HB 3598 prohibits undocumented immigrant students in Oklahoma from receiving in-state tuition rates or state-funded scholarships and financial aid at public colleges and universities. The bill amends Oklahoma law to remove the existing pathway allowing such students to qualify for resident tuition by meeting high school residency requirements and submitting immigration applications, and explicitly bans them from these benefits. An exception applies to students enrolled in a degree program during the 2006-2007 school year or earlier who previously received resident tuition under prior rules. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 4423 requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to verify the immigration status of all Medicaid applicants using the federal SAVE system (or its successor) before approving benefits. It specifically mandates that the Authority notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if an applicant's status cannot be verified as lawful. This applies to all applicants, including adults applying for child-only Medicaid benefits on behalf of a child. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not change Medicaid eligibility criteria but adds a verification step for immigration status.
SB 2073, the "Hire Oklahomans Act," prohibits all Oklahoma state entities (including agencies, universities, and local governments) from hiring or renewing employment for individuals under H-1B visas or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. The law applies only to new hires or contract renewals starting July 1, 2026, and does not affect existing employment agreements. It aims to prioritize public employment opportunities for Oklahoma residents by restricting state-funded positions to individuals not relying on these specific federal visa programs. The bill explicitly states that state employment funded by Oklahoma taxpayers is a matter of state sovereignty, separate from federal immigration authority.
HB 4422 requires Oklahoma's Department of Human Services to verify applicants' immigration status using the federal SAVE system before approving benefits for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It establishes a five-year bar for qualified aliens who entered the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, from receiving TANF or certain other benefits, unless exceptions apply. If SAVE verification shows unverified status, the department must notify the Oklahoma Attorney General, who may then alert U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill directly affects non-citizen legal residents applying for TANF or SNAP benefits, mandating status checks and specific notification procedures.
HB 3495 makes it illegal for anyone to act as a "straw person" to purchase property in Oklahoma on behalf of a foreign national. It defines a "straw person" as someone who buys property for a foreigner to conceal their identity or bypass restrictions. Violators face felony charges punishable by up to two years in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 2010 requires noncitizen applicants to provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S. (such as valid U.S. authorization documentation) when applying for an Oklahoma driver license. It also mandates all applicants to submit proof of identity and proof of residency at the time of application. The bill creates a new license designation for certain applicants and disallows specific renewal options for some licenses. These changes directly affect anyone applying for or renewing a driver license in Oklahoma.
HB 3493 modifies Oklahoma's higher education tuition and financial aid rules for students not lawfully present in the U.S. It requires students seeking resident tuition or state-funded financial aid (including scholarships and grants) to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status, such as a filed application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or an affidavit committing to file one within one year of enrollment. The bill specifically affects undocumented students who graduated from Oklahoma high schools but lack legal status, while exempting those already enrolled in degree programs before the 2006-2007 academic year. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, and apply to all state-funded aid programs at Oklahoma's public higher education institutions.
SB 1633 removes provisions allowing undocumented students to qualify for Oklahoma resident tuition by submitting immigration status applications or affidavits. It eliminates language ensuring these students would not be disqualified from state scholarships or financial aid based on immigration status. The bill aligns Oklahoma’s higher education residency rules with Section 3242.2, which generally prohibits non-residents from receiving resident tuition benefits or state financial aid. This change directly affects students who previously relied on the removed documentation pathways to access in-state tuition rates.
SB 1850 requires most Oklahoma employers to verify new employees' work authorization using the federal E-Verify system within three business days of hiring. Employers must provisionally hire workers until verification is confirmed and maintain records for at least three years. The law exempts employers already compliant with federal verification rules and those who hired staff before the law's effective date. It does not replace federal immigration law requirements, and violations could result in fines up to $5,000 per incident.
SB 2076 prohibits Oklahoma state contracts and tax incentives for companies using H-1B visas or optional practical training for jobs physically performed within Oklahoma. It applies only to Oklahoma-based work, not companies' out-of-state operations. Companies must certify compliance under penalty of perjury, and exceptions require a legislative waiver approved by both chambers. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not affect existing contracts or out-of-state activities.
