House Media

Legislation by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, designed to strengthen tenant protections has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House Bill 2015  also updates Oklahoma landlord-tenant statutes to provide tenants with clear legal recourse if a landlord fails to meet their legal obligations under a rental agreement or as required by law. The measure outlines procedures tenants may follow in cases of noncompliance and establishes circumstances in which tenants may seek damages or withhold rent until issues are addressed. Pae said the measure is intended to modernize existing statutes and provide both tenants and landlords with clearer expectations and protections. "Renters deserve to know they have options when a landlord fails their responsibilities and doesn't uphold their side of a contract," Pae said. "House Bill 2015 brings greater clarity and balance to Oklahoma’s landlord-tenant laws while ensuring that disputes can be handled through a fair and structured process." HB2015 passed the House 52-30 and now advances to the Oklahoma Senate for consideration, where it is authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 3781 , authored by Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, a measure that would require insurers to submit proposed rate changes to the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner at least 60 days before those rates could affect consumers. "As homeowners across Oklahoma continue to face rising insurance costs, Oklahomans are rightfully asking questions," Adams said. "In a competitive market, transparency builds trust, and if rate increases are justified, then showing the work should not be a problem. This bill simply puts sunlight on the process so Oklahomans can have confidence in the system.” HB3781 would change how property and casualty insurance rate filings are handled by moving from a use-and-file system to a file-and-wait system. The commissioner would be required to review the filings within that timeframe or request a one-time 60-day extension if additional review is needed under the measure. Any rates determined to be excessive for the coverage provided would be subject to disapproval. The measure also directs the commissioner to halt any insurance practices deemed unfair or unreasonable. "This bill does not set prices, and it does not interfere with the free market," Adams said. "Insurance companies will still be able to charge rates that are actuarially sound and justified by risk. What this bill does is bring transparency to the process." Currently, insurers can implement rate increases and notify the Oklahoma Insurance Department afterward. Adams said the proposed change ensures rate adjustments are reviewed and supported by data before affecting 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. In addition to modifying the rate filing process, the bill repeals existing statutes related to market competitiveness and regulatory standards, allowing for a more consistent and transparent framework moving forward. "I believe in a strong, competitive insurance market," Adams added. "But I also believe in fairness and accountability. House Bill 3781 strikes that balance and helps protect Oklahoma families while maintaining a healthy marketplace." HB3781 passed the House with strong bipartisan support and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate, where it will be carried by Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation this week giving Oklahoma families more control of funeral options for their loved ones. House Bill 3660 , authored by Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, would create a balance between personal freedom and public responsibility. It would give Oklahoma families an additional end-of-life option while ensuring the process is governed by strong commonsense safeguards. The legislation would mandate nothing but would allow those who want additional options for their loved ones to do so with confidence that those options are safe and responsibly managed. "This bill is about giving Oklahoma families the freedom to make their own choices about how to bury their loved ones, and making sure that when they do, it’s done the right way," Dempsey said. "The government shouldn't be able to dictate or restrict how a family wants to lay their loved ones to rest." Dempsey also addressed lies circulating about the bill, emphasizing that the bill does not weaken existing protections or create new risks to the public. "A lot of what’s being said about this legislation is inaccurate," Dempsey said. "This bill includes safeguards and limitations, with strict state oversight. This is not a government mandate - no one is required to use it. It simply gives families a choice that currently doesn’t exist in Oklahoma." This legislation works within existing law that already prohibits this organic material from being used in agriculture, food production or commercial distribution of any kind. Those restrictions in the Consumer Protection Division of the Oklahoma Fertilizer Act are governed by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry under Title 2, Sections 8-77. This provides an additional layer of legal protection ensuring the material cannot enter Oklahoma’s food ecosystem. It also aligns with existing regulations established by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the Oklahoma Funeral Board, which, under state law, are responsible for licensing and regulating the process. "There is no pathway legally or practically for this material to enter Oklahoma’s food supply or agricultural system," Dempsey said. "The protections are layered, they are explicit and they will be enforced. Families can have complete confidence in that. Anything said to the contrary is a lie meant to stir up Oklahomans for political gain." Dempsey says the bill is a straightforward approach to protect personal choice, uphold public health and make sure it is done the right way. "It ensures the process operates under clear, enforceable standards and accountability," Dempsey said. "The body is placed in a controlled environment, monitored throughout and tested at completion to ensure it is free of harmful pathogens before being returned to the family. Loved ones are allowed to keep the soil to spread the same way they might spread the ashes of someone who has been cremated." HB3660 is now eligible to be heard in the Senate.