SB 434 increases the maximum combined contribution rate for Oklahoma county employees' retirement systems from 18.5% to 22% of an employee's monthly compensation. This change directly affects county employees participating in retirement funds, allowing employers and employees to collectively contribute up to 22% of pay toward their retirement savings. The bill amends existing law to set this new 22% cap, effective July 1, 2025, and allows counties to adjust employer/employee contribution splits as long as the total remains at 22%. The policy change simplifies retirement funding parameters without altering benefit calculations.
SB 669 modernizes Oklahoma's dental practice regulations by updating definitions, licensing requirements, and supervision rules in the State Dental Act. It directly affects dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and oral maxillofacial surgery assistants by eliminating the oral maxillofacial permit requirement, adding provisions for dental student interns to perform specific services under faculty supervision, and clarifying credentialing for license applications. Key changes include updated definitions (e.g., "accredited dental college"), revised requirements for dental assistant permits, and streamlined processes for license renewals and reinstatement. The bill also modifies criminal background check procedures and clarifies penalties for violations. These changes aim to align the regulatory framework with current dental practice standards.
SB 912 increases the Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission from seven to nine members, with seven appointed by the Governor (requiring aeronautics experience) and two by legislative leaders (requiring space industry experience). It restructures the Commission to become the Board of Directors for the newly established Space Industry Development Authority, which will focus on advancing Oklahoma's space industry. The bill repeals an outdated statute (74 O.S. 2021, Section 5206) and updates legal references to align with this change. The law took effect immediately upon enactment on May 21, 2025.
SB 518 requires medical marijuana businesses in Oklahoma to use specific warning labels on all products sold to licensed patients. The labels must include mandatory statements like "For use by licensed medical marijuana patients only," "Keep out of reach of children," and warnings about driving under influence and pregnancy risks, along with potency details (THC/cannabinoids) and contaminant testing information. The law prohibits child-targeted packaging (such as cartoon characters) and bans health benefit claims on product containers. It applies to all medical marijuana businesses and takes effect November 1, 2025, after becoming law without the governor's signature on May 21, 2025.
SB 162 creates the "State Capitol Arch Memorial Statue Revolving Fund" within the Oklahoma State Treasury to support veteran memorial statues. The fund, managed by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), uses private donations, gifts, or grants specifically for installing and maintaining these statues around the State Capitol Arch. It became law on May 21, 2025, without the Governor's signature, and operates as a continuing fund not limited by fiscal years.
This bill (SB 61) is a ceremonial naming act that designates specific Oklahoma bridges and highways as memorials to honor individuals. It designates seven locations, including the "ABLE Agent Lori Thomas Memorial Bridge" on U.S. Highway 70 in Durant and the "Donald Ray Ward Memorial Bridge" on I-40 in Oklahoma County. The bill requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to install permanent markers at these locations. It does not create new policies or affect residents' rights, as it is purely a symbolic naming procedure. The bill became law on May 21, 2025, with an effective date of November 1, 2025.
Senate Bill 1024 revises the process for Oklahoma state agencies to create, amend, or repeal administrative rules. It requires agencies to prepare a "statement of scope" for any proposed rule, detailing its objectives and potential impacts, which must then be approved by the Governor before any rule drafting can begin. Agencies must also send proposed rule texts and notices to the Governor and relevant cabinet secretary, who can issue a written disapproval within 30 days to prevent the rule's adoption. The bill removes an expedited rule repeal exception and establishes that approved statements of scope expire after 30 months. These changes directly affect how state agencies develop and implement administrative regulations.
House Bill 2729 amends Oklahoma's Administrative Procedures Act, impacting how state agencies operate and how individuals interact with agency decisions. It mandates that reviewing courts and administrative hearing officers interpret state statutes and rules *de novo*, meaning they cannot defer to a state agency's interpretation, and should resolve any remaining doubt in favor of limiting agency power. The bill also requires a jury trial for civil penalties sought by administrative agencies if the underlying conduct would typically entitle a defendant to a jury trial at common law. Additionally, it clarifies when a claim for judicial review of a final agency order accrues and updates provisions for awarding court costs in review proceedings.
HB 2728, known as the REINS Act of 2025, modifies the process by which state agencies create administrative rules. It requires agencies to perform a detailed economic impact analysis for any "major rule," defined as one projected to cost businesses, local governments, or individuals $1 million or more over five years. The bill establishes a new Legislative Economic Analysis Unit (LEAU) within the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency to independently review these economic analyses and report its findings to legislative committees. This process aims to increase transparency and legislative oversight of the potential economic impacts of new administrative regulations.
SB 147 requires Oklahoma's Secretary of the State Election Board to direct all county election boards to conduct post-election audits for specific elections, including statewide and federal races. The bill mandates that counties manually or electronically examine a limited number of ballots following these elections to verify voting systems tabulated votes correctly. The Secretary determines audit timing, methods, and procedures, and counties must report findings publicly. This law directly affects county election officials and aims to strengthen election security through standardized, mandatory audits.
House Bill 2798 modifies the reporting requirements for suspected child abuse and neglect in Oklahoma. It mandates the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish a centralized hotline with specific training, tracking, and recording standards. The bill requires school employees to report suspected abuse of students to DHS and law enforcement, and healthcare professionals to report infants testing positive for alcohol or drugs. It also establishes criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly fail to report suspected abuse or make false reports, while protecting good-faith reporters from employer retaliation.
HB 1414 amends the qualifications for individuals seeking to become a county sheriff in Oklahoma. The bill allows veterans who have served four or more years as military police to fulfill the required experience for the office. To verify this, candidates must present a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) when filing their declaration of candidacy. These changes are scheduled to become effective on November 1, 2025.
