits to contractors for certain services, such as property repairs after a claim. This directly affects homeowners and renters who use insurance for property damage, as well as contractors who previously relied on these assignments. The bill bans specific practices where insurers demand that policyholders transfer their claim payments to contractors before repairs are completed. It becomes effective immediately upon enactment (May 29, 2025), clarifying that such assignments are not permitted under the law.
SB 245 creates the Oklahoma High Dosage Tutoring Program for grades K-8, targeting students at least half a grade level behind in math or English language arts. The program requires in-person tutoring (3+ one-hour sessions weekly for 10-12 weeks per semester), with school districts prioritizing federally designated schools under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Tutors earn bonuses based on student progress (e.g., $1,600 per cohort per semester and $1,000 per grade-level improvement), and districts must track student growth using standardized assessments. Funding comes from a new revolving fund in the State Treasury, supported by state appropriations, federal grants, and other designated sources.
This bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Pope Leo XIV, the first American citizen to become pope. It recognizes his global leadership and specifically acknowledges his service on the board of Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from 1999 to 2001. The resolution formally commends him for his moral leadership and expresses gratitude for his connection to Oklahoma, with copies to be sent to the Vatican and the Tulsa school. As a symbolic gesture, it has no binding policy impact.
HB 1965 amends Oklahoma's Children's Code to clarify key definitions and procedures affecting child welfare cases. It defines terms like "abandonment" (including failure to maintain parental contact) and "abuse" (specifying nonaccidental harm, while allowing ordinary discipline like spanking), and requires courts to consider specific circumstances when reviewing petitions to terminate parental rights. The bill also mandates that the Office of Juvenile Affairs conduct assessments following child abuse referrals and establishes procedures for informal adjustments in certain cases. These changes directly impact children in foster care, parents facing termination proceedings, courts, and child welfare agencies across Oklahoma. The law became effective May 28, 2025, after being signed without the Governor's approval.
HB 1160 amends Oklahoma's Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act to clarify how the Association handles claims when insurers become insolvent. It defines "covered claims" (including property damage claims in Oklahoma or resident policyholders), specifies exclusions (like punitive damages or reinsurance), and allows the Association to join certain organizations. The bill also clarifies that Association records are not public and modifies the Association's powers and duties under Sections 2002, 2003, and 2004 of the Oklahoma Insurance Code. This law, enacted without the Governor's signature on May 28, 2025, directly affects Oklahoma property/casualty insurance policyholders whose insurer fails.
HB 2756, the "High Voltage Electric Transmission Facility Act," requires transmission developers to obtain a certificate of authority from Oklahoma's Corporation Commission before building new high-voltage electric transmission lines (over 300 kV). It mandates detailed applications including route maps, cost estimates for customers, and public notice requirements - such as publishing in local newspapers, mailing to landowners and county officials, and holding public meetings within 90 days. The bill exempts existing retail electric suppliers and rural cooperatives from needing this permit for facility upgrades. Developers must also file updates with the Commission within 10 days if federal (FERC) applications change project boundaries. This law became effective May 28, 2025.
