HB 3086 requires Oklahoma's State Board of Corrections to approve the Director's authority over prisoners' discipline and work programs. It specifically creates a Construction Division within the Department of Corrections for inmate work crews and prohibits inmates in this program from forming unions, striking, or engaging in collective bargaining. The bill also mandates Board approval for the Director to appoint staff, accept funding, or establish policies governing prison operations. These changes primarily affect prisoners working in the Construction Division and correctional staff managing prison programs.
HB 3939 allocates $10 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for workforce development programs in the Tulsa Metropolitan area. The funds will contract with a nonprofit focused on charitable and educational work to partner with schools and agencies, aiming to eliminate barriers to equitable opportunities and economic mobility for all students. The bill directs these programs to include workshops and initiatives specifically targeting student access to economic advancement. It becomes effective July 1, 2026.
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 3382 would provide a salary increase for most Oklahoma state employees: an 8.5% raise for those earning under $70,000 annually and a 2% raise for those earning above $70,000, effective July 1, 2026. It directly affects full-time state employees as of June 30, 2026, excluding employees of Oklahoma's higher education system (including universities) and common school districts. The bill requires the increase to be applied to base salary amounts, with the law taking full effect on November 1, 2026. This is a direct compensation adjustment with no additional policy mechanisms beyond the specified percentage increases.
HB 3672 amends Oklahoma's state employee benefits law (74 O.S. 2021, Section 1370) to establish a flexible benefits allowance for state employees. It sets a minimum annual allowance amount based on previous year benefits or current plan premiums (including health, dental, disability, and life insurance), with a 2% annual increase starting in 2022. Employees who opt out of the state's basic health plan receive $150 monthly instead of flexible benefits, and can use "pay conversion dollars" to cover costs exceeding their allowance through salary deductions. The bill also includes specific rules for military-connected employees (TRICARE beneficiaries) who may purchase supplemental coverage under federal guidelines. This directly affects Oklahoma state employees enrolled in the flexible benefits plan.
HB 3844 sets Oklahoma's state minimum wage at $15.00 per hour for all workers, effective November 1, 2026. It updates state law to require employers to pay this rate for all hours worked, replacing the current federal minimum wage. The bill explicitly prohibits employers from counting tips or gratuities toward meeting this wage requirement. This change directly affects all hourly workers and employers across Oklahoma’s private sector.
HB 4202 modifies Oklahoma's workers' compensation medical reimbursement rules. It requires MRI services to be provided by Medicare-compliant or accredited facilities to qualify for reimbursement, and sets reimbursement rates for other services at 150% of Medicare rates for certain evaluations. The bill also caps travel reimbursement for medical appointments at 600 miles round trip and updates the fee schedule to use Medicare rates as a benchmark. These changes directly affect injured workers receiving medical care and healthcare providers seeking reimbursement for services under workers' compensation.
HB 4321 amends Oklahoma's Elevator Safety Act to strengthen enforcement and public safety processes. It requires the Department of Labor to create an enforcement program including random inspections, written notices for violations, and public awareness efforts, while prohibiting retroactive application of new safety rules to existing buildings unless documented hazards exist. The bill also establishes a process for anyone to submit written complaints about elevator safety concerns, with the Department required to investigate if reasonable grounds are found. The law takes effect November 1, 2026, directly affecting elevator owners, operators, and the Department of Labor.
HB 3487 establishes a $15 hourly minimum wage for nonsalaried employees working in Oklahoma public schools, such as cafeteria staff, custodians, and other support personnel. The bill explicitly prohibits using tips, gratuities, or other benefits to meet this minimum wage requirement. It codifies this rule in Oklahoma Statutes (Section 197.18 of Title 40) and takes effect on November 1, 2026.
SB 1404 allows Oklahoma to withdraw funds from its Revenue Stabilization Fund during federal government shutdowns exceeding 15 days. Specifically, it authorizes using up to one-quarter of the fund's balance to cover state employee salaries affected by federal furloughs and replace lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Withdrawals are capped at the actual cost incurred and cannot exceed the fund's available balance. This directly affects state workers unable to work due to federal shutdowns and SNAP recipients whose benefits are reduced during such events.
