HB 2961 waives tuition and fees for spouses and children of Gold Star veterans (those killed in U.S. military service) at Oklahoma's public higher education institutions and career technology schools. It expands existing tuition waivers - previously limited to children of fallen peace officers, firefighters, and law enforcement retirees - to include Gold Star families who meet residency requirements (Oklahoma resident at death or during enrollment). The waiver covers all tuition and fees for up to five years and applies to both the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education and career technology districts. This bill modifies Sections 3218.7-1, 14-134, and 14-134.1 of Oklahoma Statutes, effective July 1, 2026.
HB 4275 standardizes certification rules for two mental health roles in Oklahoma: behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists. It requires the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to establish uniform education, exam, supervision, and continuing education standards for these professionals. The bill applies to individuals employed by state/local governments, contracted service providers, tribal facilities, or VA facilities, and restricts certified titles to these specific employment settings. Certification fees are capped at $100, and failure to comply with rules may result in suspension or revocation. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 1185 prevents sheriff's offices and campus police agencies in Oklahoma from destroying firearms deemed to have historic military value. Instead, these agencies must donate such weapons to veterans' organizations recognized by Congress (like the American Legion or VFW) rather than disposing of them through sale, destruction, or waste. The bill modifies Oklahoma's property disposal law (22 O.S. §1325) to require agencies to evaluate seized weapons for historical significance before disposal. This directly affects law enforcement agencies handling unclaimed firearms and ensures historically significant military weapons are preserved for veterans' groups.
HB 4118 proposes a tax credit for Oklahoma caregivers of eligible family members. It allows a 50% credit on qualifying expenses - such as medical travel mileage, home modifications, medical equipment, and hiring aides - for caregivers with income under $50,000 (or $100,000 for couples) caring for someone aged 62+ who needs help with two or more daily living tasks (like bathing, dressing, or eating). The credit caps at $2,000 annually per family, rising to $3,000 if the care recipient is a veteran or has dementia. The total annual credit pool is limited to $1.5 million, with unused funds adjusted yearly. If passed, it would take effect November 1, 2026.
HB 3078 requires Oklahoma state agencies to include a clear option for donating to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Revolving Fund on common government forms and websites. It mandates conspicuous check boxes on forms for driver licenses, vehicle registrations, hunting/fishing licenses, and income tax filings, as well as visible donation prompts on related government websites. The bill directly affects residents interacting with state services during transactions like license renewals or tax payments. It becomes effective July 1, 2026, adding a simple donation mechanism to routine state agency interactions without changing existing tax or fee structures.
HB 3257 requires Oklahoma state benefits for 100% disabled veterans to align with federal qualification standards under 38 U.S.C. § 1151. This means state benefits must meet the same eligibility criteria used by the federal government for fully disabled veterans. The bill directly affects Oklahoma veterans who receive state-level benefits and ensures consistency with federal rules. It takes effect on November 1, 2026, and codifies this requirement in Oklahoma Statutes. The bill does not change benefit amounts or create new benefits - it standardizes existing state practices to match federal qualifications.
HB 3044 amends Oklahoma tax return forms to allow taxpayers to donate a portion of their state income or corporate tax refund to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). These donations directly fund ODVA's equipment purchases and capital improvement projects, such as facility upgrades and new construction. The bill creates a dedicated "Capital Improvement Program Revolving Fund" to manage these donations, which can be invested and used for veterans' facility needs without annual budget restrictions. It reauthorizes this existing donation mechanism, effective November 1, 2026, and includes a three-year refund process for taxpayers who donate in error.
HB 4301 requires escrow and title companies to return earnest money to qualified U.S. veterans or active duty military members if a property appraises for less than the contract price. Companies that fail to comply face a $500 civil penalty per violation, with the funds added to the Attorney General's Law Enforcement Revolving Fund. The bill enforces a federal rule (38 C.F.R. § 36.4303(k)) and takes effect July 1, 2026. It directly affects veterans, active duty military members purchasing property, and the entities handling their escrow payments.
HB 4265 designates specific Oklahoma roads and bridges as memorials honoring military personnel and community figures, such as the "PFC William Tony Brock Memorial Highway" and "Theresa C. Redwine Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to install permanent markers on these designated locations, including bridges over Little Beaver Creek and highways in counties like Latimer and Atoka. It becomes effective November 1, 2026, and does not create new policy or funding. This is a commemorative bill with no direct impact on public services or regulations.
HB 3428 requires Oklahoma employers with more than 50 full-time equivalent employees to display a veterans benefits poster in the workplace. The poster, created by the Oklahoma Department of Labor in collaboration with the Division of Veterans Services, must list specific resources including mental health services, education programs, tax benefits, veteran driver licenses, unemployment insurance eligibility, legal aid, and the VA Crisis Line contact. Employers must display the poster in a conspicuous location accessible to all employees. The law takes effect November 1, 2026, and directly affects large employers statewide by mandating clear access to veteran support services.
