LEGISLATIVE
NEWSLETTER

InsurPac Yearend Wrap

As you all know, we work as hard on a Federal Level as we do on a state level. InsurPAC was hard at work this year clinching some massive tax reforms that are making a huge difference for our member agencies and state associations. These victories deliver real measurable ROI, and InsurPac helps to fuel these wins. The end of the year is always hectic for our federal PAC. And what a year it’s been! InsurPac is on pace to have a record year for 2025, and your help could put it over the top. As our OK State Director, Chris Floyd says — Oklahoma is very close to reaching our goal and we need your help!!!

As you know, in Washington, DC, where political and legislative risks can change the course of our businesses overnight, we must also make sure we’re showing up for ourselves. InsurPac gives our government affairs team the resources and credibility to defend the independent agency system. (And its muscle and prominence certainly help place us on that Top Lobbyist list!) Our PAC ensures your voice is heard on Capitol Hill, where we currently have some major issues before Congress, including legal system reform. Here’s the link with the MANY things that we advocate on your behalf in Washington https://www.independentagent.com/government-affairs/

So if you haven’t made your 2025 investment in InsurPac yet, time is running out. The easiest ways to donate are at the buttons/links below. Your contribution strengthens our ability to protect your business.

It’s not too late, help us out!!!

Mulready: Navigating Power & Technology Breakdowns

In December 2007, Oklahoma experienced one of the most devastating ice storms in its history. The storm caused at least $200 million in damage statewide, and at the peak of the event, more than 641,000 Oklahomans were without power. For thousands, outages lasted more than a week.
When the lights go out, so do the tools we rely on every day. Without electricity or internet access, simple tasks can become challenging, and in today’s connected world, the impact is even more significant than it was a few decades ago. That’s why I urge Oklahomans to make technology and power disruptions a core part of their disaster preparedness plans.

• Keep hard copies of essential documents and cash on hand.
  One of the most important steps you can take is storing hard copies of your essential documents. Your emergency kit should include items such as Social Security cards, passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, prescriptions and insurance policies. Keep them in a fire-resistant, waterproof container so you can access vital information during power or internet outages. Be sure to take these documents with you if you must leave your home. Always keep some cash on hand in case payment systems are down and using debit or credit cards becomes impossible.
• Create a backup internet plan.
  We depend on the internet for everything from banking and insurance to communication and navigation. Consider having a backup source of connectivity in case your primary internet service goes down. Mobile hotspots or satellite-based options can help you stay connected during outages. It’s also wise to keep printed maps and a list of emergency phone numbers for your family, just in case digital tools aren’t available.
• Identify additional power sources.
  Having access to power during an outage can make all the difference. Invest in a generator to keep your home running during prolonged disruptions. Portable power banks are also an affordable way to keep your phone and other small devices charged. Ensure you have a variety of batteries for flashlights, radios, and other essential devices.
• Review your insurance policies.
  Preparedness isn’t complete without reviewing your insurance coverage. Your policies should reflect the risks we face in Oklahoma. Be familiar with key coverages such as loss of use, which helps pay for living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to covered damage. Remember: losses from floods or earthquakes typically require separate policies.
  Oklahoma’s weather is unavoidable, but preparing for technology and power outages can make recovery faster, safer and less stressful. Taking a few simple steps now can help protect your family in the event of the next major disaster. The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) offers numerous resources on insurance and preparedness at oid.ok.gov/getready. If you have insurance questions, call us at 800-522-0071.

Mulready Investigating State Farm
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready confirmed his agency is investigating State Farm’s handling of roof claims, responding to questions following Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s motion to intervene in a lawsuit against the company.
“Although our agency is not involved in this private lawsuit, we regularly conduct investigations into the market conduct of the companies we regulate,” Mulready said. “We have been engaged in an ongoing investigation regarding the handling of roof claims.”
Mulready noted that market conduct reviews follow national standards and often take significant time to complete. He said confidentiality laws limit what can be shared publicly while the investigation remains active.
He said Oklahoma is the first insurance department in the country to send third-party engineers to inspect work by adjusters.
“I recognize the importance of these roofing claims and the impact they have on consumers. I firmly believe it is too important to NOT take these extra steps to ensure Oklahomans are protected,” Mulready said.
Mulready expects the investigation to conclude in the first quarter of next year and said any resulting action would be made public.

State Equalization Board Unveils First FY-27 Revenue Estimate
The Oklahoma State Board of Equalization met December 19 to unveil its first estimate of revenue available for the second regular session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature to appropriate for FY-27. The preliminary estimate is just over $12 billion, however the actual figure available to the Legislature will be substantially less after off-the-top appropriations and one-time and federal monies are factored in. The board will make its final revenue certification in February. The Legislature convenes February 2.

Governor Sets HD 92 Special Elections; HD 35 GOP Runoff Set
Governor Kevin Stitt has set special election dates for HD 92 in south Oklahoma City. Former Democrat Rep. Forrest Bennett resigned December 1 in order to become the president and chief lobbyist of the Oklahoma AFL-CIO. The seat will be vacant during the 2026 legislative session, reducing Democrat’s minority to 20. The filing period will be April 1-3 with the special primary election June 16. In the case of an election primary runoff, the vote will be August 25. The general election will be November 3. If the race only draws candidates from a single party, the general election will be June 16. If a runoff primary is not necessary, the general election will be August 26.
Two Republicans advanced December 9 to a January 13 special primary runoff in HD 35 which is vacant due to former Republican Rep. Ty Burn’s resignation earlier this year. Dillon Travis and Mike Waters will face each other for the right to face Democrat Luke Kruse in the February 10 special general election. The winner will have to file for a full term in April if they wish to run for reelection.

Governor Appoints New Tourism Department Director
Governor Stitt has appointed Amy Blackburn as the new director for the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. Blackburn, who most recently served as director of the Center for Future Work at Oklahoma State University, replaces interim director Sterling Zearley. Blackburn also previously served as the division director of marketing and communications at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Senate Sets Legislative Calendar
The Oklahoma State Senate has set its calendar for the second regular session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature:

• January 15 – bill introduction deadline
• February 2 – session convenes (12pm)
• March 5 – bills advanced from chamber committee of origin
• March 26 – bills advanced from chamber floor of origin
• April 23 – bills advanced from opposite chamber committee of origin
• May 7 – bills advanced from opposite chamber floor of origin
• May 29 – Sine Die (5pm)

Waldron Resigns As Democrat Party Chief
Democrat state Rep. John Waldron (HD 77) of Tulsa has resigned as chairman of the Oklahoma Democrat Party after a short stint in the position. He has been succeeded by party vice chair Erin Brewer of Oklahoma City. Brewer has been visible in media circles recently touting candidate recruitment efforts ahead of the 2026 elections. She ran for SD 47 in 2024 but lost the general election to Republican Senator Kelly Hines.

State Tax Collections Rise Slightly
Oklahoma tax collections over the past 12 months reached $17.08 billion, rising slightly by 1.3% compared to the previous year. The latest monthly numbers show a mixed picture as revenues fell sharply from October even as November outperformed the same month one year ago.
The State Treasurer’s Office reported that November brought in $1.26 billion in total revenue, an increase of 4.1% over November 2024. Treasurer Todd Russ said the rebound in sales and use tax reflects “continued consumer confidence heading into the holiday season” while federal data remains delayed.
Income tax collections over the past year totaled $6.7 billion, up nearly 7%. Individual income tax was the primary driver with an 8.2% increase. Corporate income tax dipped slightly.
Sales and use tax collections for the 12-month period reached $6.9 billion, down 2% overall. Sales tax declined while use tax grew as Oklahomans continued to make more online and out-of-state purchases.
Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas saw a modest 2.7% increase over the year, totaling just over $1 billion. Motor vehicle taxes fell 4.4%, and the category covering more than 70 smaller revenue streams dropped 3.7 percent.
November’s monthly snapshot showed stronger sales tax performance, but sharp drops in corporate income and gross production taxes compared to a year ago. Month over month, overall revenue fell 13.2%, driven mostly by lower income and gross production collections. Oklahoma’s Business Conditions Index improved to 52.2 in October, and the state’s unemployment rate held at 3.1%, below the national rate.

Former State Representative Passes Away
Condolences to the family of former Democrat state Rep. Bruce Niemi who passed away recently at age 76. Niemi represented HD 78 in Tulsa for just one term after being elected in 1990. During his career Niemi, an educator by trade, served on the Tulsa County Election Board and most recently as chairman of the Tulsa County Democratic Party.