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.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to expand Oklahoma's Medicaid program to cover low-income adults. It would require the state to maintain eligibility without additional restrictions and allow Oklahoma to halt Medicaid expansion funding if federal matching falls below 90%. The amendment must be approved by voters via ballot measure. If passed, it would change Medicaid eligibility rules and create a specific funding threshold for state coverage. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to place this proposal on the ballot for voter approval.
This bill requires Oklahoma hospitals to provide patients experiencing fetal death or miscarriage with a form explaining how to request official certificates (fetal death or stillbirth birth certificates) before discharge. Hospitals must also verbally inform patients about these certificate options. The State Department of Health must create and publish this standardized form online, including clear instructions and contact details for vital records. The law takes effect November 1, 2026, directly affecting hospitals and patients in Oklahoma facing these medical circumstances.
SB 1645 establishes new rules for auditing long-term care providers (like nursing homes and Medicaid home-care agencies) under Oklahoma's Medicaid program. It requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to give providers 1 week's notice before audits, limits audits to 50 claims or 0.25% of annual claims, and prohibits holding providers liable for simple clerical errors (like typos) as fraud. Providers must be allowed 60 days to correct claims after an audit, and recoupments (recovery of overpaid funds) can only apply to corrected claims, not original billing errors. The bill also creates a two-step appeals process, allowing providers to challenge audit results through the Authority and then to an administrative law judge.
SB 2007 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Oklahoma to pay administrative fees to pharmacies when they adjust reimbursement rates for the same drug within 30 days after a successful appeal. Specifically, if a PBM increases reimbursement based on an appeal but then lowers it again for the same drug within 30 days, the PBM must pay $100 immediately, escalating to $500 after 90 days or $1,000 after 180 days if unpaid. The bill directly affects pharmacies and PBMs by mandating these fee payments for disputed reimbursements, ensuring providers aren’t financially penalized for legitimate appeal outcomes. It also includes other provisions like weekly MAC price updates and requirements for PBMs to provide clear documentation during reimbursement disputes. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1833 directs Oklahoma's Department of Human Services to seek a federal waiver preventing SNAP (food stamp) benefits from being used to purchase candy and soft drinks, and to potentially exclude other "nonnutritive" foods. The department must submit a waiver request to the USDA with public health justification, an implementation plan for retail point-of-sale systems, and an education strategy for recipients. If approved, the restrictions would take effect within six months, requiring annual reports to state leaders on SNAP spending patterns and program impacts. This bill directly affects SNAP recipients in Oklahoma by changing eligible purchases and requires federal approval for implementation.
SB 1344 creates Oklahoma's Insulin Access and Affordability Program, administered by the State Department of Health, to increase access to affordable insulin for residents. The bill requires the Department to provide financial support to a nonprofit pharmaceutical manufacturer developing fast-acting biosimilar insulin, contingent on the manufacturer matching funds and agreeing to produce insulin at low cost without rebates (except as required by law). The agreement includes annual reporting on development progress and repayment terms if the insulin isn't produced and distributed as promised. This program directly affects Oklahoma residents needing insulin, public and private payors, and the specified nonprofit manufacturer.
SB 1134 allocates $100,000 from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority for the 2026 fiscal year. The bill directly provides funding for the Authority to carry out its legal duties. It declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon passage. This is a procedural appropriations measure with no policy changes beyond the specified funding amount.
SB 1142 allocates $100,000 from unallocated state funds to Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The funding is intended to support the department's existing duties, including providing mental health and substance abuse services to Oklahomans. The bill declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon approval, bypassing standard legislative timelines. This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, and remains pending before the Appropriations Committee.
SB 1290 allocates $3 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to maintain the state's 2-1-1 hotline for the 2027 fiscal year. The funding ensures the hotline continues providing direct support for basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and medical assistance. This appropriation directly affects Oklahomans who rely on the 2-1-1 service for immediate help. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
