SB 563 allows Oklahoma county employees to take up to three paid workdays per year for election duties. It authorizes county boards of commissioners to create policies enabling qualified employees to use this leave to serve as precinct officials, absentee voting board members, or other election workers. The bill requires counties to develop these policies in coordination with the county election board. This change directly affects county employees who wish to participate in elections without losing pay, while ensuring election staffing needs are met.
This bill establishes the "Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Medical Fee Policy Act of 2025," creating a new framework for setting medical fees in workers' compensation cases. It directly affects medical providers treating work-related injuries and injured workers receiving medical care through workers' compensation. The policy will take effect on November 1, 2025, standardizing fee rates for medical services under workers' compensation claims.
SB 1204 requires Oklahoma school districts to provide teachers and school support personnel with three days of paid bereavement leave following the death of their spouse or child, including leave for miscarriage. This leave must be granted in addition to existing sick leave benefits and cannot be reduced by local negotiated leave policies. The bill amends Oklahoma law to mandate this policy for all affected employees, effective immediately under an emergency provision. It directly affects school employees covered under Section 6-104 of Oklahoma Statutes.
HB 3265 amends Oklahoma's police pension law to clarify disability benefit eligibility for law enforcement officers. It specifically expands the definition of "mental health specialist" to include licensed psychologists for disability certification (Section G). The bill establishes a clear benefit scale based on disability percentage (e.g., 50-74% impairment equals 75% of accrued retirement benefit) and presumes line-of-duty disability for officers exposed to hazardous substances like chemicals or blood-borne pathogens, unless proven otherwise (Section I). These changes directly affect Oklahoma police officers seeking disability benefits through the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System.
HB 3369 requires Oklahoma food trucks to meet fire safety standards, currently allowing them to use two standard fire extinguishers and annual staff training instead of automatic systems. This option expires January 1, 2026, after which all food trucks must comply with the latest state fire codes. The bill mandates annual inspections by the State Fire Marshal, with specific scheduling for high-population counties and statewide coverage. It also establishes a permit decal system and prevents local governments from creating conflicting fire safety rules, except in counties over 400,000 residents. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1613 updates Oklahoma's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) regulations to enhance safety oversight. It requires local officials (sheriffs, fire chiefs, or mayors) to notify the State Liquefied Petroleum Gas Administrator of LPG accidents or fires within one business day, enabling prompt investigations. The bill revises qualification standards for safety inspectors (requiring 2+ years of LPG system experience), modifies registration permits and fee structures (mandating fees fund specific safety programs), and updates container identification requirements. These changes directly affect LPG businesses, safety inspectors, and local emergency responders by clarifying reporting duties and operational standards. The bill also removes outdated provisions and updates language to be gender-neutral.
SB 201 establishes a mandatory minimum salary schedule for Oklahoma public school teachers beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. It sets specific annual salary floors based on years of experience and education level (e.g., $50,000 for a bachelor's degree with 0 experience), requiring school districts to meet these amounts through salary or fringe benefits. The bill defines "fringe benefits" to include retirement contributions (excluding certain state-mandated portions) and mandates written notice to teachers if districts propose salaries below the minimum. It also standardizes how teaching experience (including out-of-state, military, or Department of Defense service) is counted for salary increments, while prohibiting credit for more than five years of such experience.
SB 1379 establishes a two-year pilot program through Oklahoma's Attorney General's Office to provide grants to private nonprofit organizations supporting victims of sexual and labor trafficking. The program funds specific services like emergency shelter, mental health counseling, legal assistance, job training, and medical care - directly benefiting trafficking victims through partner organizations. Eligible organizations must demonstrate experience serving trafficking victims, maintain confidentiality, and use grants primarily for direct services (not exceeding 15% for administrative costs). Recipients must submit quarterly reports on services provided and outcomes, with the Attorney General compiling annual program evaluations for state leaders. The bill expands allowable uses of the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund to support this initiative.
SB 1884 ensures school districts grant statewide professional educators' associations (like teacher unions) equal access to school employees for activities such as distributing materials, speaking at meetings, and using school facilities. It prohibits schools from conditioning this access on fees, meals, or donations and requires districts to notify the State Board of Education if access is denied within 15 days. The bill also allows school employees to terminate membership in these associations at any time without restrictions or requiring a reason, and invalidates any existing agreements that limit this right. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, applying directly to school employees and educators' associations in Oklahoma.
HB 3671 redefines "career teacher" in Oklahoma law for public school educators. To qualify, teachers must meet specific criteria: either 3+ consecutive years in one district with certain evaluation ratings, 4+ years with averaged "effective" ratings, or a district petition process for those who don't meet standard requirements. This definition directly affects teachers seeking career status, which typically provides enhanced job protections. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
