HB 4253, the "Taxpayer Dollars Protect Workers Act," requires businesses receiving Oklahoma's economic development incentives (such as tax credits, grants, or job creation programs) to comply with specific labor practices. It prohibits employers from bypassing secret ballot elections for union representation, sharing employee contact information with unions without written consent, or signing neutrality agreements that prevent them from discussing union issues with workers. The law applies to all projects funded by state incentives and forbids employers from requiring subcontractors to violate these rules. Violations may result in the state recovering funds, with reports investigated by the Attorney General.
HB 3313 establishes a new defined contribution retirement plan for Oklahoma public employees hired on or after November 1, 2015, replacing the traditional defined benefit pension for these workers. It requires a minimum 4.5% employee contribution (with a 6% employer match), allows higher voluntary contributions up to 7%, and gives participants investment choices through 401(a) and 457(b) plan structures. The bill excludes certain employees, including district attorneys, county/city officials, and some hospital staff, from this new system. Key provisions include customizable benefit forms, employer matching based on contribution rates, and requirements for the Board of Trustees to maintain tax-qualified plan status.
HB 3783 creates a new "Endorsed Plumbing Apprentice" status for individuals who pass the journeyman plumber exam but haven't yet completed the required one year of verifiable experience. It directly affects plumbing apprentices who meet specific eligibility criteria: being at least 17 years old, registered as an apprentice, completing an approved education program with 70%+ grades, and submitting required documentation. The key mechanism allows these apprentices to work toward their full journeyman license without retaking the exam, provided they complete the experience requirement within three years of passing the exam and are at least 18. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2026, streamlining the path to licensure for qualified apprentices.
HB 2766 is the Oklahoma state budget bill for fiscal year 2026, allocating over $1.65 billion from the General Revenue Fund to support public schools. It directs specific funding for teacher salaries, textbooks, health benefits for staff, school administration, and the School Consolidation Assistance Fund, drawing from multiple sources including the Education Lottery Trust Fund and Mineral Leasing Fund. The bill was enacted without the Governor's signature on May 29, 2025, and directly affects all Oklahoma public schools and their students through these state-funded resources.
SB 95 updates key definitions in Oklahoma's workers' compensation law to clarify eligibility and claims processing. It directly affects injured workers (claimants), employers, insurance carriers, and medical providers by defining terms like "case manager" (requiring specific nursing licenses or certifications) and "carrier" (explicitly including self-insured employers). The bill also clarifies what constitutes a "compensable injury," excluding age-related conditions like arthritis and adding drug testing rules for claims involving intoxication. These changes aim to standardize claims administration and reduce disputes over coverage. The bill became effective after the governor signed it on May 6, 2025.
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.
SB 521 updates Oklahoma's franchise law by clarifying key definitions in Section 6005 of Title 59. It defines "franchisor" to include subfranchisors who handle both pre-sale and post-sale activities, and specifies that a "franchise" requires trademark use, franchisor control or assistance, and a payment. Crucially, the bill explicitly states that franchisors are not employers of franchisee employees, and franchisee employees are not considered employees of the franchisor. This directly affects franchise businesses and their workers in Oklahoma by clarifying legal employer-employee relationships. The bill 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.
