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OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation modernizing Oklahoma’s laws surrounding advance health care directives and medical decision-making to give patients more control over their care has been signed into law. House Bill 1687 , authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, and Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, creates the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act of 2025. "House Bill 1687 is the first major update to Oklahoma’s advance directive laws since the 1990s, and this legislation has been the result of a long and thoughtful process," Roe said. “We began this work during the 2025 legislative session and continued working closely with Oklahoma for Life and many other stakeholders to make sure the language was compassionate, clear and carefully crafted for families facing very difficult medical decisions. I am proud to see this legislation now signed into law." The measure updates state law related to health care decision-making, advance directives and surrogate decision-making for individuals who may lose the ability to communicate or make medical decisions for themselves. It will allows individuals to create advance health care directives, including directives specifically addressing mental health care, and outlines processes for appointing health care agents and default surrogates. The law establishes a presumption that individuals have the capacity to make or revoke health care decisions unless a court determines otherwise or the presumption is properly rebutted by qualified medical professionals. HB1687 includes safeguards to protect patients’ rights while providing clearer guidance for families, health care providers and courts. The law clarifies that food and liquids necessary to sustain life may not be withheld unless specifically directed by the patient in their advance directive. It will also provide legal protections for health care professionals and institutions acting in good faith under the provisions of the measure. Roe says HB1687 will give patients greater control over their care and will help provide certainty for loved ones and providers during emotionally challenging situations. "This law is about protecting the dignity, wishes and rights of patients while also giving families and medical professionals clearer direction during some of life’s most difficult moments," Roe said. "As a nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand how important it is for people to have their voices respected in health care decisions, and this legislation helps ensure those protections are in place." The measure takes effect July 1, 2027

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation allowing the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to share complaint information with law enforcement when a complainant makes a serious threat of violence against a person or organization has been signed into law. House Bill 4302 , authored by Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, and Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, allows complaint information from the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to be disclosed to appropriate law enforcement agencies when necessary to protect the safety of others after a complainant communicates a threat. The information otherwise remains confidential unless ordered released by a court of competent jurisdiction. Before the new law, complaint information was generally kept confidential unless a court ordered it released. This bill creates a specific exception for safety threats. "We want people to feel safe reporting concerns involving the juvenile system, and this law preserves those protections," Norwood said. "At the same time, we have a responsibility to act when someone makes a threat that could put others in danger. This legislation gives law enforcement the ability to intervene before a situation escalates." Gillespie agreed that the new law will help ensure safety for threats moving forward. "Law enforcement is always the best place to turn when someone makes serious threats of violence," Gillespie said. "This new law protects a complainant’s privacy while ensuring law enforcement is informed of credible risks to public safety. When it comes to alarming threats, it’s always better to be safe than sorry." Under HB4302, disclosure is limited only to appropriate law enforcement agencies when a reasonable person would interpret a communicated threat as a serious expression of intent to commit unlawful violence. HB4302 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 – 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 – A measure authored by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Kelley Hines, R-Edmond, to update Oklahoma’s vehicle collision reporting requirements has been signed into law. House Bill 4143  updates Oklahoma’s collision reporting thresholds. The measure increases from $300 to $3,000 the amount of vehicle damage necessary to require a written collision report. For accidents occurring on public roadways, the threshold also increases from $500 to $3,000. "The previous reporting thresholds no longer reflected today’s repair costs or the reality of even minor vehicle damage," Manger said. "This update cuts down on unnecessary paperwork while ensuring serious accidents are still properly reported and investigated." The bill further provides that no report is required when all parties agree to exchange information and there is no injury, death or damage to property other than the involved vehicles. Manger, who serves as chair of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee, said the measure modernizes outdated reporting standards and reduces unnecessary burdens on drivers and law enforcement. HB4143 becomes effective Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A new state law prohibits law enforcement agencies from destroying weapons considered to have historic military value. The entities instead are to donate the weapons to local units of veterans' organizations that are incorporated by enactment of the Congress of the United States. Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, is the author of House Bill 1185 . "These weapons tell an important part of our military history and those who've served our nation," West said. "Our veterans organizations use these weapons for honor guard salutes at veterans' funerals, at other memorial ceremonies and historic reenactments. At the very least, these weapons can be used for their parts as older weapons go out of service."   West said the bill was requested by Bob Nichelson, vice commander of the Leflore County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 63 in Poteau.  West said it was particularly appropriate to recognize this bill being signed into law as veterans and active members of the military were recognized in a Joint Session of the Legislature on May 14. Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, is the Senate author of the bill. “This new law ensures that historic, valuable military weapons are preserved and made available to veterans’ organizations rather than being destroyed,” Bergstrom said. “I look forward to seeing this bill become law to support our veterans’ groups and the important work they do on behalf of those who have served our nation.”  The act will become effective 90 days after this year's sine die adjournment of the Legislature. 

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.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Cash payments made to Oklahoma state and local governments will be rounded to the nearest nickel after the Oklahoma Common Cents Act was signed into law. House Bill 3075 , authored by Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, and Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, establishes standardized rounding rules for cash transactions made to state agencies and political subdivisions. The rounding requirements apply only to cash, public transactions made to government entities and does not impact private businesses or electronic transactions. Payments made by check, debit card, credit card or other electronic methods will not be affected. "This is a practical solution that reflects how people are already using cash today," Hildebrant said. "As the use of the penny continues to decline, there is a need for clear statutory authority allowing state agencies and political subdivisions to round cash transactions in a consistent manner. I appreciate the Governor for signing this into law and my colleagues for their unanimous support in moving this measure forward." Under the law, cash payments ending in $0.01 or $0.02 would be rounded down to $0.00, amounts ending in $0.03 or $0.04 would be rounded up to $0.05, amounts ending in $0.06 or $0.07 would be rounded down to $0.05, and amounts ending in $0.08 or $0.09 would be rounded up to $0.10. To address any minimal rounding differences in property tax collections, the measure directs counties to absorb discrepancies through unappropriated general fund revenue. For all other payments, political subdivisions may use any available fund under their control to account for rounding differences. Hildebrant said the legislation was requested by Rogers County Treasurer Jason Carini after the county reviewed several years of cash transaction data and found the overall impact of rounding would be negligible. "The Rogers County penny analysis showed the rounding approach is essentially neutral overall, and in some years, it resulted in a slight net gain," Hildebrant said. Rogers County analyzed its own data to see what the result of rounding would have been. The county recorded 1,517 cash transactions in 2023, resulting in a net gain of $0.21 cents through rounding. In 2024, 1,555 cash transactions resulted in a net gain of $0.75 cents. In 2025, 1,542 cash transactions resulted in a net gain of $0.86 cents. The Oklahoma Common Cents Act mirrors similar legislation being considered at the federal level that would end penny production and require cash transactions to round to the nearest five cents. The Oklahoma Common Cents Act takes effect Nov. 1, for state agencies. Political subdivisions, including cities and counties, will have until July 1, 2027, to transition to the new rounding requirements.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, today commented on the signing of House Bill 4275 , a measure aimed at strengthening and expanding Oklahoma’s mental health workforce by providing clarity and consistency in certification standards.  HB 4275 updates state law to allow certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to maintain their certification through employment at the city and county level. The measure helps expand local access to care and strengthens support services for county sheriffs, courts, and first responders, including police and fire departments.  Miller said the changes will help communities better respond to mental health needs by supporting the people on the front lines of care.  "These are the people meeting others where they are and helping them navigate some of the hardest moments in their lives," Miller said. "They should be able to focus on that work without unnecessary barriers standing in the way of serving those who rely on their support most. This law helps clear the way so more communities can build strong, local support systems."  Sen. Aaron Reinhardt, R-Jenks, is the Senate author of the bill.  "This is a widely supported reform that will strengthen Oklahoma’s response to mental health crises and help connect people with the care they need," Reinhardt said. "Certified behavioral health case managers can play a critical role alongside police officers and firefighters by de-escalating situations and connecting individuals to support services. I appreciate Representative Miller’s leadership on this issue."  Miller said the measure reflects a broader effort to strengthen Oklahoma’s behavioral health system through practical updates that allow providers to serve in critical roles in their cities and counties while maintaining professional standards.  HB4275 will take effect Nov. 1, 2026.