SB 1980 creates new criminal offenses related to gift cards and gift certificates in Oklahoma. It prohibits unauthorized acquisition or possession of gift cards (larceny), altering cards (forgery), fraudulently obtaining redemption information (fraud), and using stolen cards or information (theft), with penalties ranging from misdemeanor to grand larceny if $950+ is obtained within six months. The law directly affects cardholders (who receive gift cards) and issuers (businesses selling them), by making specific types of fraud punishable under existing Oklahoma criminal statutes. It defines key terms like "gift card" (including both single-merchant and network cards) and "redemption information" to clarify the scope of prohibited acts. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1916 creates a new division within Oklahoma's Insurance Department to manage supervisions, conservatorships, and receiverships of insurers. It requires all existing cases to transition to this division by January 1, 2028, and clarifies the Insurance Commissioner's authority to hire contractors, conduct audits, and handle related expenses. The bill updates definitions and procedures for insurer oversight, including rules about record confidentiality and the Commissioner's powers during financial distress. It directly affects the Insurance Department's operations and insurers under supervision or conservatorship. The changes aim to streamline administrative processes for handling troubled insurance companies.
SB 1651 amends Oklahoma's medical licensure laws for physicians and allied health professionals, affecting all licensed practitioners in the state. Key changes include establishing a new "special training license" for certain providers, creating "physician emeritus" status for retired doctors, prohibiting specific fees, and requiring national criminal background checks for all applicants. The bill also updates telemedicine authorization for respiratory care professionals, modifies application and renewal procedures, and removes outdated fee structures and language. These changes streamline licensing processes while adding new requirements for background screening and special practice categories.
HB 2979, the Talyn Bain Act, requires Oklahoma's Department of Transportation (ODOT) to establish 45 mph school zones on specific state highways when local jurisdictions (like school districts or municipalities) request them. This applies to highways meeting three conditions: having four or more lanes adjacent to a school, having a 65+ mph speed limit without special access features near a school, or being within 150 yards of school property. After establishment, the requesting local jurisdiction must cover all maintenance and operational costs for the zone signage and equipment. The reduced speed limit is enforced only when flashing beacons are active during school drop-off/pick-up times or additional approved hours.
SB 1810 requires Oklahoma human trafficking shelters and service programs to obtain certification from the Attorney General. It authorizes the Attorney General to enter agreements with service providers for victims and expands telephone communication services for victims. The bill also mandates confidentiality for victim information and updates definitions of human trafficking, including "coercion" and "debt bondage." These changes directly affect victims seeking services and the shelters/programs providing them, aiming to standardize and improve support systems.
SB 1876 requires foreign and alien insurance companies operating in Oklahoma to appoint a specific agent in the state to receive legal documents (like lawsuits). This agent must be either the Insurance Commissioner, a state resident, or another business authorized to operate in Oklahoma. The appointment must be permanent and cannot be canceled, and insurers must file the address where documents should be forwarded. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 2095 makes it illegal for anyone (including nonresidents) to guide, accompany, or assist in hunting or fishing for money or other compensation without written landowner permission. This directly affects professional guides and outfitters who operate without proper authorization. The bill creates misdemeanor penalties of up to $1,500 fines or 30 days in jail for first offenses, with harsher penalties for repeat violations, and automatically revokes hunting/fishing licenses for 1-10 years upon conviction. Exceptions include landowners, agricultural lessees, their employees, and individuals on licensed commercial hunting areas or feral hog facilities.
SB 1679, the "Preserving Oklahoma Values Act of 2026," declares court decisions based on foreign legal systems void if they conflict with defined "Judeo-Christian Western rights and values" (including due process, religious freedom, and marriage as defined by Oklahoma law). It also voids contracts allowing foreign law to govern disputes if that law does not uphold those values. The bill applies to state courts, administrative agencies, and private contracts, but excludes Native American tribal laws and religious organizations handling internal matters. It aims to prevent enforcement of rulings or agreements relying on legal systems deemed contrary to specified constitutional rights. The bill is labeled an emergency to take immediate effect upon approval.
HB 3369 requires Oklahoma food trucks to meet fire safety standards, currently allowing them to use two standard fire extinguishers and annual staff training instead of automatic systems. This option expires January 1, 2026, after which all food trucks must comply with the latest state fire codes. The bill mandates annual inspections by the State Fire Marshal, with specific scheduling for high-population counties and statewide coverage. It also establishes a permit decal system and prevents local governments from creating conflicting fire safety rules, except in counties over 400,000 residents. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3649 creates a trust for all real property owned by Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. It allows the sale of 12 specific land parcels (listed by location) but requires all sale proceeds to fund infrastructure improvements or capital projects directly benefiting the Department's clients - **not** prevention or treatment services. The trust mandates that most property remain held permanently, with only the named parcels eligible for sale under strict conditions. This bill directly affects the Department and the mental health clients it serves by governing how its land assets are managed and utilized.
HB 3467 modifies leave policies for education employees in Oklahoma, specifically expanding maternity and adoption leave to cover children under four years old. The bill directly affects public school staff and other education employees who take leave for childbirth or adoption. Its key provision limits eligibility to cases where the child is under four years of age, narrowing the scope of existing leave coverage. The bill was amended to include this age restriction and referred to the Education Oversight committee for further review.
HB 2153 modifies Oklahoma charter school enrollment rules, primarily affecting students, families, and school districts. It requires charter schools to give enrollment priority to students with siblings already enrolled (over other preferences), limits admissions to specific geographic "academic enterprise zones" (60%+ free/reduced lunch eligibility), and establishes new rules for virtual charter schools. Effective July 2024, virtual charter schools become statewide entities, students transferring to them are considered "transfer students" requiring district record transfers within 3 days, and virtual charter students may not participate in Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSAA) events (only intramural activities). The bill also prohibits enrollment restrictions based on factors like ethnicity, income, or academic performance, except for specified cases.
