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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 – 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 – Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, today praised the governor signing into law a bill to create the Lake and Industrial Access Revolving Fund. House Bill 3882 creates a continuing fund to be used by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for the purpose of providing grants through either its Lake Access or Industrial Access programs. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will be appropriated $15 million for this fund for Fiscal Year 2027, which starts July 1.  "These funds help improve infrastructure to new or existing facilities," Cantrell said. "This in turn can bring new jobs and economic development that are crucial to our entire state." Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson, is the Senate author of the legislation. “These Lake Access and Industrial Access investments will improve connectivity for residents, vacationers, and workers across Oklahoma,” Alvord said. “I’m pleased to see this legislation signed into law to enhance access to recreational areas and industrial corridors throughout our district and state.” The Lake Access Program provides direct access to public user facilities located within the immediate vicinity of lakes and other recreation areas, which are beyond the normal limits of state or local responsibility. Traditionally the access would spur off of the state highway system and would provide immediate access to a lake or recreational facility. The Industrial Access Road Program helps connect specific industry or industrial areas directly to state highways or local roads. Applications for such projects can be made by local government authorities that have jurisdiction over the roadways. Local governments also often provide a portion of the work or funding for the projects. Cantrell said such cost-sharing is important as it allows counties and cities the ability to complete projects that are beyond their ability to fully fund. "There is often no way a county, for instance, can come up with half a million dollars to reconstruct a road," Cantrell said. "But by qualifying for an access grant, they can share the cost and bring needed development in their area."

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure authored by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Kelley Hines, R-Edmond, to update Oklahoma law regarding explosive devices has been signed into law. House Bill 4142 updates Oklahoma statutes related to the unlawful use of bombs or explosive devices. The measure clarifies definitions related to explosive and incendiary devices, adds conspiracy provisions for individuals conspiring to place such devices and includes language protecting the lawful use of explosives. "Public safety laws must keep pace with the realities law enforcement officers face today," Manger said. "This legislation closes gaps in existing law by addressing conspiracy to place explosive devices while also clearly protecting lawful uses. It gives prosecutors and law enforcement stronger tools to respond before lives are put at risk." Manger, who serves as chair of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee, said the measure strengthens public safety laws while ensuring legitimate activities involving explosives are not impacted. HB4142 becomes effective 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.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, today commended the governor for signing into a law a bill that adds the operational area of an airport to the list of places considered as critical infrastructure. Under the provisions of House Bill 4108 , those convicted of trespass or causing willful damage will be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail for a term of six months or both. An organization found to be a conspirator will face a $10,000 fine. "Airports see thousands of travelers every day, whether flying for personal reasons or to conduct important business," Ford said. "It's vital that we keep these people safe and commerce unimpeded whether from the threat of terrorists, cyber attackers or even just thoughtless pranksters. This legislation will help, and I'm glad to see it signed into law." Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, is the Senate author of the bill. “House Bill 4108 adds another layer of protection to keep every part of our airports safe and secure,” Rader said. “This measure will deter trespassing and vandalism that could put travelers or airport operations at risk.” The new language of the law adds the operational area of an airport, including runways, taxiways, ramps, apron areas, aircraft parking and storage areas, fuel storage areas, maintenances areas and any other area of an airport used or intended to be used for landing, takeoff or surface maneuvering of aircraft.    Other critical infrastructure includes petroleum refineries, electrical power generating facilities, water structures, natural gas stations, wireless telecommunication infrastructure and more.  HB4108 takes effect Nov. 1. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation creating the Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Linked Deposit Program to help charter schools and nonprofit schools' access affordable financing for construction and facility improvements has been signed into law. The measure, authored by Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, and Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, establishes a new linked deposit program administered by the Oklahoma State Treasurer’s Office. "This legislation is about helping schools access the resources they need to grow and improve their facilities without placing unnecessary financial strain on them," Lepak said. "When market conditions allow, approved applicants receive private loans through local lending institutions at reduced interest rates. It is modeled after the successful linked deposit program for agriculture, and it creates another opportunity for charter and nonprofit schools to invest in their students and communities." The program will provide low-interest lending capital to eligible charter schools and nonprofits for new construction, expansions, repairs, improvements and integrated tangible personal property.    "More and more parents are seeking the best educational fit for their children, and while legislation has increased mobility by providing various financial assistance options, classroom space is a limiting factor. I look forward to seeing if this program will provide some relief," Lepak said. Daniels said the new law ultimately gives tools to the schools to help financial pressures families are facing. "This new law expands a tried-and-true program to help local schools make capital improvements on their campuses," Daniels said. "By offering these low-cost loans, charter and nonprofit schools will be able to build larger, more modern facilities that meet current safety standards and accommodate growing enrollment. This measure gives schools another tool to keep up with demand without placing additional financial pressure on families." Under the law, loan applications will first be reviewed by the State Treasurer before being forwarded to participating lending institutions for review and approval. Eligible borrowers may have one outstanding loan at a time for up to $1 million with a term of up to 10 years. Loan terms may be extended an additional five years with agreement from both the borrower and lender. HB1590 is based on existing linked deposit programs administered through the Treasurer’s Office that support family farmers, small businesses and housing developers by providing low-interest certificates of deposit to participating financial institutions. Under the new law, institutions must collateralize the certificates of deposit received from the Treasurer's Office, so there is no risk of loss of public funds, even if the borrower defaults. HB1590 was signed into law and becomes effective Nov. 1.