Oklahoma House passes bills on Medicaid expansion and child safety measures

House Bill 2136, aimed at enhancing the support for Oklahoma's National Guard members, passed with overwhelming support during the House of Representatives' 21st session on March 10, 2025. The bill acknowledges the unique challenges faced by "weekend warriors," or M Day soldiers, who balance civilian jobs with their military commitments. Representative Burns emphasized the importance of ensuring that these soldiers maintain their civilian lives while serving, especially amid increasing deployments.

The session also saw the passage of House Bill 2834, which expands Medicaid coverage to include in-home physician services and various therapies, reflecting a commitment to improving healthcare access for Oklahomans. This bill received a favorable vote, indicating strong legislative support for enhancing Medicaid services.

Additionally, House Bill 2801, which addresses mental health treatment parity, was approved. This legislation allows for prior authorizations for atypical antipsychotic medications for patients who have not responded to previous treatments, aiming to streamline access to necessary mental health care.

The meeting concluded with a celebration of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, the 2024-2025 Big 12 wrestling champions, highlighting a moment of pride for the state amidst legislative discussions.

These legislative actions underscore a focused effort by Oklahoma lawmakers to address the needs of military personnel and improve healthcare services, reflecting a proactive approach to pressing state issues.