Labor & Employment (Professional Licensing)

signed · Oklahoma · House May 4, 2026

HB 3177: Court reporters; salaries of court reporters regularly engaged by the Corporation Commission.

HB 3177 sets a base annual salary of $53,000 for court reporters regularly employed by Oklahoma's Corporation Commission. It also establishes additional pay based on certifications: $2,000 per year for each qualifying certification (like RPR, RMR, or CRR) up to a maximum $8,000 annually, plus a $3,000 equipment allowance and $400 per year in longevity pay (capped at $8,000 total). These provisions apply specifically to court reporters working for the Corporation Commission, with salary adjustments tied to certification levels and years of service. The bill directly affects court reporters employed by the Corporation Commission, detailing concrete pay structures rather than broader policy changes.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentIncreases base salary, certifications pay, and benefits for court reporters, advancing wage standards for specific workers in state employment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Professional Licensing

passed · Oklahoma · House Apr 22, 2025

HB 2802: Professions and occupations; additional terms; effective date.

HB 2802 amends Oklahoma's licensing laws for professions and occupations to limit when criminal history can block a license. It prohibits denial based on sealed/expunged records, arrests without conviction, or convictions over five years old (unless involving specific violent offenses like domestic abuse or sex offenses). Licensing agencies must now consider factors like the offense's relevance to the job, time passed, rehabilitation efforts, and provide written notice with appeal rights if denying a license. This directly affects applicants with criminal records seeking licenses for jobs like nursing, contracting, or childcare, ensuring decisions are based on specific, relevant criteria rather than vague standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves licensing barriers for individuals with past convictions, promoting reentry and rehabilitation - core criminal justice reform principles by reducing recidivism through employment access.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAmends licensing laws to reduce barriers for healthcare professionals (e.g., removing restrictions on sealed records), potentially increasing workforce access and patient care options.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill removes employment barriers by prohibiting license denial for certain criminal records, expanding workforce access and protecting workers' rights to gainful employment in licensed professions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Professional Licensing Tags Licensing

Track

in committee · Oklahoma · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 3783: Professions and occupations; Endorsed Plumber Apprentice License; definitions; eligibility; examination; effective date.

HB 3783 creates a new "Endorsed Plumbing Apprentice" status for individuals who pass the journeyman plumber exam but haven't yet completed the required one year of verifiable experience. It directly affects plumbing apprentices who meet specific eligibility criteria: being at least 17 years old, registered as an apprentice, completing an approved education program with 70%+ grades, and submitting required documentation. The key mechanism allows these apprentices to work toward their full journeyman license without retaking the exam, provided they complete the experience requirement within three years of passing the exam and are at least 18. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2026, streamlining the path to licensure for qualified apprentices.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates new 'Endorsed Plumbing Apprentice' status allowing qualified individuals to advance without full experience requirement, facilitating career progression in trade employment.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Professional Licensing

Track

signed · Oklahoma · House May 12, 2026

HB 3265: Retirement; Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System; term; psychologist; certification; salary; effective date.

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands mental health specialist eligibility to include psychologists for disability certification, directly supporting access to mental health services for law enforcement officers under pension benefits.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands disability benefit eligibility for police officers by including psychologists in certification and presuming line-of-duty status, enhancing retirement benefits and workplace safety protections for law enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Professional Licensing Retirement Benefits Unemployment

passed · Oklahoma · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 3794: Professions and occupations; grounds for licensure or certification denial; updating reference to the Insurance Department; effective date.

HB 3794 modifies Oklahoma's licensing rules for professions by restricting when criminal history can deny a license. It requires licensing boards to determine if an offense "substantially relates" to the job duties and "poses a reasonable threat" to public safety before denying an application, considering factors like offense seriousness, time elapsed, and rehabilitation evidence. The bill creates a pre-application process (Section F-G) where applicants can request a written determination on eligibility before applying, with boards required to respond within 60-90 days. It also prohibits denial based on sealed/expunged records, most convictions over five years old (with specific exceptions like sex offenses), or vague "good character" standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeModifies licensing rules to reduce barriers for individuals with criminal records by requiring job-related threat assessments, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves unnecessary barriers to professional licensing for individuals with criminal records, advancing employment opportunities and aligning with worker rights protections.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Professional Licensing Tags Licensing

Track

in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 16, 2026

HB 4262: Teachers; annual bonus for teachers with National Board certification; minimum salary schedule; striking National Board certification salary increment; effective date; emergency.

HB 4262 provides financial and programmatic support for Oklahoma public school teachers seeking National Board certification. It covers up to $1,800 of certification costs annually for up to 100 teachers through the Education Leadership Oklahoma program, offers free mentoring for up to three years, and grants two additional professional leave days for portfolio development. The bill also establishes an annual $5,000 bonus for certified teachers - payable for five years for those certified after June 30, 2013, or ten years for those certified before - funded by lottery dollars and paid directly to eligible teachers. This bonus does not count toward minimum salary schedules or retirement calculations, and recipients are ineligible for the additional salary increment under the minimum salary schedule.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides financial support for teacher certification, including cost coverage, mentoring, and $5,000 annual bonuses, directly strengthening educator development and retention.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides $5,000 annual bonus, covers certification costs, and grants professional leave days for teachers - directly enhancing compensation and professional development benefits for educators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Professional Licensing

Track

in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 4084: Professions and occupations; Oklahoma Worker Heat and Protection Act; definitions; safety requirements; water requirements; safety training; codification; effective date.

HB 4084, the Oklahoma Worker Heat Safety and Protection Act, requires employers to protect outdoor and heat-exposed workers when the heat index reaches 80°F or higher. The bill mandates paid rest breaks (15-20 minutes hourly based on heat levels), access to shaded areas, and cool drinking water (at least 32 ounces per hour at or below 77°F). Employers must provide heat safety training, post workplace notices, develop acclimatization plans for new workers, and establish emergency response procedures for heat illness. The law applies statewide to all non-emergency workplaces and takes effect November 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates employer safety measures for heat-exposed workers including rest breaks, water access, training, and acclimatization plans, directly strengthening workplace safety protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Professional Licensing Workplace Safety

Track

in committee · Oklahoma · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 4111: Labor; Oklahoma Workplace Competitiveness and Safety Act of 2026; Oklahoma Occupational Safety and Health Administration; definitions; powers; duties; funds; transfer; effective date; emergency.

HB 4111 creates the Oklahoma Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OOSHA) within the Department of Labor to establish state-level workplace safety standards. It mandates coverage for all public employees (state/local government workers) and allows private employers to voluntarily join the "SoonerSafe" certification program. Certified employers receive up to 10% workers' compensation premium credits, priority for state contracts, and the right to use a "Sooner Safe" seal, while OOSHA will enforce safety rules, provide free consulting, and collect injury data. The program begins July 1, 2026, with $10 million in initial funding to replace federal OSHA oversight for public workers and support private-sector participation.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates OOSHA for state workplace safety standards, mandates coverage for public employees, and incentivizes private sector compliance via SoonerSafe program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Professional Licensing Workers' Compensation Workplace Safety

Track

passed · Oklahoma · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 1339: Schools; directing funds to be allocated to certain school districts to implement the minimum salary schedule. Effective date. Emergency.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates state funds allocation for teacher salary increases, directly increasing public education spending as required by the bill.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates state funding for teacher salary increases based on experience/education, directly supporting educator compensation and retention in public schools.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates state-funded minimum salary increases for school staff based on experience/education, directly raising wages for certified personnel in public schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Professional Licensing

Track

signed · Oklahoma · House May 6, 2025

HB 1256: Professions and occupations; construction skilled trade education; modifying contract terms; effective date.

HB 1256 creates a Skilled Trade Education and Workforce Development Fund using fines from license violations in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and roofing trades. The fund finances contracts between the Construction Industries Board and career tech schools to develop trade-specific curriculum and promote skilled trade careers through public campaigns. It directs fines from four licensing revolving funds into this new account, requiring grantees to report on fund usage and program success. The bill directly affects trade workers, vocational schools receiving contracts, and the Construction Industries Board, which manages the fund and oversees program implementation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates Skilled Trade Education Fund to finance career tech curriculum development and promote skilled trade careers, directly funding educational programs at career tech schools.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates Skilled Trade Education Fund using license violation fines to develop curriculum and promote careers in construction trades, directly advancing workforce development and employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum Professional Licensing Workforce Development