Labor & Employment

HB 1187 allows Oklahoma state employees to opt out of the state's basic health and dental insurance plans if they have separate group coverage, while retaining life and disability benefits. To opt out, employees must provide proof of their separate coverage and sign an annual affidavit, and they receive $150 instead of the flexible benefit amount they would otherwise receive. The state retains any savings from employees opting out of health coverage. This bill directly affects eligible state employees who qualify for separate group insurance and takes effect November 1, 2025.

HB 1729 codifies rules for Oklahoma retirees working for state or local government after retirement. It prohibits retirement benefits for months when retirees earn above Social Security’s annual wage limit from government positions (with exceptions for jury duty, witness testimony, or similar roles). Employers must notify the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) when retirees return to work, and retirees have specific options for recalculating benefits upon reemployment. The bill also prohibits rehiring retirees by their former employers for one year after retirement.