HB 1128 allocates $12 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to expand the School Counselor Corps program under the State Department of Education. This funding directly supports public schools by enabling the hiring or retention of additional school counselors. The bill requires the Department to create rules for implementing the expanded program, with funds available for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The measure becomes effective July 1, 2025, to immediately address counselor staffing needs in Oklahoma schools.
SB 851 requires Oklahoma school districts to provide statewide educator associations (like teachers' unions) equal access to school employees for communication and materials, mirroring access granted to other educator groups. It prohibits districts from conditioning access on free meals, donations, or fees, and allows associations to distribute membership materials in school mailboxes or via email. The bill mandates that districts notify the State Board of Education if access is denied without resolution within 15 days. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies directly to school districts and educator associations.
SB 506 requires Oklahoma school districts to obtain annual written authorization from employees for payroll deductions of professional organization dues or political contributions. It mandates that authorizations include a specific disclosure about voluntary membership (including First Amendment rights) and expire at the start of each new school year unless renewed. School districts must stop deductions within five business days of an employee's written request (including email or fax) and cannot charge employees for future dues after termination. The bill also prohibits districts from adding extra requirements for starting or stopping deductions and requires double reimbursement for delayed terminations.
HB 2883, the Utility Worker Protection Act of 2025, makes assault or battery against utility workers a felony. It defines "utility workers" as those employed by or contracted with companies providing electricity, water, natural gas, or other utility services while performing job duties. The bill sets penalties for such offenses at up to two years in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both, and states this law works alongside existing legal protections. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2025.
SB 90 provides a 5% benefit increase for retirees in several Oklahoma public employee retirement systems, including firefighters, police officers, judges, law enforcement, teachers, and general public employees. This applies to those receiving benefits as of June 30, 2025, and continuing to receive them after the bill's effective date (July 1, 2026). The bill includes offset provisions for certain pre-1981 retirees: their increases may be partially reduced based on changes to firefighter or police officer base salaries. The policy directly affects current retirees in these specific systems without altering the core benefit structure for most recipients.
SB 35 increases Oklahoma's minimum wage to $15.00 per hour or the current federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, for all covered hourly workers in the state. This change directly affects most private-sector employees in Oklahoma who are currently paid below $15 per hour. The bill amends the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act to update the statutory rate and sets the effective date for November 1, 2025. It does not include exemptions for small businesses or other adjustments beyond the wage rate itself.
SB 1268 raises Oklahoma's minimum wage to $13.00 per hour, with an additional $0.50 increase each year for five years after the law takes effect. This bill directly affects all employers in Oklahoma who pay hourly wages, particularly low-wage workers in the state. The policy change updates the existing Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act to provide a phased, multi-year increase rather than a single adjustment. The law becomes effective after its passage, setting a new baseline wage that gradually rises over time.
SB 563 allows Oklahoma county employees to take up to three paid workdays per year for election duties. It authorizes county boards of commissioners to create policies enabling qualified employees to use this leave to serve as precinct officials, absentee voting board members, or other election workers. The bill requires counties to develop these policies in coordination with the county election board. This change directly affects county employees who wish to participate in elections without losing pay, while ensuring election staffing needs are met.
SB 343 creates a refundable income tax credit for Oklahoma employees required to purchase specific safety or work-related clothing. The credit covers up to $100 per year for items like steel-toed boots, helmets, high-visibility vests, or protective eyewear mandated by employers. If the credit exceeds the employee's tax bill, the excess is refunded directly. The policy applies starting with tax year 2026, effective November 1, 2025. This directly benefits workers in safety-sensitive jobs who bear these costs.
SB 715 increases the employer contribution rate for Oklahoma municipalities with paid firefighters from 14% to 16% of total gross salaries, effective July 1, 2025. This change directly affects all Oklahoma municipalities employing paid firefighters by requiring higher annual contributions to the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System. The bill amends existing law to update the contribution percentages, maintaining the current 9% member contribution rate while raising the municipal share. It also declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon approval. The policy change aims to strengthen pension funding without altering member deductions or volunteer firefighter contributions ($60/year).
