Veterans

SB 1533 amends Oklahoma's veteran burial assistance laws to require that veterans receiving burial aid must have been residents of Oklahoma at the time of death. This change applies to both the Indigent Veteran Burial Program (Section 34) and the Dignity in Burial Act (Section 36), adding a new eligibility criterion that was not previously required. The bill does not alter the $1,000 reimbursement limit or other existing requirements, such as honorable discharge, death in Oklahoma, or documentation of burial details. It directly affects veterans who died in Oklahoma but did not meet the residency requirement, excluding them from state burial assistance programs. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

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.

HB 1366 enacts Oklahoma's participation in the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists to more easily practice across participating states. The bill establishes a uniform licensing process requiring a standardized exam, shares disciplinary records through the AADB Clearinghouse, and eliminates duplicate fees for licensees. It specifically waives application fees for active-duty military members and their spouses, expediting their ability to practice when relocating. This compact affects dental professionals seeking multi-state licensure and streamlines processes for military families.