The 2025 session of the Oklahoma Legislature has officially concluded, marking one of the most active and reform-driven legislative cycles in recent years. Dozens of laws were passed affecting education, public safety, open records, ethics and taxation. In a rare move, the Legislature also overrode a historic number of vetoes issued by Governor Kevin Stitt.

This report highlights major legislation that passed, vetoes that were successfully overturned and how readers can explore these changes indepth.

— Key Bills Passed into Law HB 2147 – Municipal Code Lien Enforcement Act Summary: Gives municipalities greater authority to place liens on unsafe or code-violating properties, even when owners are uncooperative. Requires due process through notices and hearings.

Vetoed by Governor? Yes. Legislature overrode it with bipartisan support.

The bill grants municipalities the ability to respond decisively to code violations, helping reduce fire hazards, unsafe structures and public health risks. It ensures repeat offenders cannot simply ignore code enforcement officers without consequence.

HB2147 also establishes a transparent legal process, requiring notice, hearings and strict timelines. This consistency improves fairness for property owners and helps cities avoid costly litigation.

— HB 1462 – Restitution First for Crime Victims Summary: Ensures that courts prioritize restitution payments to victims above court costs or fines. Clerks cannot accept payment on other fees until restitution is fully paid.

Passed Unanimously. — HB 1075 – The Protect Our Kids Act Summary: Requires that any recommendation to dismiss a teacher or administrator – whether before or after resignation – must be reported to the State Board of Education.

Also mandates notification when an educator resigns while under investigation for serious misconduct. It includes: • Application to both teachers and administrators

• Expungement procedures in certain cases

• Right for the individual to add supplementary information Effective: November 1, 2025 — HB 2164 – Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act Summary: A sweeping ethics bill targeting public corruption. It:

• Establishes new felony and misdemeanor offenses for ethical violations

• Requires public disclosure of economic interests for individuals involved in state contracts

• Mandates ethics training for new appointees, with removal for noncompliance • Allows the voiding of contracts obtained through misconduct

• Strengthens oversight under the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act and other provisions Governor’s Veto? Yes. Overridden. — HB 2764 – State Tax Reform & Revenue Trigger Act Summary: A core piece of the state’s tax reform efforts, HB 2764 modifies income tax rates and links future reductions to certified state revenue performance. It includes:

• Reductions to personal income tax rates for upcoming fiscal years

• Triggers: Future rate cuts are only activated when the State Board of Equalization certifies surplus revenue

• Protections: Reductions are prohibited in any year with a declared revenue failure

• Additional provisions to clarify definitions, adjust statutory language and coordinate across government agencies Effective: November 1, 2025 — Major Vetoes Overridden by Legislature

In an uncommon move, Oklahoma lawmakers overrode 47 of Governor Kevin Stitt’s 68 vetoes, signaling a break between the executive and legislative branches. Here are a few critical ones:

HB 1137 – Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Summary: Allows state funding for the MMIP office within OSBI without requiring federal dollars.

Stitt’s Reason: Argued it was discriminatory to create an office for one group.

Override Vote: House: 91-1; Senate: 40-4.

Source: KOSU Coverage — HB 1389 – Expanded Breast Cancer Screening

Summary: Requires insurance to cover additional types of mammograms, including contrast-enhanced screenings.

Stitt’s Reason: Opposed the added cost to insurance plans.

Override Highlight: Lawmakers gave a standing ovation to Rep. Melissa Provenzano, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Source: Oklahoma Voice — HB 2163 – Open Records Enforcement

Summary: Grants the Attorney General power to investigate and enforce Oklahoma’s Open Records Act.

Stitt’s Reason: Concern over giving the AG “unchecked authority.”

Legislative Stance: Prioritized government transparency.

Source: Oklahoma Voice Article — HB 1273 – Domestic Violence Offender Reform Summary: Allows alternative rehabilitation options for domestic violence offenders.

Veto Overridden: Legislature pushed for expanded options to reduce repeat offenses.

Source: Oklahoma Farm Report — HB 2785 – Oversight of Mental Health Department Summary: Gives OMES budgetary review powers over the Department of Mental Health.

Stitt’s Reason: Called it “micromanaging.”

Legislature: Demanded transparency in state mental health funding.

Source: Oklahoma Voice — Where to Learn More

To dive deeper into these bills or search for others:

• Oklahoma Legislature Portal: oklegislature. gov • LegiScan Oklahoma Tracker: legiscan. com/OK • FastDemocracy Bill Watch: fastdemocracy. com/bill-search/ok • Oklahoma House Newsroom: okhouse. gov (be sure to view the House Journal for more information) – This year’s legislative session highlighted how Oklahoma’s government is shifting – with lawmakers more willing to override executive decisions and push for reform in public safety, healthcare and transparency. As policies evolve, staying informed empowers you to hold leaders accountable and make educated decisions at the ballot box.

We encourage you to explore the bills that matter to you, follow how your representatives vote and ask questions. Democracy is strongest when its citizens are truthfully informed.