HB 3817 Oklahoma House · 2026 Regular Session

Insurance; Insurance Act of 2026; effective date.

This bill amends Oklahoma's insurance laws to allow certain local government entities and districts to join the state's Oklahoma Employees Insurance and Benefits Plans. It directly affects cities, towns, counties, hospitals, water and sewer districts, and other public organizations that currently do not participate in the state employee insurance program. The key provision requires these groups to apply in writing and meet underwriting criteria, with approval granted by a majority vote of their governing bodies. Participating groups must pay the same insurance premiums as state and education employees, and the bill outlines specific rules for when employees can continue coverage after retirement or leaving their jobs.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Feb 3, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Proposed Policy Committee Substitute 1 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended by the Policy Committee to replace the original text entirely. The new version clarifies that the Oklahoma Health Care Authority can extend insurance benefits to employees of specific political subdivisions and districts, including cities, towns, hospitals, and various utility districts. It establishes eligibility criteria based on work hours and employment status, and outlines premium payment requirements and insurance options for participating groups.

Scope change

The bill's scope was significantly expanded to include additional types of organizations eligible for insurance benefits, including rural water districts, sewer districts, gas districts, solid waste management districts, nonprofit water corporations, conservancy districts, and voluntary organizations of local government jurisdictions.

ELIGIBILITY

Added eligibility for rural water districts, sewer districts, gas districts, solid waste management districts, nonprofit water corporations, conservancy districts, and voluntary organizations of local government jurisdictions to participate in the Oklahoma Employees Insurance and Benefits Plans.

Added provisions allowing cities and towns participating in retirement systems under Title 11 of the Oklahoma Statutes to participate in the insurance plans.

Added provisions for employees who retire or have vested benefits to elect to continue health insurance coverage within 30 days of termination of service.

REQUIREMENT

Established that applications for participation must be approved by majority action of the governing body of the groups listed.

Added provisions stating that participating groups must pay all costs attributable to their participation and receive the same plan options as state employees at the same location.

Added provisions clarifying that participating groups are not required to offer dental or other insurance, but if offered, it must be provided to all eligible employees.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

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Key actions

Committee

Feb 2, 2026

Introduced

First Reading

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors