As the New Year begins, Oklahoma is introducing seven new laws that will impact voting rights, healthcare, and support for first responders. These changes, effective January 1, 2024, aim to address critical issues and improve the lives of Oklahomans.
Expanded Voting Rights: House Bill 1629
House Bill 1629 clarifies the conditions under which individuals convicted of felonies can regain their voting rights. Eligibility criteria include:
- Receiving a commutation reducing their sentence to time served with no remaining penalties under other felony convictions.
- Having a felony conviction reclassified as a misdemeanor with no additional time to serve.
- Being granted a pardon and having no outstanding sentences for other felony convictions.
Mark Faulk of the People’s Council for Justice Reform emphasized the bipartisan support for the bill and its potential to spark further criminal justice reforms. “We now have an appetite for real change,” Faulk said, highlighting the need to reduce incarceration rates and invest in preventive resources such as mental health services.
New Rules for Ambulance Services: House Bill 2872
House Bill 2872 establishes the Out-of-Network Ambulance Service Provider Act, which standardizes payment rules and procedures for ambulance services provided outside a patient’s insurance network. This act seeks to ensure fair billing practices and reduce financial burdens on patients.
Increased Transparency in Healthcare: House Bill 3190
House Bill 3190, the Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act, requires insurance companies to publicly disclose their prior authorization requirements for medical treatments. Additionally, the bill mandates that only licensed medical professionals can decide whether to deny care.
Preserving Fertility for Cancer Patients: Senate Bill 1334
Senate Bill 1334, also known as Corinne’s Law, enables cancer patients to preserve their fertility before undergoing treatment that could result in infertility. Senator Ally Seifried (R-Claremore) noted the urgency of such decisions, stating, “This bill ensures patients have the ability to act quickly during an emotionally and logistically challenging time.”
Updates to Tax Credits: Senate Bill 1401
Senate Bill 1401 revises language in Section 1, Chapter 340 of the Oklahoma Statutes regarding income tax credits. These amendments aim to streamline and clarify the state’s tax code.
Supporting State Waterways: Senate Bill 1429
Senate Bill 1429 renames the revolving fund previously designated for the Oklahoma Department of Treasury’s McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) to the Oklahoma Ports Infrastructure Revolving Fund (OPIRF). Funds collected by the Department of Transportation may now be allocated to MKARNS or state waterway ports.
Mental Health Support for First Responders: Senate Bill 1457
Senate Bill 1457 expands workers’ compensation benefits for law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs. First responders will no longer need a physical injury to qualify for mental health-related compensation. Mark Nelson, president of the OKC Fraternal Order of Police, praised the bill, stating, “This law allows our members to access necessary treatment and continue their careers.”
Conclusion
These seven laws mark significant progress in addressing voter rights, healthcare accessibility, and mental health support for first responders. As Oklahomans ring in the New Year, these legislative updates promise meaningful changes for individuals and communities across the state.