HB 4199 establishes a three-year Tri-Share Workforce Pilot Program to help working parents afford child care for children aged birth to 8. It requires participating employers, the state, and parents to share costs equally - state matching employer contributions up to one-third of total costs, with parents covering the remainder - targeting employees earning 150-250% of the federal poverty level who don’t qualify for existing child care subsidies. The program will test in six Oklahoma counties (two urban, four rural) starting July 2026, with the Department of Human Services developing guidelines, providing technical assistance, and reporting annually on participation and impacts. If successful, it could lead to a statewide program, but the pilot itself is limited to the specified counties and eligibility criteria.
SB 1937 prohibits employers who engage in specific labor practices from receiving Oklahoma's economic development incentives (such as grants, loans, or tax credits). It directly affects employers seeking these incentives by banning: (1) granting union recognition based solely on signed cards instead of secret ballot elections, (2) sharing employee contact information without consent, (3) signing neutrality agreements with unions, and (4) requiring subcontractors to violate these rules. Employers found violating these provisions must repay all incentives received for the project. The bill exempts existing agreements before its November 1, 2026, effective date and employers with current collective bargaining agreements.
SB 1480 requires all Oklahoma technology center school districts to appoint an apprenticeship coordinator. These coordinators must build employer relationships, help students access apprenticeships, and work with schools that offer apprenticeships under the AIM Act. The bill also mandates that schools serving technology centers must collaborate with these coordinators to improve student participation in apprenticeship programs. This directly affects technology center districts, their partner schools, and high school students seeking work-based learning opportunities.
SB 1339 establishes a tiered minimum salary schedule for certified school personnel (like teachers) in Oklahoma public schools, based on years of experience and education level. It requires the State Board of Education to allocate state funds annually to school districts to implement these salary increases starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts and their certified staff by mandating specific pay thresholds. The schedule includes detailed pay rates for different experience levels and degrees, with provisions for fringe benefits and out-of-state certification recognition.
SB 1647 creates a revolving fund called the County Community Safety Investment Fund within Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The bill broadens the fund's purpose to support evidence-based county programs including mental health/substance abuse treatment, pretrial diversion, jail intake screenings, employment, education, and housing services. Counties and multi-county partnerships can apply for funding, while the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board may receive up to $1 million annually for similar programs. The bill requires annual reporting to state legislators on fund allocations and program outcomes. It becomes effective July 1, 2026, with an emergency declaration.
SB 1646 requires Oklahoma health insurance plans to cover medically necessary mental health and substance use disorder treatment without arbitrary limits, affecting all residents with such coverage. It mandates coverage for "core treatments" aligned with clinical standards (like those from psychiatric associations), prohibits limiting care to short-term/acute settings, and bans insurers from rescinding authorizations after services are provided. The bill also requires insurers to follow specific rules for reviewing treatment requests and ensures out-of-network care access when in-network options aren't available. This applies to all health benefit plans covering hospital or medical services in Oklahoma, aiming to align mental health coverage with physical health benefits. The bill is pending in committee as of February 2026.
SB 1469 creates Oklahoma's Earned Wage Access Services Act, allowing workers to access earned but unpaid wages (like salary or hourly pay already accrued) before their regular payday through licensed providers. It requires providers to obtain a state license ($1,900 total fee), report all transactions to a state database within 24 hours, and follow specific consumer protections. The law directly affects Oklahoma workers (defined as state residents) and providers of these services, with the Department of Consumer Credit overseeing enforcement. Key provisions include defining "earned but unpaid income" to cover both employees and independent contractors, and prohibiting certain provider fees or practices.
This bill proposes creating Oklahoma's first state-run paid family and medical leave insurance program. It would provide eligible workers (including employees and self-employed individuals who opt in) with up to 12 weeks of paid leave annually for childbirth, caring for a seriously ill family member, or personal medical needs. Benefits would be calculated based on the worker's average weekly earnings during their base period, with employers required to provide notice about the program and protect workers from retaliation for using benefits. The Oklahoma Department of Labor would administer the program, establish claim procedures, and require employers to maintain existing leave obligations.
SB 1305 allows Oklahoma's Medical Marijuana Authority to contract with third-party vendors to handle employee credentialing for medical marijuana businesses. The bill requires the Authority to approve or deny vendor applications within 30 days and sets strict vendor requirements, including IRS 501(c)(3) status and training plans covering state laws, patient privacy, and safe handling. Employees must complete annual training (minimum one hour per topic) on these subjects to maintain credentials. The law affects all medical marijuana business employees and businesses requiring credentialing, effective July 1, 2026.
HB 1087 establishes a new minimum salary schedule for Oklahoma public school teachers based on years of experience and education level, directly affecting all certified teachers in the state's public schools. The bill sets specific annual salary amounts ranging from $39,601 for entry-level teachers with a Bachelor's degree to $65,319 for those with 35+ years of experience and a Doctorate. It clarifies that "fringe benefits" exclude certain retirement contributions and requires school districts to notify teachers if salary adjustments would fall below the minimum schedule. The law takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year after being approved by the governor on May 30, 2025.
