HB 4202 modifies Oklahoma's workers' compensation medical reimbursement rules. It requires MRI services to be provided by Medicare-compliant or accredited facilities to qualify for reimbursement, and sets reimbursement rates for other services at 150% of Medicare rates for certain evaluations. The bill also caps travel reimbursement for medical appointments at 600 miles round trip and updates the fee schedule to use Medicare rates as a benchmark. These changes directly affect injured workers receiving medical care and healthcare providers seeking reimbursement for services under workers' compensation.
HB 4457 prohibits pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from owning or controlling pharmacy licenses in Oklahoma. The State Board of Pharmacy must revoke licenses of violators after November 2026, though it may issue temporary licenses for rare, orphan, or limited-distribution drugs until September 2028. Pharmacies must notify patients of service changes by January 2027, and the Board must provide lists of compliant pharmacies. This law prevents conflicts of interest by restricting PBMs from owning pharmacies.
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.
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.
SB 1317 updates Oklahoma's definition of a "career teacher" to clarify job security requirements for educators. The bill directly affects public school teachers in Oklahoma, particularly those hired in or after the 2017-2018 school year who seek career status (beyond probationary periods). It establishes three specific pathways to qualify: completing three consecutive years with a "superior" rating for at least two years, four consecutive years with an average "effective" rating and "effective" in the last two years, or four or more consecutive years with a principal's petition approved by the school board. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, and amend Oklahoma Statutes Title 70, Section 6-101.3.
HB 3264 requires individuals convicted of 24 specific serious crimes - including first-degree murder, child sexual abuse, human trafficking, domestic abuse by strangulation, and discharging a firearm into occupied buildings - to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. The bill eliminates earned credits or other sentence reductions that would allow offenders to serve less than 85% of their sentence. It applies to all convictions for these listed offenses, including attempts, conspiracies, or solicitations. The law would take effect on November 1, 2026, if passed.
HB 3257 requires Oklahoma state benefits for 100% disabled veterans to align with federal qualification standards under 38 U.S.C. § 1151. This means state benefits must meet the same eligibility criteria used by the federal government for fully disabled veterans. The bill directly affects Oklahoma veterans who receive state-level benefits and ensures consistency with federal rules. It takes effect on November 1, 2026, and codifies this requirement in Oklahoma Statutes. The bill does not change benefit amounts or create new benefits - it standardizes existing state practices to match federal qualifications.
