OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Two laws authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R‑Edmond (HD 82), took effect Nov. 1, 2025, aimed at strengthening Oklahoma’s engineering workforce and expanding mental health and social services capacity.
House Bill 2260 established targeted tax incentives to recruit and retain civil engineers in Oklahoma, offering financial incentives for students pursuing civil engineering degrees and for businesses hiring in the field. Civil engineers design and maintain infrastructure that supports daily life across the state, including roads, bridges and water systems. Oklahoma has faced a shortage that delays projects and limits growth. The measure mirrors successful incentive models used for aerospace engineers to support long-term workforce stability.
“Oklahoma’s civil engineers design, construct and maintain the critical infrastructure at the core of our communities,” Miller said. “With only about 40 percent of engineers graduating from Oklahoma universities remaining in the state after five years, this law invests in our workforce and encourages these talented professionals to stay and build the future of Oklahoma.”
House Bill 2261 allowed Oklahoma to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, easing practice for out-of-state social workers without requiring an additional license. The law targets a shortage of licensed clinical social workers, with Oklahoma currently meeting only about 67% of statewide need. By joining the compact, the state gains access to a national pool of approximately 500,000 social workers across 22 participating states, including Kansas, Missouri, Colorado and Louisiana. Regulators will continue sharing investigative records and disciplinary information to uphold accountability.
“When families are in crisis, they shouldn’t have to wait for help,” Miller said. “By opening our doors to qualified social workers from other states, we’re ensuring Oklahomans can access the care and support they need when it matters most.”
“When families are in crisis, they shouldn’t have to wait for help. By opening our doors to qualified social workers from other states, we’re ensuring Oklahomans can access the care and support they need when it matters most.”
– Rep. Nicole Miller, R‑Edmond (HD 82)
