This bill authorizes an emergency appropriation of approximately $19.66 million to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The funds must come from the Rate Preservation Fund in the State Treasury and are designated specifically for Title XIX services, which are Medicaid-funded mental health and substance abuse programs. The legislation includes an emergency provision, allowing the funding to take effect immediately upon the governor's approval without waiting for the regular budget cycle. This action provides direct financial resources to the state agency responsible for administering mental health and substance abuse services.
HB 1484, known as "Rain's Law," requires Oklahoma public schools to provide annual, research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students in grades 6 through 12. The bill mandates that this instruction cover suicide prevention, fentanyl abuse and addiction prevention, local resource access, and health education about fentanyl use. Schools must incorporate this content into health classes, and the State Department of Education will develop curriculum standards and resources to support implementation. The law also designates a week for "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week" to align with National Red Ribbon Week, with age-appropriate instruction determined by each school district.
HB 3682, the Oklahoma Clean Indoor Air Act, prohibits smoking in most indoor public spaces including workplaces, restaurants, bars, government buildings, schools, stores, and public transportation starting November 1, 2026. It allows exceptions for tobacco shops with proper ventilation, private residences (except for childcare/health services), designated hotel smoking rooms (limited percentage), and tribal lands. Establishments must display clear "No Smoking" signage, and the State Department of Health will create enforcement rules. Local governments may adopt stricter smoking bans than this state law.
HB 3887 removes a 30-day limit requiring physical therapists to obtain a doctor's referral for patient care in Oklahoma. It allows physical therapists (including those working directly for employers) to provide treatment without a referral for up to 30 days, after which a referral from a physician, dentist, chiropractor, podiatrist, or advanced nurse is required. The bill specifically exempts care for children under federal education laws (IDEA/Section 504) and allows physical therapists to offer wellness/prevention services without referrals. It does not change requirements for students, federal employees, or prevent physical therapists from performing screening or educational services. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3390 requires the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to update its Provider Search website to include specific information about Home and Community Based programs, directly affecting agencies providing Advantage Waiver, Living Choice, Medically Fragile Waiver, and State Plan Personal Care services. The website must display a rating system, inspection reports, substantiated complaints, administrator details, and a link to report issues to the State Department of Health. Agencies must update their information annually to maintain accuracy on the site. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 4407 creates the "Options Counseling for Long-term Care Revolving Fund" within Oklahoma's State Treasury to provide free long-term care planning assistance. The fund, financed by state/federal appropriations, donations, and grants, will allow the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to offer in-person or phone counseling about long-term care options to individuals or their representatives. Money from the fund can be spent without annual budget restrictions, with expenditures requiring standard state approval processes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and is classified as an emergency measure.
HB 4410 regulates referral agencies that connect seniors to assisted living facilities. It requires agencies to provide clear, written disclosures to consumers before referrals, including fee details, payment responsibility, and the right to terminate services without penalty. The bill prohibits agencies from charging fees for facility transfers within the same provider, after 12 months of service, or for referrals to unlicensed facilities. It also bans conflicts of interest (like owning facilities they refer to) and mandates background checks, insurance, and annual facility license audits for referral agencies. These changes directly affect consumers choosing care, referral agencies, and assisted living facilities.
HB 4412 creates a permanent revolving fund in Oklahoma's State Treasury called the "ADvantage Waiver Home and Community-based Services for Seniors Revolving Fund." This fund, managed by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, will provide home and community-based care services to seniors who would otherwise require nursing facility placement but choose to remain in home or community settings instead. The fund will be financed using state and federal funds, donations, grants, and other designated contributions, with no annual budget restrictions. It becomes effective July 1, 2026, to support seniors seeking alternatives to nursing home care.
SB 207 establishes the Oklahoma Rare Disease Advisory Council within the State Department of Health to address the needs of Oklahomans living with rare diseases (defined as conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people nationally). The Council, composed of 13 diverse members including patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, researchers, and industry representatives, will conduct public hearings, develop policy recommendations, and create emergency care protocols to improve access to specialists, diagnostics, and equitable treatment. The bill also modifies Oklahoma’s newborn screening program to require an educational initiative for treatable genetic disorders, aiming to prevent intellectual disabilities and reduce infant mortality through early intervention. This legislation directly affects rare disease patients, their families, healthcare providers, and state agencies responsible for public health programs in Oklahoma.
HB 2513, titled the "Oklahoma Mental Health Reform Act of 2025," proposed creating a position requiring an individual with specific qualifications to address the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services' court-ordered consent decree. The bill specified requirements for this appointee and included an emergency provision. It was scheduled to take effect November 1, 2025, but was pocket-vetoed by the Governor on May 30, 2025, with the veto taking effect June 15, 2025, meaning it never became law. The bill directly affected the Department's compliance with its existing legal agreement but was not enacted.
