SB 625 requires parties in Oklahoma civil lawsuits to disclose commercial litigation funding agreements (where third parties fund lawsuits) upon request. It mandates a sworn certification confirming whether foreign governments or entities control the funding source, including specific details about foreign state involvement. The bill prohibits such funding agreements or related information from being used as evidence in court, while exempting consumer-focused litigation funding agreements. This directly affects parties in civil litigation and courts handling discovery requests.
HB 1728 creates the Salt Cedar Eradication Act to manage invasive salt cedar (Tamarix species) in Oklahoma's Upper Red River Basin, directly affecting private, tribal, and public landowners in that region. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission will lead a program that maps infestations, implements eradication methods (like mechanical removal and chemical treatments), and provides financial and technical assistance to landowners. It establishes a revolving fund using state, federal, and private funds designated for salt cedar removal, and requires annual reports to state officials on progress, spending, and recommendations. The program aims to protect water resources, restore native ecosystems, and support agricultural productivity.
HB 1371 changes Oklahoma's oil and gas payment rules by requiring producers to pay owners within 6 months of first sale, then monthly or quarterly thereafter. Unpaid amounts now earn 12% annual interest (up from prior rates), except for uncashed checks, which earn no interest. The bill also clarifies payment options for small amounts ($10-$100), allowing annual payments unless owners request monthly disbursement. It directly affects oil/gas producers, royalty owners, and operators handling payments.
SB 1242 increases the bond requirement for medical marijuana businesses operating commercial growing facilities in Oklahoma. Licensees must now provide a bond sufficient to cover reclamation costs if their license is revoked, with the amount determined by factors like topography, hydrology, and vegetation potential. This applies to all commercial growers except those who owned the land for at least five years before applying. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1255 requires Oklahoma's Department of Corrections medical director to certify qualifying medical conditions and request the Pardon and Parole Board to place eligible inmates on a special docket for compassionate parole consideration. It directly affects inmates with specific terminal or debilitating conditions like dementia, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or conditions causing near-death (six-month life expectancy), or those unable to perform basic self-care. The bill bypasses the standard two-step parole hearing process for these inmates and mandates that at least three Board members must concur to consider medical parole. The Board must document concurrence in meeting minutes, and parolees may face revocation if their medical condition poses public safety risks.
SB 1246 updates Oklahoma's environmental permitting process to improve public access and transparency. It requires the Department of Environmental Quality to post all permit application documents online - including a searchable docket - so the public can view materials and sign up for updates without visiting physical locations. The bill shortens the deadline for holding public meetings from 120 to 75 days after notice for certain permits and mandates written responses to public comments explaining changes to draft permits. These changes directly affect environmental permit applicants, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the public participating in permitting decisions.
SB 1365 exempts the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department from the state's Central Purchasing Act for purchases of merchandise for resale (such as souvenirs, apparel, or publications) up to $75,000. This applies specifically to items sold through department-operated retail locations like gift shops, lodges, golf course pro shops, and online platforms. The exemption does not cover leasing or contracting for state-owned restaurants in state parks. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2026.
This bill is a procedural resolution that allows the Oklahoma Legislature to meet again after its initial adjournment on May 7, 2026, if needed before the session officially ends on May 14, 2026. It authorizes the House or Senate to reconvene at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. on May 14, provided both the Speaker and the Senate President Pro Tempore agree and members receive at least 24 hours' notice. The resolution also ensures that if no reconvening occurs, the legislative session is considered officially closed at 5:00 p.m. on May 14, while maintaining the constitutional deadline for final adjournment of May 29, 2026.
This bill prohibits mutual insurance companies in Oklahoma that were originally created by state statute and funded with legislative appropriations from changing their corporate structure to stock companies. The law mandates that any such company must first pay all policyholders the fair market value of their ownership interests before it can transition into a mutual holding company. Additionally, the legislation bars these specific insurers from pursuing any other structural changes while a court determines they are in the process of demutualization. The measure applies exclusively to entities like CompSource Mutual Insurance Company, which began with funds appropriated by the Legislature.
This Senate Resolution officially designates the week of May 4 through 8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week in Oklahoma. The measure honors the state's approximately 42,556 educators who teach over 686,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. By issuing this formal recognition, the bill acknowledges the significant contributions teachers make to student development and the education system. The resolution does not alter laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the profession.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to remove the current state-level restrictions on Medicaid expansion from the Oklahoma Constitution. It directs the Secretary of State to place this change on the ballot for a public vote at the next general election. If approved, the specific rules governing Medicaid eligibility for low-income adults would be moved from the constitution to regular state statutes, allowing the Legislature to modify them in the future. The measure also defines key terms and requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to maximize available federal funding for these services.
HB 3043 creates a new category of "seasonal employees" for Oklahoma's Department of Veterans Affairs, defined as unclassified staff working under 1,699 hours annually. These employees will not receive benefits like paid leave, health insurance, retirement, or paid holidays. The bill requires the Department to report annual usage of these positions, including worker counts and total wages, in its budget requests. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
