The Oklahoma Senate passed House Bill 1805 on Tuesday, a measure that will affect the retirement benefits of licensed emergency medical personnel employed by the state. The measure, authored by Rep. Neil Hays, designates licensed emergency medical personnel hired on or after November 1, 2023, as hazardous duty members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). "Emergency medical personnel are designated hazardous duty members of the retirement system under this legislation," Hays said. "The goal is to support emergency workers, ensuring they receive enhanced retirement benefits and increased contributions, which more accurately aligns with the hazardous nature of their occupation." Qualifying emergency medical personnel includes emergency medical responders, technicians and paramedics working for a participating OPERS employer. Under HB1805, hazardous duty members of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) receive increased retirement and pension benefits than non-hazardous duty employees. Specifically, employees contribute 8% of their compensation toward their retirement benefits, while employers contribute at a higher rate of 16.5%. After completing 20 years of service, members can receive full, unreduced retirement benefits. Retirement benefits are calculated using a multiplier of 2.5% per year for the first 20 years of service and a 2% per year multiplier for service exceeding 20 years. Sen. Murdock, R-Felt, carried the measure in the Senate, which passed 41 – 0. It now moves to the Governor's desk for consideration.
During the 2024 Oklahoma Outstanding Child Abuse Prevention Awards at the State Capitol on Tuesday, Rep. John Talley, R-Stillwater, was named the 2024 Outstanding Elected Official by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Oklahoma Department of Health," Talley said. "Protecting our children and supporting vulnerable families has been a cornerstone of my work as an elected official. I am committed to continuing my mission to ensure every child in Oklahoma grows up in a safe and nurturing environment." Talley, who serves as chair of the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee, is the director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for North Central Oklahoma. He has also worked as an ordained minister since 1978. Every year, the 2024 Outstanding Child Abuse Prevention Awards recognize outstanding efforts of organizations, individuals, groups, activities or events that promote safe, stable and nurturing environments and relationships for Oklahoma’s children.
Legislation providing an optional indicator designating an autism diagnosis on driver's licenses and state IDs has been signed into law. House Bill 3671 was authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond. The measure would create an optional identifying mark for driver's licenses and state IDs to indicate that the person has autism. "I've been working on this legislation for almost two years, and I'm so pleased to see it be signed into law," Miller said. "After hearing from many Oklahomans who are autistic or who have autistic loved ones, I've been reassured the optional designator will help them interact with police without fear of being misunderstood. I sincerely hope the signing of House Bill 3671 will provide all Oklahomans with the necessary tools and protections when engaging with law enforcement and first responders." Miller said Emily Scott, who serves as executive director of the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, brought her the idea and has partnered with her on the issue every step of the way, including participating in the interim study Miller organized in October. "Governor Stitt's signing of HB3671 was an exciting day for many autistic self-advocates and their families across the state," Scott said. "His support, along with the many legislators who helped bring this bill to his desk, is the culmination of years of discussions and advocacy efforts. We are grateful for his continued dedication to recognizing the issues Oklahomans with autism and their families face and ensuring that effective policy is enacted to address the unique needs of this community." HB3671 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City. “House Bill 3671 allows Oklahomans with autism to voluntarily and discreetly add a symbol to their driver’s license that indicates their diagnosis,” Coleman said. “This will help law enforcement officers and first responders communicate more effectively with drivers that may have unique needs while putting both parties at ease. I was proud to partner with Rep. Nicole Miller on this important legislation.” Miller was recently named Legislator of the Year by the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma for her work on the bill. "It was a special honor to name Rep. Miller as AFO's Legislator of the Year for her work on HB3671 and dedication to serving Oklahomans with autism and their families," Scott said. "We watched her work diligently with her constituents, Service Oklahoma, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the most successful path forward in passing this bill. Our staff and board of directors remain grateful for her sincerity, work ethic, and curiosity to learn all she could about the safety issues and communication barriers autistic Oklahomans may experience during high-stress situations involving law enforcement." According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 36 children and one in 46 adults in the U.S. have autism. Oklahomans with autism who are interested in adding the designator to their licenses or state IDs should have the option beginning November 2025.