HB 3911 directs Oklahoma's Medicaid agency to amend its federal 1915(c) waiver with CMS to expand coverage for postsecondary support (such as job training or education programs) under Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. This change would directly affect Oklahomans receiving HCBS through Medicaid who need postsecondary support to maintain independence in community settings. The bill requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to formally update the waiver agreement with federal authorities. The amendment would take effect November 1, 2026.
HB 1174 would establish a Human Trafficking Awareness and Education Program to be administered by the Oklahoma Bureau. The program would provide educational materials and training to schools, community organizations, and law enforcement to prevent trafficking and support victims. It directly affects public safety efforts by increasing community knowledge and response capabilities across Oklahoma. The bill is currently under review by the Appropriations and Budget committee.
SB 11 would increase retirement benefits for Oklahoma teachers currently receiving payments from the Teachers’ Retirement System as of June 30, 2025. Specifically, it mandates a 5% automatic benefit increase for all eligible retirees who continue to receive payments after the bill’s effective date. This policy change directly affects current retirees in the system, providing them with higher monthly payments without requiring additional applications. The bill codifies this increase into Oklahoma Statutes under Section 17-116.23 of Title 70.
SB 283 expands the annual transaction limit for Oklahoma's master lease program, which allows public higher education institutions to lease equipment and facilities without upfront costs. The bill specifically adds certain refunded lease projects to the annual limit calculation, enabling institutions to count these previously settled transactions toward their yearly cap. This change affects Oklahoma's public universities and colleges that use the master lease program for facility and equipment financing. The amendment updates Section 3206.6a of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes and sets an effective date for implementation.
HB 1430 creates a revolving fund in the Oklahoma State Treasury called the "Tinnitus Research Grant Program Revolving Fund" to support research on tinnitus. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education will administer the fund, using state appropriations and private donations to award annual competitive grants to Oklahoma public and private universities. These grants will specifically fund research aimed at finding treatments or cures for tinnitus. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025.
HB 1904 increases retirement benefits for certain Oklahoma teachers. It provides a 50% automatic benefit increase starting July 2025 to retirees who, at the time of retirement, had their maximum compensation level capped at $25,000 for calculating retirement benefits. This applies specifically to those receiving Teachers' Retirement System benefits as of June 30, 2025, and continuing after July 1, 2025. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, as specified in the bill.
HB 3709 requires Oklahoma state colleges and universities building new structures to set aside 5% of construction costs into a dedicated general maintenance fund for building upkeep. This fund must be used solely for routine maintenance (not new construction) and cannot replace existing maintenance funding levels. The State Regents for Higher Education must withhold state funds from institutions that fail to comply and conduct annual audits to ensure adherence. The law applies to all state educational institutions within Oklahoma's higher education system constructing new buildings.
SB 174 increases retirement benefits for Oklahoma teachers currently receiving payments from the Teachers’ Retirement System as of June 30, 2025. It provides a 0% increase for retirees with less than two years of retirement, 2% for those retired two to five years, and 4% for retirees with five or more years of retirement as of that date. The bill directly affects current retirees based on their retirement duration, not new retirees. Benefits are calculated as of June 30, 2025, and apply to those continuing to receive payments after the law takes effect. The bill codifies this benefit structure into Oklahoma Statutes.
HB 1980, the Oklahoma Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, prohibits public colleges and universities from asking prospective online students about their past criminal records if those students will not reside on campus during their enrollment. The bill also bans institutions from inquiring about an applicant's juvenile behavioral history. These restrictions apply specifically to students enrolled exclusively in online programs, with the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education responsible for enforcement and potential penalties for violations, including fines or loss of state funding. The law aims to remove barriers for certain students seeking higher education access.
SCR 11 is a concurrent resolution expressing the Oklahoma Legislature's intent to reduce the individual income tax rate by 0.25% for taxpayers. It directly affects all Oklahomans who pay individual income tax, aiming to return revenue to citizens while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The resolution urges state agencies to eliminate budget waste - particularly for unfilled positions - and protect core services like education and public safety during potential spending reductions. It does not enact a tax cut but formally states legislative intent to pursue this policy change during the upcoming session, citing Oklahoma's strong financial position with over $5 billion in reserves.
