Rep. Judd Strom

Maddy summarySB 1074 creates a new "commercial harvesting facility license" required for businesses that raise and harvest deer, elk, or similar animals (like hybrids or exotic species) for profit. It directly affects commercial facilities operating on a business basis for harvesting legally acquired cervidae, requiring them to obtain this license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, pay a $300 annual fee, and provide proof their animals weren’t sourced from wild populations. The bill amends existing laws to replace previous commercial hunting area licenses with this new requirement, mandates inspections by the Department, and sets license expiration dates. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 39 modifies Oklahoma's handgun licensing rules under the Self-Defense Act to prevent denial of licenses solely due to holding a valid medical marijuana patient license. It amends Section 1290.10 of state law to explicitly state that "an applicant shall not be considered ineligible solely on the basis of being a lawful holder of a medical marijuana patient license." The bill removes a previous barrier for medical marijuana patients seeking handgun licenses while maintaining other eligibility requirements. This change specifically affects individuals with valid Oklahoma medical marijuana licenses who apply for concealed carry permits. The bill does not alter medical marijuana laws or address drug use in relation to firearm possession beyond this licensing provision.

Maddy summarySB 39 modifies Oklahoma law to clarify that medical marijuana license holders may carry firearms while under the influence of medical marijuana, but only if the effects do not impair mental, emotional, or physical processes to the point of causing abnormal behavior. The bill also adds a new disqualifier for handgun license eligibility: a conviction for illegal drug use or possession, which must be considered under existing rules. These changes update the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act and related statutes to distinguish between medical marijuana use and illegal drug offenses in firearm possession rules.

Maddy summarySB 1071, the "Wildland Fire Protection Act," requires Oklahoma electric utilities (including cooperatives and public utilities) to create and maintain wildfire prevention plans. These plans must identify high-risk areas, outline infrastructure inspections, vegetation management, facility upgrades, and restoration procedures for wildfire events. The bill establishes that utilities cannot be held liable for wildfires if they followed their approved plan and implemented required mitigation work. Property owners can still seek damages for wildfire-related property damage if a utility lacks a plan, but awards are limited to restoration costs or property value loss, not punitive damages. The law aims to balance utility accountability with clear standards for wildfire prevention.

Maddy summarySB 1071, the Wildland Fire Protection Act, requires Oklahoma electric utilities to create and maintain detailed fire prevention plans addressing wildfire risks in their service areas. These plans must cover infrastructure inspections, vegetation management, and mitigation strategies, and must be shared with the public and relevant agencies. The bill shields utilities from liability for wildfires if they followed their approved plans, but allows property owners to sue for damages if a utility lacked such a plan and caused a fire. Utilities can also recover wildfire prevention costs through rate adjustments approved by the Corporation Commission.

Maddy summaryHB 1242 modifies Oklahoma's agricultural sales tax exemptions by explicitly adding "cervidae" (deer and elk) to the list of livestock exempt from sales tax when sold by producers. This change directly affects farmers, ranchers, and sellers of deer and elk by extending existing tax exemptions for livestock sales to include cervidae. The bill clarifies that sales of cervidae produced by the seller and sold directly to consumers or users qualify for the exemption, aligning with other livestock categories like cattle and horses. It does not alter other existing agricultural tax exemptions or create new requirements for vendors.

Maddy summaryHB 1245 amends Oklahoma's public retirement code to update definitions and references related to retirement benefits for state employees. It modifies how "compensation" is calculated for retirement purposes, including historical maximum salary limits (e.g., $80,000 annually for service through 1998), and clarifies terms like "Accumulated contributions" and "CLEET-certified law enforcement agents." The bill directly affects Oklahoma public employees covered under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System by adjusting the legal framework used to compute monthly pension benefits. As a procedural amendment, it updates existing statutory references without creating new benefit structures or changing current retirement rules.

Maddy summarySB 168 requires Oklahoma state agencies to purchase iron, steel, and aluminum made entirely in the U.S. for public construction projects exceeding $100,000, including buildings, roads, and infrastructure. It defines "made in the U.S." as requiring all manufacturing processes and components to originate domestically. Agencies may seek exemptions if materials aren't available domestically, would increase costs by over 25%, or conflict with public interest, with a 7-day public comment period for appeals. This applies to all state procurement contracts for public works but excludes projects covered by reciprocal trade agreements.

Maddy summarySB 168 requires Oklahoma state agencies to use iron, steel, and aluminum manufactured entirely in the U.S. for public construction projects (like roads, schools, or bridges) with contracts exceeding $100,000. Contractors must confirm they understand this requirement in their bids, and agencies must include it in all solicitation documents. Exceptions are allowed if materials aren’t available domestically, using U.S. materials would increase costs by over 25%, or it harms the public interest, with a formal appeal process involving public comment. The law applies to all state public works projects starting November 2025.

Maddy summarySB 664 creates a new "Skilled Trade Education and Workforce Development Fund" funded by transferring administrative fines from plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and roofing licensing revolving funds. It allows the Construction Industries Board to contract with Oklahoma vocational, technical, and accredited educational institutions offering trade coursework to develop curriculum about state trade laws and promote skilled trade careers through public outreach. The fund supports developing instructional materials, workforce programs, and curriculum for these four trades, with contracts requiring Board approval and post-completion reporting. This directly affects educational institutions providing electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or roofing training and aims to advance workforce development in Oklahoma's construction trades. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025.