Rep. Mark Tedford

Maddy summarySB 434 increases the maximum combined contribution rate for Oklahoma county employees' retirement systems from 18.5% to 22% of each member's monthly compensation, effective July 1, 2025. It allows counties to make a one-time lump sum payment to cover the difference for contributions made between July 2021 and June 2022 if the total was below 18.5%. The bill directly affects county employees and their retirement funds, requiring counties to adjust annual funding to meet the new rate. This change applies to all Oklahoma counties operating retirement systems for their employees.

Maddy summaryHB 1497 amends Oklahoma's insurance regulations to clarify which entities must undergo liquidity stress tests and submit confidential reports to the state. The bill removes references to affiliates and subsidiaries from the list of companies required to participate in these financial assessments, narrowing the scope to the primary insurance entities themselves. This change affects insurance companies operating in Oklahoma by simplifying the compliance requirements for stress testing and information reporting. The legislation became effective law without the governor's signature on May 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe provided text is a committee amendment to HB 1497, not the full bill. Based on the bill's title, HB 1497 concerns insurance regulation, specifically addressing the registration of insurers, reporting requirements, and the implementation of a Liquidity Stress Test. It also includes provisions for the confidentiality of related documents, information, and trade secrets. The committee amendment modifies the bill by removing the phrase "and its affiliates and subsidiaries" from several sections, which likely narrows the scope of certain requirements to apply only to the primary insurer, rather than also including its affiliated and subsidiary entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1512 grants Oklahoma's Insurance Commissioner authority to operate a state-based health insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act, including applying for federal waivers. It creates a dedicated "State-based Exchange Revolving Fund" to support the exchange's operations and requires the Commissioner to promulgate necessary rules. The bill directly affects Oklahomans purchasing health insurance through the state marketplace by enabling a state-run exchange option. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and was enacted without the Governor's signature on May 15, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1512 grants the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner the authority to establish, administer, and operate a health insurance exchange or marketplace in the state. This enables the Commissioner to implement provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act within Oklahoma. The bill also allows the Commissioner to apply for federal waivers related to the Act. This legislation directly affects Oklahomans who utilize these health insurance marketplaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services from promoting or marketing insurance products other than those covered under the state's Risk Management Program. The law specifically bars the office from selling or advertising additional insurance options alongside the existing coverage for fire departments, fire protection districts, and related emergency services. The restriction applies to all insurance marketing activities connected to the Risk Management Program, ensuring the office only handles the specific insurance and indemnity coverage authorized by current statutes. The bill becomes effective on November 1, 2025, and does not alter the existing insurance coverage or eligibility requirements for participating fire and emergency service entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services from promoting or marketing insurance products outside of its existing Risk Management Program for fire departments and related entities. The law clarifies that the office can only provide insurance coverage for fire protection districts, volunteer and municipal fire departments, and rural fire coordinators using funds from a shared risk pool. It also states that the state is not liable for errors or negligence by these entities and that coverage is limited to the assets available in the risk pool. The restrictions on marketing other insurance products take effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 911 lowers unemployment tax rates for Oklahoma employers under specific conditions by decreasing the percentage rates applied to taxable wages. For example, the rate for employers in condition "a" drops from 42.5% to 41.25%, and similar reductions apply across other conditions. The bill updates the experience rate table that determines employer tax rates based on their claims history and removes outdated formulas for benefit wage ratio increases. It also raises the minimum balance required for the unemployment fund to ensure financial stability. These changes directly affect businesses paying unemployment taxes in Oklahoma.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 911 modifies Oklahoma's Employment Security Act of 1980, impacting how unemployment compensation is funded. The bill decreases the percentages used to calculate taxable wages for employers based on the Unemployment Compensation Fund's financial health. It also introduces a new table for determining employer contribution rates and raises the minimum balance required for the Unemployment Compensation Fund. These changes update the formulas and thresholds related to unemployment insurance contributions and fund management.

Maddy summarySB 924 amends Oklahoma's Employment Security Act of 1980 to update procedures for unemployment claims. It modifies definitions (including clarifying "digital portal filing" and "electronic e-filing"), allows the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to adjust appeal filing requirements, and updates rules for dismissing cases due to missing information or confidentiality. These changes directly affect claimants applying for unemployment benefits, employers, and the Commission. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 10, 2025, and did not become law.