Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday ceremonially signed a bill supporting the health and well-being of military personnel.

House Bill 3673, authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, establishes the Oklahoma Tricare Reserve Select Reimbursement Program to provide grants to military members on state active duty orders for more than 30 days. These grants will reimburse eligible personnel for the cost of purchasing Tricare Reserve Select insurance coverage, benefiting both the service members and their immediate family members. 

"This legislation represents our commitment to the men and women who serve our state," Miller said. "By alleviating the financial burden of healthcare costs, we are ensuring that they can focus on their vital duties without worrying about the health and well-being of their families."

Miller said the Oklahoma Tricare Reserve Select Reimbursement Program will be a critical resource for those who serve on extended state active duty, providing them with peace of mind and essential healthcare coverage.

Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, coauthored the bill. Her district includes Tinker Air Force Base.

"This program ensures that those on state active duty are supported not only in their critical roles but also in securing the healthcare coverage they need for themselves and their families," Stanley said. "I appreciate Representative Miller, Governor Stitt, and the special guests who joined us for the ceremonial signing of this legislation. It is always an honor to come together in support of our service members and to celebrate policies that serve those who have served us."

Rep. Josh West, R-Grove, also attended Wednesday's ceremonial signing.

"As a veteran who was wounded in combat, I can't stress enough the importance of having the proper amount and the right type of insurance coverage not only for ourselves but for our family members," West said. "I'm grateful to see this bill signed into law to begin helping our military members with the cost of such coverage."

Miller worked on the legislation with the National Guard Association of Oklahoma (NGAOK).

"The National Guard Association of Oklahoma is excited on the signing of HB 3673 as it will provide another needed benefit to our Oklahoma Guardsmen while they are serving the state," said James Hight, who serves as president of NGAOK. "We would like to thank the many legislators, Governor and the Oklahoma National Guard for putting in the work to ensure Oklahoma Guardsmen have all the tools they need to complete any mission they are given. The Oklahoma National Guard is always ready and always there because of the countless efforts of so many to ensure they are the best Guardsmen in the country."

The program will be administered by the Oklahoma Military Department. HB3673 takes effect Nov. 1.