State Legislative Update: OHA carryover bill signed into law

Posted on: 5/3/24

SB 707, an OHA request bill carried over from last session, was signed by the governor Wednesday. The bill, carried by Sen. Paul Rosino and Rep. Cynthia Roe, creates several rights for the relatives of deceased persons such as being informed of the right to private autopsy, the right for a relative to receive a timely death certificate, and establishes a time frame for the investigation of determination of death. The bill goes into effect Nov. 1. 

It was a relatively quiet week at the Oklahoma State Capitol, with authors in both chambers moving to accept or reject amendments made to their bill in the opposite chamber. If an author rejects amendments to their bill, it is sent to conference. In conference, select members of the House and Senate will work to find agreement on final bill language. 

As OHA continues to negotiate final language for SB 1675 (Sen. Greg McCortney/ Rep. Marcus McEntire), the Senate rejected House amendments on Thursday and sent the bill to conference. The bill extends the healthcare provider rate floor in the SoonerSelect program and ensures competition in the marketplace by requiring a provider-owned organization to be awarded a contract during the next procurement cycle for SoonerSelect. By statute, the rate floor is set to expire on July 1, 2026. Stayed tuned to OHA action alerts as it will take grassroots advocacy to get the bill across the finish line. (Scott Tohlen)