Rep. Cody Maynard

Maddy summarySB 2063 amends Oklahoma's Uniform Unclaimed Property Act to update filing requirements for businesses holding unclaimed property (like banks, insurers, or utilities). It requires holders to include specific details when submitting property to the State Treasurer and mandates that certain information be published on a public website for claimants. The bill also requires the State Treasurer to make annual reports of unclaimed property available online and respond to claimant requests within set timeframes. These changes aim to improve transparency and streamline the process for individuals or entities seeking to reclaim lost funds or assets.

Maddy summarySB 1633 removes provisions allowing undocumented students to qualify for Oklahoma resident tuition by submitting immigration status applications or affidavits. It eliminates language ensuring these students would not be disqualified from state scholarships or financial aid based on immigration status. The bill aligns Oklahoma’s higher education residency rules with Section 3242.2, which generally prohibits non-residents from receiving resident tuition benefits or state financial aid. This change directly affects students who previously relied on the removed documentation pathways to access in-state tuition rates.

Maddy summaryOklahoma's SB 1521 prohibits AI chatbots designed to simulate emotional relationships (called "companion" chatbots) if they risk encouraging minors to engage in sexual content, self-harm, or violence. It requires all AI chatbot providers to implement verified age checks using state-issued ID (not just birth dates) before allowing access, and bans minors from using companion chatbots. The bill also mandates that chatbots clearly disclose they are AI at the start of each conversation and every 30 minutes, while restricting data collection and prohibiting the sharing of age verification information. These rules apply to any AI chatbot service operating in Oklahoma, with enforcement by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryHB 3544 prohibits AI chatbots with human-like features (e.g., claiming sentience or seeking emotional bonds) from being available to minors under 18. It requires developers to implement age verification systems and offer alternative versions without such features for minors. Therapeutic chatbots providing mental health support are exempt if they include clear disclaimers, require professional oversight, provide clinical evidence of safety, and maintain transparency. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $7,500 per intentional violation, with minors or parents able to seek damages of $100-$750 per incident. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3546 prohibits recognizing artificial intelligence systems, environmental elements (like rivers or forests), nonhuman animals, or inanimate objects as having "personhood" under Oklahoma law. This means these entities cannot be granted legal rights or status equivalent to a person. The bill explicitly preserves the existing legal personhood of corporations, municipalities, and other recognized organizations formed before November 1, 2026. It takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3548 creates a sales tax exemption for businesses operated by young entrepreneurs in Oklahoma. It amends Section 1357 of the Oklahoma Sales Tax Code to exempt sales of tangible personal property when a business is "materially operated for the benefit of an adult" (likely a typo for "youth," based on the bill's title). This exemption directly affects youth-run businesses that meet specific criteria, such as being materially operated for the benefit of young entrepreneurs. The bill also includes provisions limiting business licensing requirements for qualifying youth entrepreneurs and specifies that the exemption applies to sales of tangible personal property. The bill is currently in committee review for the 2026 legislative session.

Maddy summarySB 1581 extends the time period for gathering signatures on initiative petitions in Oklahoma from 45 to 90 days after a petition is deemed sufficient by officials. This change directly affects individuals or groups collecting signatures to place measures on the ballot. The bill also adds a 10-day protest period during which opponents can challenge the petition's validity. The law will take effect on November 1, 2026, and modifies Section 103 of Oklahoma Statutes Title 38.

Maddy summaryHB 3545 restricts how Oklahoma state agencies can use artificial intelligence, directly affecting all state departments, commissions, and offices. It prohibits AI from manipulating behavior, enabling discriminatory classification, conducting general public surveillance via facial recognition (except for locating missing persons), or creating malicious deepfakes. The bill requires human review and approval for high-risk AI decisions (like benefits or legal rights), mandates disclosure when AI generates content, and requires agencies to inform users they're interacting with AI. Agencies must remove prohibited systems by September 2027, report compliance to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), and submit annual reports detailing AI use starting December 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3552 allows licensed childcare providers serving children in Oklahoma's state childcare subsidy program to charge parents the difference between the state's subsidy rate and their standard private tuition for the same age group and schedule. The bill prohibits the Department of Human Services from penalizing providers for charging this difference or taking adverse actions like disqualification or enrollment restrictions based solely on this practice. Providers must apply any such difference uniformly to all similarly situated families. The Department must update its rules and agreements to implement these changes, effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1985, the Strategic Pension Protection Act, allows Oklahoma state retirement systems to invest in approved digital asset funds (like Bitcoin ETFs) through U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or Commodity Futures Trading Commission-registered products. It limits such investments to no more than 5% of any retirement account's total funds, specifically targeting Bitcoin, large digital assets (over $500 billion market cap), and stablecoins. The bill directly affects public employee retirement systems by expanding eligible investment options while imposing strict caps to manage risk. It becomes effective November 1, 2026, and defines key terms like "digital asset" and "stablecoin" for clarity.