Labor & Employment

HB 1769 modifies Oklahoma school district health insurance benefits for employees. It sets minimum monthly flexible benefit allowances: $69.71 for certified staff (like teachers) and $189.69 for support staff (like aides) if they opt out of the district’s health plan. Employees who don’t use their full allowance to cover health benefits receive the excess as taxable cash payments. The bill requires annual enrollment between November 1 and December 15, with specific rules for mid-year terminations and unused allowances.

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.