HB 2769 amends Oklahoma's military code to update the Oklahoma National Guard's structure and personnel rules. It requires the Adjutant General to have at least 8 years of Oklahoma National Guard service (previously 3 years) and sets their pay at Major General level. The bill creates the Oklahoma National Guard CareerTech Assistance Program, which provides education funding through a revolving fund for eligible Guard members pursuing career-focused training. It also adjusts nonjudicial punishment procedures, clarifies Adjutant General authority, and modifies eligibility for retirement benefits. The law directly affects Oklahoma National Guard members, leadership, and administrative staff.
SB 64 exempts eligible veterans from paying tolls on Oklahoma turnpikes. To qualify, veterans must have a 100% disability rating under Oklahoma law and be driving their own noncommercial vehicle. The bill amends existing law to add this exemption to the list of toll-free users, alongside law enforcement officers. It takes effect on November 1, 2025.
SB 41 designates a specific bridge over the Kiamichi River on U.S. Highway 259 (approximately 0.5 miles south of State Highway 63 in Le Flore County) as the "PFC Lewis Othel Branscum Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to install permanent markers bearing this name on the bridge. This memorial honors PFC Lewis Othel Branscum, a military service member, and applies directly to the public using this location. The designation becomes effective November 1, 2025.
SB 765 creates Oklahoma's participation in the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice across participating states with a single license. It streamlines licensure by using the existing American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) system, eliminating duplicate exams and fees, and includes a military waiver for active-duty members and their spouses. The compact maintains each state's authority to regulate practice and take disciplinary action while enabling faster licensure for relocating professionals and military families. This affects dental professionals seeking to practice in multiple states and simplifies the process through shared documentation and uniform standards.
HB 2840 creates a $1,500 annual income tax credit for Oklahoma National Guard members who live more than 50 miles from their assigned home station. The credit applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026, and cannot reduce tax liability below zero. Unused portions of the credit may be carried forward for up to five subsequent years. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, directly benefiting eligible National Guard members by reducing their state income tax burden.
SB 1354 creates a program through Oklahoma's Department of Veterans Affairs to provide headstones or markers and burial grants for eligible Oklahoma National Guard veterans. It directly affects veterans who served six or more years in the Oklahoma National Guard, died as Oklahoma residents, were honorably discharged, and are not already eligible for federal headstones under 38 U.S.C. § 2306. The bill establishes a revolving fund (using state appropriations and donations) to cover headstone costs and burial reimbursement, with the VA developing application rules and eligibility guidelines. This program will take effect November 1, 2026, if passed.
SB 1259 requires Oklahoma public airports that own, operate, or lease parking facilities to provide free parking to veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. military or Oklahoma National Guard. The bill applies to vehicles driven or occupied by these veterans and defines "public airport" as one open to all without prior permission. It takes immediate effect upon approval, declared an emergency. This policy change directly affects eligible veterans and airport operators by mandating free parking access at designated facilities.
HB 2896 establishes lifetime fishing and hunting licenses in Oklahoma with tiered fees based on residency, age, and veteran status. Residents pay $375 for a lifetime fishing license or $1,024 for a combination license, while nonresidents pay $3,000 or $7,500 respectively. Senior citizens (65+) pay reduced rates ($30/$60), and disabled veterans with ≥60% disability pay $25 for a combination license. Nonresident property owners must own at least 160 acres of land they’ve owned for a year, paid taxes on, and provide proof to qualify for discounted nonresident licenses. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1864 modifies Oklahoma's sales tax exemption for tangible vehicle purchases. It amends Section 1357 of the Oklahoma Sales Tax Code to adjust the exemption rules for sales of vehicles, directly affecting dealers and buyers of new or used vehicles. The bill clarifies that the exemption applies to vehicle sales but does not change the existing tax treatment for vehicle purchases. The specific changes to the exemption language are detailed in the amended tax code section, which was passed by committee in March 2025. The bill does not introduce new exemptions or specifically target veterans, as implied in the title but not reflected in the text.
HB 1138 creates a State Employee Dispute Resolution Program for Oklahoma state employees, requiring the Human Capital Management and Civil Service Divisions to handle complaints about disciplinary actions like terminations, suspensions, or written reprimands. It mandates mediation for most disputes before hearings, establishes an Office of Veterans Placement, and creates a confidential whistleblower program for reporting mismanagement or fraud involving state funds. The bill sets strict timelines (10 days to file complaints, 30 days for hearings) and requires quarterly reports on case volumes to state leadership. It directly affects most state employees but excludes elected officials, judges, certain political appointees, and employees in specific categories like temporary or seasonal roles. The law also shifts all state employee positions to be administered by the Human Capital Management Division without prior classified/unclassified distinctions.
