Sen. Aaron Reinhardt

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2888 amends the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG) program, which provides financial assistance for higher education. The bill outlines the eligibility requirements for students to receive an OTEG, including being an Oklahoma resident, enrolled full-time in an eligible private institution, and meeting specific income thresholds, such as a family income not exceeding $50,000 per year. Eligible students can receive up to $2,000 per academic year to help cover tuition costs at approved private, not-for-profit colleges and universities within the state. This act is set to become effective on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1646 revises the educational requirements for real estate appraisers in Oklahoma. The bill mandates that State Certified General, Residential, Licensed, and Trainee Appraisers must meet the minimum educational criteria set by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation. This change removes specific educational requirements previously detailed in state statute for these professions. Additionally, it removes the requirement for the Real Estate Appraiser Board to establish the cost of classes for Trainee Appraisers. This bill directly affects individuals seeking to become or maintain their certification as real estate appraisers in the state.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 726 amends Oklahoma's insurance laws regarding how insurers process claims after receiving a proof of loss. The bill requires insurers to submit a written offer of settlement or a rejection of the claim to the insured within 60 days of receipt. It also establishes rules for awarding attorney fees and costs to the "prevailing party" if a judgment is rendered, defining the prevailing party based on the relationship between the judgment amount and any settlement offer. If the insured is the prevailing party, the court would add 15% annual interest to the verdict. These provisions, however, specifically do not apply to uninsured motorist coverage or property insurance claims.

Maddy summaryHB 1501 limits public insurance adjusters' total compensation to 10% of an insurance settlement amount for claims involving government entities under Oklahoma's Governmental Tort Claims Act. This directly affects public adjusters working on cases against state or local government bodies. The bill prohibits adjusters from charging fees exceeding this 10% cap, including expenses or direct costs. It became law on May 6, 2025, and applies to settlements processed on or after November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1498 regulates prepaid funeral services in Oklahoma by requiring insurance permits for providers and clarifying oversight by the Insurance Commissioner. It directly affects funeral service businesses selling prepaid plans, mandating they obtain permits and follow commissioner-prescribed application procedures. Key provisions include updated penalty rules for violations, streamlined permit renewal processes (removing "new" from permit references), and administrative updates to repealed statutes. The bill became law on May 6, 2025, without requiring the Governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHB 1485 modifies Oklahoma's teacher contract rules by clarifying that temporary contracts for teachers with emergency or provisional certificates are exempt from the four-semester limit. It requires school districts to provide written contract terms upfront, or the contract becomes a continuing one, and grants teachers who complete a full school year on temporary contracts one year of service credit toward career status. The law also specifies that temporary contract teachers in federally or privately funded roles must follow evaluation rules but cannot exceed the four-semester limit unless replacing a leave-taking teacher or for emergency/provisional certificate holders. The bill, which became law without a governor's signature on May 6, 2025, directly affects school districts and teachers using temporary contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 1485 amends Oklahoma law regarding temporary contracts for teachers. It creates an exception to the existing rule that limits teachers to working no more than four semesters on a temporary contract within a school district. Specifically, teachers who hold an emergency or provisional certificate can now be hired on temporary contracts beyond the four-semester limit. This allows school districts to continue employing these certified teachers on a temporary basis for longer durations.

Maddy summaryHB 1498 establishes a regulatory framework for prepaid funeral services. It requires providers of these services to obtain permits, outlining the application process and setting requirements for permit holders. The bill grants the Insurance Commissioner authority to oversee these services, including prescribing the form and manner of applications. It also defines violations, penalties, and examination procedures for compliance, and repeals certain existing sections of law related to prepaid funeral services.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1501 limits the total compensation a public insurance adjuster can receive when working for government entities in Oklahoma. For entities subject to The Governmental Tort Claims Act, the adjuster's total commission, including all expenses and direct costs, cannot exceed ten percent (10%) of the insurance settlement amount. This bill directly affects public insurance adjusters and governmental bodies by setting a maximum fee for these services.

Maddy summarySB 808 clarifies Oklahoma's physical therapy referral rules, allowing licensed physical therapists (and assistants under supervision) to evaluate and treat patients without a doctor's referral for up to 30 days, except for workers' compensation cases. It specifically exempts children receiving physical therapy under federal special education laws (IDEA/504), screening/education services, and non-injury-related fitness/wellness programs. The bill explicitly states physical therapists cannot practice "healing arts" beyond their scope and maintains existing restrictions on non-therapeutic services. Signed into law on April 23, 2025, it takes effect November 1, 2025.