This bill establishes a detailed schedule for the 61st Oklahoma Legislature, setting specific dates for when lawmakers must introduce bills, conduct readings, and adjourn sessions for both the first and second regular sessions. It directly affects all members of the House of Representatives and the Senate by creating mandatory deadlines, such as requiring bill introductions by mid-January and final passage by late May. While the resolution sets these strict timelines to organize legislative work, it includes several exceptions that allow certain types of bills, including budget measures and emergency legislation, to bypass these deadlines. Additionally, the schedule permits exemptions for specific bills if approved by a two-thirds vote in either chamber or both chambers.
This bill approves specific permanent rules proposed by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, which will govern how medical marijuana is regulated in the state. By signing off on these rules, the legislature allows the authority to enforce new guidelines for medical marijuana programs. The resolution also instructs the Secretary of State to send copies of the approved rules to the Governor and the editor of The Oklahoma Register.
This Senate resolution grants the President Pro Tempore specific authority to manage Senate property and operations during the 2026 legislative break. It allows the leader to hire staff, approve necessary repairs and purchases for Senate facilities, and authorize reimbursement for official expenses incurred by members and employees. Additionally, the resolution restricts access to Senate offices and chambers to private groups or state agencies without the President Pro Tempore's consent and permits the appointment of interim committees. These measures are designed to ensure the protection of Senate assets and the continuity of essential duties while the legislature is not in session.
This bill approves specific permanent rules created by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority that govern how Medicaid funds are managed. The rules cover various administrative procedures and operational standards for the state's healthcare program. If passed, these regulations will become official guidelines for the agency responsible for administering Medicaid in Oklahoma. The measure also directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Governor and a state publication.
HB 4423 requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to verify the immigration status of all Medicaid applicants using the federal SAVE system (or its successor) before approving benefits. It specifically mandates that the Authority notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if an applicant's status cannot be verified as lawful. This applies to all applicants, including adults applying for child-only Medicaid benefits on behalf of a child. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and does not change Medicaid eligibility criteria but adds a verification step for immigration status.
SB 2063 amends Oklahoma's Uniform Unclaimed Property Act to update filing requirements for businesses holding unclaimed property (like banks, insurers, or utilities). It requires holders to include specific details when submitting property to the State Treasurer and mandates that certain information be published on a public website for claimants. The bill also requires the State Treasurer to make annual reports of unclaimed property available online and respond to claimant requests within set timeframes. These changes aim to improve transparency and streamline the process for individuals or entities seeking to reclaim lost funds or assets.
SB 1595 prohibits Oklahoma state agencies and contracted entities from giving specific recommendations for or against commercial driver training schools. It also bans agencies administering student grants from withholding funds based on a student’s choice of school. Affected schools or students can sue if these rules are violated. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and is classified as an emergency measure.
SB 1614 modifies Oklahoma's requirements for adjunct teachers by establishing that they must hold a high school diploma and have "distinguished qualifications in their field" but do not need standard teaching certification. The bill specifically prohibits adjunct teachers from being employed full-time as math or English language arts teachers for grades 1-5 in public schools or public charter schools. It also clarifies that adjunct teachers without a valid teaching certificate are not considered "teachers" under Oklahoma law (Section 1-116). The bill amends Section 6-122.3 of state law and takes effect immediately due to an emergency declaration.
SB 122 appropriates $9 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to the Weigh Station Improvement Revolving Fund for the 2023 fiscal year. This funding directly supports the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (DOT) in upgrading weigh stations, which inspect commercial truck weights to ensure road safety and compliance with weight limits. The bill provides concrete financial resources for the DOT to carry out its legal duties related to weigh station maintenance and improvements. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, with an emergency declaration allowing immediate implementation upon approval. The bill does not alter laws or create new regulations but allocates specific funds for existing DOT responsibilities.
SB 740 amends Oklahoma's mental health definitions to modernize terminology and clarify eligibility for care. It replaces outdated terms like "insane" and "mental disease" with "mental illness" throughout the law and defines key terms such as "person requiring treatment" (based on specific risk criteria like immediate harm to self/others) and "licensed mental health professional" (including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors). The bill directly affects mental health facilities, providers, and individuals receiving care by standardizing how these terms are used in legal documents, admission processes, and treatment decisions. It does not create new services or funding but ensures consistent application of existing mental health laws.
SB 650 requires municipal and publicly owned sewage utilities to create detailed five-year plans covering system mapping, routine inspections, overflow response procedures, and a "Fats, Oils, and Grease" (FOG) ordinance to prevent blockages. The plans must include funding models, capital improvement schedules for repairs, and policies for notifying residents about backflow prevention options. If utilities follow these approved plans, they cannot be held liable for personal injury claims related to sewage overflows, though property damage claims remain possible under existing law. This bill directly affects sewage utilities and their ratepayers in Oklahoma, focusing on improving system maintenance and limiting liability for compliance.
SB 514 expands Oklahoma's statewide alternative education system to explicitly include charter schools and virtual charter schools that are designated by the State Department of Education as offering alternative education programs. It requires school districts serving grades 7-12 to provide alternative education programs meeting specific standards (like smaller class sizes, certified teachers, and individualized plans) and allows districts to use full-time virtual or blended instruction. Designated charter and virtual charter schools must follow the same performance standards and attendance policies as district programs, while funding is based on student enrollment with 15% reserved for cooperative agreements between districts. The bill directly affects school districts, designated charter/virtual schools, and students at risk of not completing high school.
