Senate Bill No. 642 amends the Oklahoma Administrative Workers Compensation Act to enhance the rights and remedies available to employees and their representatives in workplace injury cases. The bill introduces gender-neutral language, updates statutory references, and defines terms related to general contractors and subcontractors. It allows general contractors to provide workers' compensation insurance to subcontractors and their employees, treating them as employers under specific conditions. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the exclusive remedy provisions do not apply if an employer fails to secure compensation or commits an intentional tort.

The bill also revises compensation standards for permanent partial disability, increasing the maximum weekly compensation from $350.00 to $360.00, with a planned increase to $375.00 effective July 1, 2025. It specifies that compensation will only be awarded for the portion of disability caused by the injury or disease, excluding preexisting conditions, and payments for permanent partial disability will not begin until all payments for preexisting disabilities are completed. For permanent total disability, the compensation remains at 70% of the employee's average weekly wage, with a cap at the state's average weekly wage. The bill mandates annual reviews of employees receiving permanent total disability benefits and allows for the hiring of a Vocational Rehabilitation Director to oversee rehabilitation programs, emphasizing the importance of vocational rehabilitation in helping employees return to work.