Rep. Ronny Johns

Maddy summaryHB 1491, concerning education and meetings of the State Board of Education, has been amended to modify specific criteria related to professional conduct. The amendment replaces the broad term "incompetency in the performance of duty" with a more precise requirement: a conviction for offenses listed in Sections 3-104 and 3-104.1 of the title. Additionally, it removes "neglect of any professional duty" as a standalone basis for action. These changes affect the grounds upon which certain professional determinations within the education sector may be made.

Maddy summarySB 122 reallocates $10 million annually from specific vehicle fees to the Weigh Station Improvement Revolving Fund (instead of the General Revenue Fund), with the next $10 million going to the General Revenue Fund. It directly affects commercial vehicle operators who pay fees under Sections 14-116, 14-120, and 14-121 of Oklahoma’s transportation code, including minimum permit fees ($20), excess weight fees ($5), and other vehicle-related charges. The bill amends existing fee allocation rules to prioritize funding for weigh station improvements while maintaining the total annual fee amount. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and is declared an emergency.

Maddy summarySB 401 prevents traffic control contractors and subcontractors from being held legally responsible for personal injury, property damage, or death caused by their work, provided they followed all Department of Transportation (DOT) safety regulations related to the incident. The law applies specifically to contractors working directly with Oklahoma's DOT on road construction projects. It creates a legal shield only when contractors were fully compliant with DOT safety rules at the time of the incident. This change directly affects contractors by limiting their liability in specific accident scenarios, without altering the DOT's safety standards.

Maddy summarySB 401 protects traffic control contractors and subcontractors who work on Oklahoma road construction projects from liability for personal injury, property damage, or death, provided they were following all applicable safety regulations set by the state transportation department at the time of the incident. The bill directly affects these contractors by shielding them from lawsuits when their work complies with DOT safety rules related to the specific incident. It does not change safety requirements but removes legal liability for contractors who meet those standards, effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 508 expands existing whistleblower protections for Oklahoma teachers to include school support staff (like cafeteria workers, custodians, and administrative aides). It prohibits school districts from disciplining these employees for reporting violations of law, the Oklahoma Constitution, or safety concerns - whether disclosed directly to supervisors, school boards, or state education officials. Schools must prominently post this protection policy, while still respecting student privacy under FERPA. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and is designated an emergency measure.

Maddy summarySB 508 expands whistleblower protections in Oklahoma schools to include support employees (such as cafeteria workers, custodians, and administrative staff), not just teachers. It prohibits school districts from disciplining these employees for disclosing violations of law, reporting wrongdoing to officials (like school boards or law enforcement), or taking such actions without prior supervisor notice. The bill requires school districts to prominently post this protection policy and clarifies it does not override student privacy laws like FERPA. Effective July 1, 2025, the law aims to safeguard employees who report safety or legal concerns.

Maddy summarySB 750 creates the Canine Cooperative Grant Program to provide financial assistance to Oklahoma law enforcement agencies (sheriff's offices, municipal police, and fire departments) for purchasing, training, and covering medical expenses for service canines injured on duty. The program uses a revolving fund funded by state appropriations, private donations, and federal grants, with annual limits of $10,000 per agency type for canine-related costs. It requires the Department of Environmental Quality to administer the program and set rules for eligibility and fund usage, effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 750 creates a grant program to help law enforcement agencies and fire departments cover costs for acquiring, training, and medical care of police and search/rescue canines. The program, managed by the Department of Environmental Quality, provides up to $10,000 annually per county sheriff, municipal police department, or fire department for canine purchases, training, or injury-related medical expenses. Funding comes from state appropriations, private donations, and federal grants, held in a revolving fund. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 63 increases the stipend for certain school board members in Oklahoma. It raises the payment from $25 to $190 per meeting for members of school boards in districts with either over 15,000 average daily attendance or a population exceeding 100,000 (based on the last federal census). The change applies to regular, special, or adjourned meetings, with a maximum of four meetings per month. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1589 creates a voluntary Education Employee Assistance Program within Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The program provides school employees and their families with confidential support for personal, mental health, or substance abuse issues - including emotional, financial, or family concerns - without impacting their employment status. Key provisions include keeping participation records separate from personnel files, prohibiting subpoenas for records unless a safety threat exists, and requiring school districts to follow Board-established rules for any existing or new employee assistance programs. The bill explicitly states that participation or nonparticipation does not affect disciplinary actions or employment terms.