HB 3350 updates the language in Oklahoma's murder sentencing statute (21 O.S. § 701.11) without changing legal standards. It clarifies that juries must unanimously identify specific aggravating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt when recommending the death penalty, and specifies that the death penalty cannot be imposed if no aggravating circumstances are found or if mitigating circumstances outweigh them. The bill directly affects murder sentencing procedures in Oklahoma courts, requiring clearer written jury instructions. It is purely a linguistic update to existing law, with no substantive policy changes, and takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3395 amends Oklahoma's Higher Learning Access Program eligibility rules by changing the term "certified classroom teacher" to "school employee" in the definition used for student eligibility. Specifically, it updates Section 2603(8)(e) to allow students whose parents are "school employees" (not just certified classroom teachers) to qualify for tuition assistance. This change affects students with parents working in Oklahoma schools, broadening who qualifies under this specific eligibility category. The bill modifies the statutory definition without altering other program requirements or benefits. It is an administrative update to align terminology with current school employment classifications.
HB 3361 sets minimum reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers in Oklahoma through July 2027. It requires contracted entities to pay participating providers 100% of the standard fee schedule rate and non-participating providers 90% of the 2021 rate. The bill mandates value-based payment plans for providers tied to quality metrics, while ensuring specific protections for pharmacies, rural health clinics, behavioral health clinics, and emergency medical services. It also requires contracted entities to spend at least 11% of healthcare expenses on primary care and updates capitation rates annually based on federal standards. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3308 increases property tax exemptions for Oklahoma homesteads (primary residences) over three years: 33.3% off taxes in 2027, 66.6% in 2028, and 100% starting in 2029. It applies uniformly to all qualifying homesteads statewide, replacing any smaller existing exemptions. The exemption does not apply to property taxes covering pre-2027 bonded debt (like school bonds) for local governments. The Oklahoma Tax Commission must create implementation rules by December 2026, with county assessors applying the new exemption automatically to current homestead properties.
HB 3286 requires all health insurance plans in Oklahoma to cover pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care services - including support from perinatal doulas, nurse-midwives, and lactation consultants - without cost-sharing like deductibles or copays. It mandates coverage for breast pumps, supplies, feeding aids, and home visits for postpartum support for at least one year after birth. The bill also exempts breast pumps, supplies, and feeding aids from state sales and use taxes. These provisions apply to both private insurance and Oklahoma’s Medicaid program (SoonerCare), directly affecting pregnant individuals, new parents, and healthcare providers.
HB 3283 modifies Oklahoma's criminal forfeiture law by raising the standard of proof required for property seizures. It requires prosecutors to prove illegal use of seized property by "clear and convincing evidence" rather than a lower standard, directly affecting property owners in forfeiture cases. Key provisions protect innocent owners and lienholders by allowing them to prove they had no knowledge of illegal use, potentially preventing forfeiture if they hold a valid claim. The bill also clarifies how proceeds from forfeited property must be distributed, prioritizing victims and law enforcement costs. It takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3401, titled the "Oklahoma Home Health Practice Modernization Act of 2026," creates a named legislative act without altering existing home health practice regulations. It specifies an effective date of November 1, 2026, and is designated as noncodified (meaning it won't be added to Oklahoma's official statutes). The bill serves purely as a procedural naming and timing mechanism for future home health practice standards.
HB 3256, titled the "Oklahoma Mental Health Reform Act of 2026," is a procedural bill that establishes the act's name and sets its effective date. It does not detail policy changes, funding, or specific programs but creates a new section of law to be cited as the Act. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2026, and directly affects how the legislation is referenced in state law. No concrete policy provisions or affected populations are described in the provided text.
This bill, known as the Commercial Wind Energy Modification Act of 2026, establishes a new legal framework for commercial wind energy projects in Oklahoma. It does not change any existing laws or create new regulations, but instead sets up a specific name and citation for future legislation related to wind energy modifications. The act will take effect on November 1, 2026, and is currently in its early stages of the legislative process.
HB 3332 creates a new defined contribution retirement plan for Oklahoma teachers hired on or after November 1, 2026, replacing the existing defined benefit system for these new employees. Certified teachers and school staff who start working after this date must choose between the new plan and the traditional retirement system through a one-time, irrevocable election. Under the new plan, employees and employers contribute to personal retirement accounts, with benefits based on contributions and investment returns rather than final salary. The Teachers' Retirement System will manage the plan’s trust, investment options, and account distributions, while current teachers remain in the existing defined benefit system.
HB 3302 prohibits carrying both open and concealed firearms in specific locations across Oklahoma, including government buildings, courthouses, schools (except under limited policies), sports venues during events, gambling facilities, and most secured public events. Exceptions allow concealed carry in school parking lots (with firearms locked in vehicles), on fairgrounds during the Oklahoma State Fair or Tulsa State Fair (with open carry permitted at these events), and in certain parking areas. The bill modifies existing law to clarify prohibited locations and explicitly permits open carry at state fairs with event holder authorization, while requiring minimum security measures (like fences, officer-staffed entry, and metal detectors) for public events where firearms remain banned. It directly affects residents, visitors, and event attendees who carry firearms in these designated areas.
HB 3359 requires Oklahoma's Medicaid program to cover biomarker testing for Medicaid members when supported by medical evidence, such as FDA approvals, clinical guidelines, or CMS coverage policies. It directly affects Medicaid recipients needing these tests, healthcare providers ordering them, and Medicaid contractors managing coverage. Key provisions mandate that contractors cover testing at the same scope as other services, approve/deny prior authorizations within 24-72 hours, and provide clear online processes for coverage exceptions. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026, with no changes to existing Medicaid coverage standards beyond this specific requirement.
