Representative Mark Tedford

R

District 69

Hi, I’m Mark Tedford and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 69th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Jul 9, 2024
Recent Posts

Governor to Ceremonially Sign Tedford's Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act

Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa, and Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready will participate in a ceremonial signing of House Bill 3089 – The Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act. Time: 11 a.m. Date: Tuesday, July 9 Location: Governor's Blue Room, second floor of the State Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd. "This measure assists homeowners in proactively protecting their homes from the destructive forces of nature in an effort to lower their insurance costs," Tedford said. "I'm pleased to bring together the various stakeholders who helped work on this legislation and those who will benefit from it to celebrate its signing." HB3089 establishes a grant program to assist residential property owners to construct or retrofit homes against the destructive forces of tornadoes, windstorms or hail. Grants will be administered by the Oklahoma Insurance Department for individuals with insurable property who reside in an approved county, meet certain home conditions, and own an owner-occupied, single-family residence. The legislation is co-authored by Reps. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, and Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman. Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, is the principal Senate author. HB 3089 was signed into law by the governor May 13. Ceremonial bill signings are held as a way to allow lawmakers and others involved in the drafting of legislation to engage in this part of the process. Under the measure, grant funds may be used by qualifying homeowners to reinforce their roofs with impact-resistant materials that meet the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) fortified standards. This will enable consumers to construct or retrofit their homes with impact-resistant shingles and other enhancements. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to lower-income applicants and applicants who live in areas more prone to catastrophic weather. The property owner must hire an approved evaluator to prequalify the property, obtain bids from at least three approved contractors, and follow specific retrofitting standards. The measure becomes effective Nov. 1., with the first grants going out in 2025.

May 14, 2024
Recent Posts

Governor Signs Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act

The governor recently signed legislation to provide financial grants to construct or retrofit homes against the destructive forces of tornadoes, windstorms, and hail. Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa, authored House Bill 3089, establishing the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act within the Department of Insurance. It would make grants available to residential property owners with insurable property who reside in an approved county, meet certain home conditions, and own an owner-occupied, single-family residence. "Many constituents are seeking solutions to mitigate these rising insurance costs," Tedford said. "While we cannot control the weather, we can proactively protect our homes from its destructive forces. The goal is to help Oklahoma consumers lower their insurance rates and initiate the process of fortifying homes across the state." HB3089 would establish a grant program to assist homeowners in reinforcing their roofs with impact-resistant materials that meet the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) fortified standards. These funds will enable consumers to construct or retrofit their homes with impact-resistant shingles and other enhancements. Under the measure, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to lower-income applicants and applicants who live in areas more prone to catastrophic weather. The property owner must hire an approved evaluator to prequalify the property, obtain bids from at least three approved contractors, and follow specific retrofitting standards. The measure will become effective Nov. 1., with the first grants going out in 2025.

May 1, 2024
Recent Posts

Governor Approves Mutual Insurer Transformation and Holding Companies Legislation

The Governor has recently signed a measure allowing mutual insurers in the state to reorganize into converted stock insurers and establish mutual holding companies. Rep. Mark Tedford, R-Tulsa, authored House Bill 3090, which will streamline the transitioning of mutual insurance structures, fostering a more flexible and competitive insurance market. "This legislation represents a forward-looking approach to enhancing the structure and operations of mutual insurers," Tedford said. "It lays out a clear roadmap for modernization while preserving existing policies and members' interests." Under the measure, the conversion plan requires approval from the Insurance Commissioner and eligible members of the converting mutual insurer, with a decision by the commissioner expected within 60 days of submission. HB3090 also establishes guidelines for mutual holding companies, setting forth the required content of the conversion plan, review criteria, and regulatory frameworks. "Similar legislation is already in effect in 35 states," Tedford said. "This move will aid existing mutual insurers in their growth and competitiveness, enabling the state to attract more domiciled carriers." HB3090 will go into effect on Nov. 1.