Administrative Rules

A measure requiring all administrative rules to receive proactive approval from the Oklahoma Legislature before taking effect has moved one step closer to becoming law. State agencies are often tasked with drafting administrative rules to implement state statutes. These rules must go through a public comment period and, once finalized, carry the full force of law. Currently, under Oklahoma’s administrative rules process, all submitted rules must be reviewed by the Legislature. However, if lawmakers take no action, the rules are then sent to the governor. Should the governor also decline to act, the rules automatically go into effect without any formal approval. Senate Bill 995 , carried in the House by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, would change that process by requiring all rules to be approved through a joint resolution of the Legislature before taking effect. Any rules not explicitly approved would be considered disapproved. "Too often, administrative rules written by unelected agency bureaucrats go into effect without any input from the people’s elected representatives," said Kendrix, who chairs the House Administrative Rules Committee. "This undermines the role of the Legislature and, by extension, the voices of our constituents. Senate Bill 995 ensures that lawmakers have the final say on new rules before they take effect. This bill provides the transparency and accountability Oklahomans deserve, and I believe the time is right to get it done." SB995 is authored in the Senate by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, who chairs the Senate Administrative Rules Committee. The two lawmakers held an interim study in October to explore protentional reforms to the rulemaking process. The bill passed committee 11-0 on Wednesday and now moves to the House floor for consideration. However, SB995 was amended in committee and would need to be approved by the Senate again before moving to the governor's desk. An emergency clause attached to the measure would make it effective immediately upon being signed into law.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed House Bill 2012, which would extend the operations of state harm-reduction programs through July 1, 2027. The bill, authored by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, ensures harm-reduction services such as needle exchange programs and rapid sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing can continue their work. The programs, which must be registered with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) but cannot use state funding, are currently set to expire in 2026.  "Harm-reduction programs are an essential tool in saving lives and protecting public health," Pae said. "These programs not only combat the spread of disease but also provide critical resources for individuals in need. This is a step forward for Oklahoma, as we work to support our communities and provide better access to life-saving services." The bill extends legislation Pae coauthored in 2021 that authorized harm-reduction programs to register with the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The four programs currently registered with OSDH distributed 578,330 syringes and 25,125 naloxone kits between 2022 and 2024. Additionally, they reported 1,212 overdose reversals and referred 1,528 individuals for substance use education or STI/HIV testing. Syringe exchange programs are linked to a decrease of HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV), both of which can spread through shared needles. In 2022, Oklahoma ranked among the top seven states in the U.S. with the highest rural burden of HIV. Each case costs the state over $500,000 throughout a person's life. That same year, Oklahoma also had the highest rate of new HCV infections. "Allowing these programs, which don't receive any state funding, to continue their work will later save the state millions of dollars," Pae said. "Additionally, extending this work will allow us more opportunities to learn about the long-term impact of these programs. Through House Bill 2012, we can continue to provide individuals with the resources they need to rebuild their lives and protect their health, ultimately creating a healthier and safer state for everyone." HB2012 passed the House floor 52-41 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

A bill extending the operations of state harm-reduction programs has passed committee. House Bill 2012 , authored by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, extends harm-reduction services, including needle exchange programs and rapid testing for sexually transmitted infections, through July 1, 2031. Without legislative action, the law authorizing these programs would expire in 2026. "These programs save lives," Pae said. "By extending harm reduction programs, we are preventing the spread of disease and connecting people to critical resources. The data speaks for itself: Harm reduction works, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they continue." In 2021, Pae coauthored the original law allowing harm reduction programs registered with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to distribute clean needles, test kits, and naloxone, as long as no state funding is used. These organizations also provide referrals for substance abuse treatment and other health services. Last October, Pae led an interim study on the impact of these programs. Between 2022 and 2024, Oklahoma’s four registered harm reduction organizations: Served 8,896 clients Distributed 578,330 syringes Provided 25,125 naloxone kits Reported 1,212 overdose reversals Referred 1,528 people for substance use education or STI/HIV testing HB2012 passed the House Administrative Rules Committee by a vote of 10-5 and now moves to the full House for consideration.