All Roll Calls
Yes: 114 • No: 0
OklahomaHB 1458Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System; death benefits; beneficiaries; transfer; disclaimer; time period; liability; effective date.
Sponsored By: John Kane (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Senate Committee
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Cash death benefit for OPERS retirees’ heirs
Starting November 1, 2025, OPERS pays a one-time death benefit to the named beneficiary or the estate. It is $4,000 if the retired member died before July 1, 1999, and $5,000 if the death was on or after that date. OPERS can ask the IRS to treat this payment like life insurance for federal taxes. That tax treatment applies only if the IRS approves it.
Faster OPERS payouts without probate
Starting November 1, 2025, OPERS can pay up to $25,000 without probate when there is no living beneficiary or the estate is named. This can cover death benefits, unpaid contributions, or other unpaid benefits. Heirs must give proof of death, will or affidavits, heirship affidavits, a non-heir’s affidavit, all-heirs’ release forms, and proof final bills (like medical and funeral) are paid or provided for. The Executive Director can deny a waiver if any document is in doubt. After payment, OPERS is released from further claims.
Heirs can direct benefits to funeral homes
Starting November 1, 2025, a beneficiary can refuse (disclaim) part or all of the death benefit in writing. The written disclaimer must be final and received within nine months after the transfer starts, or nine months after the person turns 21, whichever is later. The disclaimed amount goes to a licensed funeral director or licensed funeral business for the member’s services. After payment, OPERS is released from liability.
When these OPERS changes start
This law takes effect November 1, 2025.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
John Kane
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Julie Daniels
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/1/2025
Top_of_Page
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/1/2025
THIRD READING
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/15/2025
Top_of_Page
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/11/2025
Top_of_Page
Yes: 93 • No: 0
House vote • 3/4/2025
DO PASS
Yes: 14 • No: 0
House vote • 2/11/2025
DO PASS
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Approved by Governor 05/09/2025
5/12/2025HouseSent to Governor
5/5/2025HouseEnrolled measure signed, returned to House
5/5/2025SenateEnrolled, signed, to Senate
5/5/2025HouseReferred for enrollment
5/1/2025HouseEngrossed measure signed, returned to House
5/1/2025SenateMeasure passed: Ayes: 46 Nays: 0
5/1/2025SenateGeneral Order, Considered
5/1/2025SenatePlaced on General Order
4/17/2025SenateReported Do Pass Retirement and Government Resources committee; CR filed
4/15/2025SenateSecond Reading referred to Retirement and Government Resources
4/1/2025SenateFirst Reading
3/12/2025SenateEngrossed, signed, to Senate
3/12/2025HouseReferred for engrossment
3/11/2025HouseThird Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 93 Nays: 0
3/11/2025HouseGeneral Order
3/11/2025HouseCR; Do Pass Government Oversight Committee
3/4/2025HouseAuthored by Senator Daniels (principal Senate author)
2/12/2025HousePolicy recommendation to the Government Oversight committee; Do Pass Banking, Financial Services and Pensions
2/12/2025HouseReferred to Banking, Financial Services and Pensions
2/4/2025HouseSecond Reading referred to Government Oversight
2/4/2025HouseAuthored by Representative Kane
2/3/2025HouseFirst Reading
2/3/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled (final version)
5/5/2025
Floor (Senate)
4/16/2025
Senate Committee Report
4/15/2025
Engrossed
3/12/2025
Floor (House)
3/4/2025
House Committee Report
3/4/2025
House Policy Committee Report
2/12/2025
Introduced
1/15/2025
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