This proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 1041) would expand Oklahoma's homestead exemption to include surviving spouses of veterans who died in military service and received "Gold Star" status from the U.S. Department of Defense. It would allow these surviving spouses to claim a full property tax exemption on their homestead until they remarry, provided they reside in Oklahoma and previously qualified for the homestead exemption. The change applies retroactively to properties owned as of the 2014 calendar year by surviving spouses of veterans previously determined to have died in duty. This is a voter-approved constitutional amendment, not a law, and would require approval in a statewide referendum.
HB 3432 requires Oklahoma public schools to offer free admission to all sporting events for honorably discharged veterans who are current Oklahoma residents. Veterans must show either a valid Oklahoma driver's license or ID card with a "veteran" flag emblem, or their military discharge papers (DD Form 214). The law takes effect November 1, 2026, and applies to all public school-hosted sporting events statewide. It directly affects veterans seeking free access to these events, with schools required to verify eligibility using the specified ID methods.
HB 4293, the "Veterans Mental Health Innovation Act," allows Oklahoma universities and affiliated research facilities to conduct clinical trials using ibogaine - a substance derived from the Tabernanthe iboga plant - to treat specific medical conditions. It authorizes research for conditions like PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, opioid use disorder, and chronic pain, requiring registration with state health and agriculture agencies and annual reporting. Researchers and qualifying patients participating in approved trials receive legal immunity from penalties for ibogaine use, possession, or distribution under strict compliance with the bill’s requirements. The law explicitly states it does not decriminalize ibogaine for general use, focusing solely on regulated research. All activities must follow detailed study protocols and submit final reports to state legislative leaders.
HB 4279 creates a special revolving fund called the "Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Revolving Nonappropriated Veteran Care Enterprise Fund" to support care at state veterans' homes in Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton/Ft. Sill, Norman, Sulphur, and Sallisaw. The fund is financed by patient fees, gifts, donations, and other non-federal revenue (excluding state/federal grants), and can cover care costs, facility maintenance, staff salaries, and medical improvements for veterans. It requires the Department to maintain separate accounting, submit quarterly financial reports to the Governor and legislature, and comply with federal audit standards. The bill exempts the fund from standard state treasury procedures but does not change existing funding sources like state appropriations.
SB 1939 amends Oklahoma law to expand handgun license eligibility for individuals aged 18-20 who are members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard (discharged honorably). The bill updates Section 1290.9 of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act to explicitly include this group as qualifying applicants, removing prior age-based barriers for military-affiliated youth. It does not change other eligibility requirements (like age 21, training, or residency). This policy change takes effect November 1, 2026, directly affecting young military personnel seeking concealed carry permits in Oklahoma.
HB 3307 allocates $5 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to establish a revolving fund specifically for veterans' traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment and recovery services. The funding supports the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs in providing TBI care to eligible veterans, directly benefiting veterans with TBI injuries who access state veterans' services. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2026, and declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon approval. This is a funding measure with no new policy requirements, solely providing financial resources for existing TBI treatment programs.
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 3064 requires Oklahoma counties to use a new standardized form for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses when they purchase a new home, ensuring they maintain their property tax exemption. The form must confirm they previously qualified for the exemption on their old homestead, and county assessors must use it to update property records to reflect the new exempt status. This applies specifically to veterans who qualify under Oklahoma Constitution Sections 8E and 8F for their primary residence (homestead). The bill creates a clear process to avoid losing tax benefits during home purchases and ensures county officials send updated tax bills accordingly. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1970 designates a specific bridge on State Highway 18 near Pawnee, Oklahoma (three and a half miles south of Pawnee over Camp Creek in Pawnee County) as the "PV2 Earl Maggart Memorial Bridge" to honor a veteran. The bill requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to install permanent markers bearing this name on the bridge. It has no substantive policy changes or financial impact, as it is purely a ceremonial naming designation. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2026.
