Labor & Employment

HB 1836 amends Oklahoma law to define key terms for the State Use Program, which governs state procurement from organizations employing people with significant disabilities. It specifies that qualified nonprofits must employ at least 50% people with significant disabilities (including blind individuals) in direct production work, and defines terms like "manufactured," "processed," and "assembled" for procurement purposes. The bill establishes a "Central nonprofit agency" (CNA) to oversee the program, with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services approving the procurement schedule. It takes effect on November 1, 2025, directly affecting state agencies purchasing goods/services from participating disability-focused nonprofits.

HB 2217 amends Oklahoma's workers' compensation law to clarify benefit rules for injured workers. It requires employees to comply with medical treatment (missing three appointments or abandoning care for 60 days can terminate benefits) and limits permanent partial disability awards to a 100% rating based on the American Medical Association's guidelines. The bill also caps weekly payments at $350 (increasing to $360 after July 1, 2021), not exceeding 360 weeks total for the body as a whole. These changes directly affect injured workers seeking ongoing benefits, employers managing claims, and medical providers submitting disability evaluations.

HB 1258 creates a new defined contribution retirement plan for Oklahoma teachers hired on or after November 1, 2024. Teachers must make a one-time irrevocable election to join this plan, which replaces the existing defined benefit system for them; those who don’t elect it default to the current retirement system. Employees contribute a mandatory minimum of 4.5% of salary, with employers matching 6% (increasing to 7% if employees contribute more), all managed in tax-qualified retirement accounts. The plan prevents accrual of service credits under the old system, and participation is binding for all future service with participating employers.