Rep. Tammy Townley

Maddy summarySB 1036, the "Oklahoma Triage, Treat, and Transport to Alternative Destination Act," requires health insurers in Oklahoma to cover specific ambulance services starting January 1, 2026. It mandates coverage for ambulance providers treating patients in place, triaging/treating/transporting to lower-acuity facilities (like urgent care or mental health centers), or for encounters resulting in no transport. This affects insurers, ambulance services, and people covered by health insurance plans. The law excludes hospitals, dialysis centers, and residential settings from "alternative destinations" and sets minimum reimbursement rates for ambulance services. It applies to all new or renewed health insurance contracts on or after the effective date.

Maddy summarySB 1036 requires Oklahoma health insurers to cover ambulance services that involve triage, treatment, or transport to alternative destinations (like urgent care centers, mental health facilities, or Federally Qualified Health Centers) instead of hospitals, starting January 1, 2026. It applies to all people covered by health insurance plans in Oklahoma and mandates that insurers cover these services when initiated via a documented 9-1-1 call. The bill specifies that coverage must not reduce existing benefits and sets minimum reimbursement rates for ambulance providers using this alternative transport model. This law takes effect November 1, 2025, with coverage requirements beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 174 increases retirement benefits for Oklahoma teachers currently receiving payments from the Teachers’ Retirement System as of June 30, 2025. It provides a 0% increase for retirees with less than two years of retirement, 2% for those retired two to five years, and 4% for retirees with five or more years of retirement as of that date. The bill directly affects current retirees based on their retirement duration, not new retirees. Benefits are calculated as of June 30, 2025, and apply to those continuing to receive payments after the law takes effect. The bill codifies this benefit structure into Oklahoma Statutes.

Maddy summarySB 174 increases retirement benefits for Oklahoma teachers currently receiving payments from the Teachers’ Retirement System as of June 30, 2025. The bill provides specific percentage increases based on how long a retiree has been receiving benefits by that date: 0% for less than 2 years, 2% for 2-5 years, and 4% for 5+ years. These increases apply to retirees who continue receiving benefits after the bill’s effective date. The change directly affects current retirees in the Oklahoma Teachers’ Retirement System who meet the specified retirement duration thresholds.

Maddy summarySB 653 amends Oklahoma law to allow the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to distribute *Oklahoma Today Magazine* electronically through subscription services, instead of requiring physical copies. This change directly affects the magazine's distribution method under the Tourism Department's operations. The bill updates Section 2237 of state law to include electronic delivery as an option, effective November 1, 2025. It does not alter the magazine's content, advertising rules, or existing operational requirements.

Maddy summarySB 653 allows the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to distribute the *Oklahoma Today Magazine* electronically, updating existing law to permit this method alongside physical copies. The bill directly affects the Department's publication process for the magazine, which is produced six times yearly and sold through subscriptions, advertising, and newsstands. Key provisions include amending Section 2237 to explicitly authorize electronic delivery and updating statutory references, with the change taking effect November 1, 2025. The bill does not alter advertising rules, commission structures for staff, or public access requirements.

Maddy summaryHCR 1005 is a symbolic resolution declaring February 13, 2025, as "Oklahoma Museum Day." It recognizes Oklahoma's 518 museums for promoting lifelong learning, contributing nearly $500 million annually to the state economy, and hosting over six million visitors yearly. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally honors museums' cultural and economic role through a ceremonial designation. This non-binding measure affects all Oklahomans by highlighting museums' contributions without altering policy or requiring state action.

Maddy summaryHCR 1005 is a concurrent resolution designating February 13, 2025, as "Oklahoma Museum Day." It recognizes Oklahoma's 518 museums for promoting lifelong learning, contributing nearly $500 million annually to the state economy, and hosting over six million visitors yearly. The resolution has no binding legal effect but formally declares the date to highlight museums' cultural and economic value. It directly affects Oklahoma's museum community and public awareness of their contributions. The resolution was adopted and enrolled on February 19-20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2891 exempts specific purchases by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department from the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act. It allows the department to buy merchandise for resale (like souvenirs in gift shops) and materials for revenue-producing facilities (such as hotel amenities, pool equipment, and maintenance supplies) without following standard state procurement rules. The bill clarifies that these exemptions do not apply to leasing or contracting for state park restaurants. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2891 exempts the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department from standard state purchasing rules for specific items and activities. It allows the department to directly purchase merchandise for resale (like items sold in lodge gift shops or online) and essential materials for revenue-generating facilities (such as hotel amenities, pool equipment, and maintenance supplies) without following regular procurement processes. The bill also permits the department to use standard hospitality industry promotions, including complimentary rooms, package deals, and guest incentive programs, as approved advertising expenses. These changes aim to streamline operations at state-run tourism facilities like parks and lodges, with the law taking effect November 1, 2025.