Rep. Neil Hays

Maddy summaryHB 3461 prohibits Oklahoma school districts from using state aid funds to cover certain administrator expenses, including severance payments, contract buyouts, or termination settlements for superintendents and other central office administrators. The bill requires these costs to be paid exclusively with local revenue instead of state funds, shifting the financial responsibility from the state to school districts. It defines "administrators" broadly to include superintendents, principals, and assistant principals, and specifies that administrative expenditures cover compensation, benefits, and related payments for these roles. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2971 limits most Oklahoma businesses from imposing credit card surcharges above 2% of the transaction amount or actual processing costs, whichever is lower, and requires clear disclosure of any fees at point of sale. Private schools, municipalities, and similar entities may charge up to 4.5% for processing costs, but must document these fees for state review. The bill prohibits businesses from restricting payment methods solely to credit cards and defines key terms like "surcharge" and "actual processing costs." It takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2972 would allow Oklahoma county commissioners to create local rules for commercial wind and solar projects in unincorporated areas (outside city limits). County ordinances could set requirements for setbacks from homes, facility height and spacing, and noise or visual impact mitigation. Voters could also propose similar rules through petitions requiring signatures from 10% of registered county voters. These local rules must comply with state and federal law but can be stricter than state minimum standards.

Maddy summaryHB 4231 amends Oklahoma's pension laws to update how retirement benefits are calculated for public employees, particularly affecting firefighters in the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System. The bill modifies computation factors used to determine accrued retirement benefits and disability retirement benefits, adjusts the formula for monthly retirement annuities, and increases municipal contributions to the system. It also clarifies definitions related to "nonfiscal retirement bills" and establishes conditions for benefit increases based on the retirement system's funded ratio. These changes directly impact current and future retirees, as well as local governments contributing to the pension system. The bill focuses on technical adjustments to pension calculations rather than creating new benefits or funding sources.

Maddy summaryHB 3335 is a procedural bill that names the "Oklahoma Housing Act of 2026" and sets its effective date as November 1, 2026. It does not create new housing policies, programs, or affect any specific groups or individuals. The bill solely establishes the official title for future housing-related legislation and specifies when it takes effect. No substantive provisions or mechanisms are included in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHB 3340 provides a 5% salary increase for eligible state workers effective July 1, 2026. It applies only to full-time state employees who have held the same position since June 30, 2019, without a salary increase since that date. The bill explicitly excludes employees of Oklahoma's higher education system (including colleges/universities) and common school districts. This policy change affects a specific group of state workers meeting all three criteria, with the increase taking effect on the specified date.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Commercial Wind Energy Modification Act of 2026, establishes a new legal framework for commercial wind energy projects in Oklahoma. It does not change any existing laws or create new regulations, but instead sets up a specific name and citation for future legislation related to wind energy modifications. The act will take effect on November 1, 2026, and is currently in its early stages of the legislative process.

Maddy summaryHB 3332 creates a new defined contribution retirement plan for Oklahoma teachers hired on or after November 1, 2026, replacing the existing defined benefit system for these new employees. Certified teachers and school staff who start working after this date must choose between the new plan and the traditional retirement system through a one-time, irrevocable election. Under the new plan, employees and employers contribute to personal retirement accounts, with benefits based on contributions and investment returns rather than final salary. The Teachers' Retirement System will manage the plan’s trust, investment options, and account distributions, while current teachers remain in the existing defined benefit system.

Maddy summaryHB 3341 repeals a tax provision (68 O.S. 2021, Section 2370.1) that provided a credit for small business guaranty fees. The bill directly affects small businesses that previously qualified for this credit, eliminating the tax benefit. It becomes effective January 1, 2027, with no new provisions added - only the removal of the existing credit mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 3376 repeals a tax credit provision for automobile manufacturers in Oklahoma, specifically eliminating 68 O.S. 2021, Section 2357.404. This action directly affects auto manufacturers who previously used this credit to reduce their state tax liability. The bill’s key mechanism is the formal repeal of the statute, effective November 1, 2026, ending the financial incentive without creating new provisions. The change is purely procedural, with no new requirements or benefits introduced.