House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – Those who commit repeat peeping Tom offenses will face harsher penalties under an act recently signed into law by the governor. Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, is the author of House Bill 4104 . The measure would require repeat offenders and those who record others secretly in private spaces to register as a sex offender. "Peeping Tom offenders degrade their victims and erode public trust," Ford said. "Victims of these crimes should be assured the perpetrators will face justice for their actions. The public will be better protected with this update in law."  Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Sapulpa, is the Senate author of the legislation. “Peeping Toms who repeatedly spy on people and invade their privacy are sex offenders, plain and simple,” Gollihare said. “This law makes sure chronic offenders and those who secretly record people in locker rooms or changing rooms face the serious consequences that they deserve for this deeply disturbing behavior.” Ford explained the bill deals with three subsections of Oklahoma's Peeping Tom statute. One addresses watching people changing clothes through a window, which is currently a misdemeanor. Another deals with attempting to take photos of peoples' private areas while they are in the public – also a misdemeanor. A third addresses an individual who hides a camera in a private area such as a locker or dressing room or a space where people would assume privacy when the offense involves three or more victims. This bill would turn second or subsequent misdemeanor offenses under this area of statute into felonies and require any felony offender to register as a sex offender. Perpetrators will face imprisonment of between one to five years and fines of up to $5,000.  Ford said requiring offenders to register as sex offenders will grant greater public transparency and allow law enforcement to better protect the public moving forward.  The measure was requested by the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board, which is staffed by the office of the state's attorney general. HB4104 takes effect Nov. 1. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation requiring insurance companies to submit proposed rate increases to the Oklahoma Insurance Department for review prior to taking, rather than raising rates first and notifying the state afterward, has been signed into law. House Bill 3781 , authored by Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, and Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, changes how property and casualty insurance rate filings are handled in Oklahoma by moving the state from a use-and-file system to a file-and-wait system. Adams says the new law will require insurance rate increases to be publicly posted so Oklahomans can see exactly what changes are being proposed and when. "This is a win for Oklahoma and it will bring transparency to the rate filing system in Oklahoma," Adams said. "No longer will carriers be able to raise rates and notify the Insurance Department after the fact. This new law requires insurance companies to file the new rate and give the insurance commissioner time to review them and request actuarial information. It also gives the commissioner a way to potentially challenge rates that are unreasonably high, discriminatory or unfair." Under the new law, insurers must submit proposed rate changes and supporting information to the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner before rates can take effect. In competitive markets, filings must be submitted at least 30 days in advance, while filings in noncompetitive markets must be submitted at least 60 days before implementation. The measure also gives the Insurance Commissioner additional authority to review filings and request actuarial data when rates appear excessively high, unfair or discriminatory. If a rate increase affects private passenger automobile, homeowner’s multi-peril or dwelling fire policies, notice of the increase and the overall percentage change must be published on the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s website. Adams said the measure creates a stronger process to oversee that rate increases are supported by data before they impact consumers. "Oklahomans deserve to understand what is driving these insurance increases and to know that rates are based on real data, not just timing or process," Adams said. "This gives the commissioner a way to potentially challenge rates that are unreasonably high, discriminatory or unfair. On top of that, rate increases will now be published publicly. This is a win for Oklahoma consumers." HB3781 takes effect July 1, 2027.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation designating the governance and coordination of Oklahoma’s statewide 211 support system has been signed into law. House Bill 4095 , authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso and Sen. Joanna Dossett, D-Tulsa, names the Oklahoma 211 Collaborative as the lead entity for 211 call centers across the state that connect Oklahomans with critical services, including food, housing, clothing, transportation and medical assistance. "This new law is deeply meaningful because behind every phone call is a real person or family facing hardship and searching for hope," Norwood said. "Whether someone needs help keeping the lights on, finding food for their children or getting connected to medical care, the 211 system is often the first place they turn. I am incredibly grateful to see this bill signed into law because it strengthens that lifeline for Oklahomans across our state." The 211 hotline provides 24/7 access through phone, text and web-based services. The hotline connects residents with local and statewide resources during times of need and plays an important role in emergency response and recovery efforts. "I would like to thank my legislative colleagues and the Governor for their support of 211," Dossett said. "The work we did together this session is a win for all Oklahomans." In 2016, state funding for the 211 system was phased out because of significant budget constraints. Since then, nonprofit organizations, United Ways, health systems and community partners have worked together to sustain services through private fundraising and support. HB4095 updates the Collaborative’s membership structure from 15 members to nine members, including three public-sector representatives and six private-sector representatives. Members will serve staggered initial terms followed by three-year terms and may be reappointed. Members serve without compensation. The measure places the 211 Collaborative under the administrative oversight of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and updates its structure to improve coordination, accountability and long-term sustainability of the statewide hotline system. Senate Bill 1290 , a companion bill to HB4095 and authored by Norwood and Dossett, was also signed into law creating the 211 Hotline Revolving Fund. HB4095 takes effect Nov. 1.