SNEED ADVANCES FOUR INSURANCE BILLS IN COMMITTEE

The following information was released by the Oklahoma House of Representatives:

Rep. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson, advanced four insurance bills this week through the House Insurance Committee, which he chairs.

Three of the bills lay the foundation for broader updates to Oklahoma's insurance and regulatory framework.

House Bills 3796 and 3818 are a comprehensive legislative vehicle intended to organize and modernize insurance statutes during the 2026 session. The bills would provide a structured framework that allows lawmakers to consolidate reforms, improve clarity in statute and ensure Oklahoma law keeps pace with industry standards and consumer needs.

House Bill 3794 would serve as an umbrella measure for regulatory updates affecting licensed professions and occupations, helping streamline statutory changes and provide consistency across regulatory language.

House Bill 3802 would focus on directly on consumer protection. The bill would prohibit insurers from increasing a motor vehicle liability premium solely because a deceased spouse is removed from a policy. It clarifies that removing a deceased spouse cannot be treated as a material change in risk for underwriting or rate calculations. Insurers would still be allowed to adjust premiums at renewal based on documented changes such as driving record, claims history, mileage, garaging location or other actuarially supported risk factors.

"Our responsibility is to ensure the rules are clear and the protections are meaningful," Sneed said. "These bills improve structure, reinforce consumer safeguards and create a more dependable regulatory environment for families and businesses."

In addition to advancing Sneed's legislation, the House Insurance Committee has approved measures this session aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and stability in Oklahoma's insurance market.

Sneed said he is proud of the committee's work so far.

"We are committed to getting the details right," he said. "Insurance affects people during some of the most important and difficult moments in their lives. When families file a claim or businesses rely on coverage, they deserve a system that is fair, transparent and dependable. That is the kind of work this committee is focused on."

All four bills passed the House Insurance Committee and are now eligible for consideration in the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee.