HB 1542 updates Oklahoma's agricultural weights and standards law by removing the requirement for state officials to send reference standards to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for certification. Instead, it allows qualified laboratories to certify weights and measures directly, streamlining the process for agricultural businesses and testing facilities that rely on standardized measurements. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2025, and primarily affects entities using official weights, measures, and testing devices in Oklahoma's agricultural sector.
HB 1571 removes the June 30, 2027, expiration date for the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission, making the commission permanent. It directly affects the commission's nine-member structure, which includes state agency representatives, Route 66 community members, and tourism/marketing experts. The bill updates the commission's revolving fund rules to allow ongoing preservation and development of Route 66, including funding application processes and reporting requirements. The law took effect on May 7, 2025, after becoming law without the Governor's signature.
HB 1052 requires city fire departments, volunteer fire departments in unincorporated areas (via new Section 18 O.S. 595), and fire protection districts with over two paid firefighters to submit annual activity reports through the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). These reports must include fire loss data, fire types, inspections, and immediate notification of fire-related civilian deaths/injuries or firefighter line-of-duty deaths/injuries requiring medical care - submitted within 48 hours of the incident. The bill amends existing statutes (11 O.S. 29-102 and 19 O.S. 901.7a) to standardize these reporting requirements under the State Fire Marshal’s oversight. It became law on May 7, 2025, with an effective date of November 1, 2025.
HB 1438 sets a monetary cap of $150,000 to $350,000 per entity per year for grants under Oklahoma's Rural Economic Action Plan program, which funds water quality projects like sewer line repairs, water treatment, and infrastructure improvements. The bill prioritizes small cities (under 1,750 population) and those with weaker fiscal capacity, while restricting eligibility to cities/towns under 7,000 population (based on census data) and unincorporated areas under 7,000. It requires the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to distribute all funds without administrative retention, establish separate accounts for specific economic development districts, and eliminate matching fund requirements for recipients.
This bill amends the Oklahoma Tourism Development Act to increase the cumulative inducement amount that can be provided annually for tourism promotion. It directly affects state agencies responsible for developing and marketing Oklahoma as a travel destination. The key provision allows for a higher annual budget allocation to incentivize tourism growth through financial incentives. The bill became law on May 7, 2025, without requiring the Governor's signature.
HB 1465 updates Oklahoma teacher salary rules to count up to five years of military service (including National Guard) during a national emergency toward salary increments and retirement benefits. This directly affects Oklahoma public school teachers who served in the military, allowing their service to count toward their salary progression and retirement eligibility. The bill caps this credit at five years total, regardless of the service period. It became effective without the Governor's signature on May 7, 2025, and modifies existing salary schedules to reflect this change.
SB 76 clarifies Oklahoma's parole revocation process by explicitly authorizing both the Governor and the Pardon and Parole Board to revoke parole for violations, rather than relying solely on the Department of Corrections. It requires parolees arrested for violations to be jailed immediately, halting parole time and earned credits until a revocation decision is made. The bill also creates a new option: parolees may be placed in specialized correctional programs (intermediate sanctions facilities) instead of facing full revocation for minor violations, at the Department's discretion. This law, effective November 1, 2025, directly affects people on parole in Oklahoma who violate terms, and the state agencies managing parole.
SB 600 increases court filing fees in Oklahoma by adding new mandatory assessments to existing civil case fees. It requires an additional $6 for the Law Library Fund, $25 for the Court Information System, $5-$10 for court-appointed child advocates (OCASA), and $2 split between judicial complaint and interpreter services funds. These new fees apply to all civil court filings, including common cases like divorce ($183 base fee) and small claims ($150 base fee), with the exception of those qualifying for fee waivers due to poverty. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and includes a temporary $10 fee for court records preservation until November 2027.
SB 200 clarifies procedures for handling estate funds when beneficiaries cannot be located or are minors. It requires executors or administrators to apply to court for specific instructions if money must be paid to a minor without a guardian within 90 days, an unknown beneficiary who won't claim funds within 90 days, or a deceased beneficiary during probate. The bill mandates that funds be deposited with the county treasurer in a state bank for a specified term (ending at age 18 for minors or when a guardian is appointed), with automatic release upon those conditions. It also specifies that unclaimed funds over $100 must be invested in insured accounts after 30 days, with full payment upon claim. The law became effective November 1, 2025.
House Bill 2068 repeals Section 1852 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which currently relates to notices posted at fire alarm boxes. This bill removes those specific legal provisions, with the change taking effect on November 1, 2025.
Senate Bill 991 codifies the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Anti-Semitism, including its contemporary examples, into Oklahoma law. This definition is adopted exclusively as a tool and guide for state agencies and institutions, including law enforcement, for training, education, and recognizing and combating anti-Semitic hate crimes or discrimination. It also provides a framework for tracking and reporting anti-Semitic incidents within the state. The bill explicitly states that its provisions do not diminish or infringe upon rights protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or the Oklahoma Constitution.
House Bill 2084 amends continuing education requirements for electrical professionals in Oklahoma. Effective January 1, 2026, contractors and journeymen must complete 12 hours of approved continuing education every three years to renew their licenses, with specific requirements for code-related content. Electrical apprentices will also need to complete three hours of approved continuing education annually for re-registration, though student apprentices or those in approved courses are exempt. The Committee of Electrical Examiners must approve all courses and instructors, and the Construction Industries Board will update its rules accordingly.
