OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, has introduced House Bill 1161, a measure designed to provide lawmakers with clearer financial and policy insights before approving any new health care mandates. The bill proposes requiring an impact study before final passage of any legislation that imposes new coverage requirements on health benefit plans.

Under HB1161, any bill that includes a health care mandate would need to undergo a study conducted by the Oklahoma Insurance Department before advancing to final passage. The study would evaluate the mandate’s social, medical and financial impacts, including its effect on insurance premiums, providers and market stability. The department would have 60 days to complete the analysis and could consult external experts if needed.

The bill also proposes that mandates be reviewed by legislative committees responsible for insurance. A majority vote would be required to request an impact study and additional analyses could be conducted on amendments or conference committee reports at the request of legislative leadership. The Legislative Services Bureau would be limited to five referrals per year unless additional studies are approved by the Insurance Commissioner.

“These mandates could drive up premiums by millions, yet we’re often asked to approve them with no real understanding of the financial burden on Oklahomans,” Tedford said. “This bill ensures we have the facts before making decisions. This is just responsible lawmaking.”