The Oklahoma State Legislature convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss significant insurance legislation, resulting in the passage of two key bills aimed at reforming property and casualty insurance practices in the state.
The first bill, House Bill 1084, addresses the issue of assignment of benefits in property claims, including those related to homeowners and auto insurance. Representative Tedford introduced the bill, highlighting concerns about the misuse of these agreements, which have led to unauthorized work and direct claims against insurance companies. The legislation aims to protect vulnerable homeowners, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, from predatory practices where individuals may exploit their lack of knowledge about insurance processes. The bill received unanimous support, passing with a vote of 7-0.
Following this, House Bill 1160 was presented, which seeks to update the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guarantee Association's language to align with national standards. This bill also clarifies that cyber insurance companies are included under the guarantee fund's coverage. Representative Tedford moved for its passage, and it too garnered unanimous approval, reflecting a strong legislative commitment to modernizing insurance regulations in Oklahoma.
Both bills will now proceed to the next steps in the legislative process, marking a significant move towards enhancing consumer protection and adapting to evolving insurance needs in the state.