Rep. Jim Shaw

Maddy summarySB 179 requires all Oklahoma state agencies to manage their own information technology and cybersecurity services starting from its effective date. It directs the transfer of all prior IT and cybersecurity data from the dissolved Information Services Division to each agency and mandates annual electronic reports to the Governor and Chief Information Officer detailing IT status, security events, and related information. The bill also dissolves the existing Information Services Division within the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and updates related statutes to align with these changes. This directly affects state agencies, shifting IT management responsibilities from a centralized division to individual departments.

Maddy summarySB 179 requires all Oklahoma state agencies to manage their own information technology (IT) services starting from its effective date, dissolving the centralized Information Services Division within the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Each agency must transfer its historical IT and cybersecurity data to itself, submit annual electronic reports to the Governor and Chief Information Officer detailing IT status and security events, and seek guidance from the state CIO as needed. The bill also updates related statutes governing county purchasing of IT services (19 O.S. §1505) and state finance (62 O.S. §§34.11.1, 34.32), while repealing outdated IT coordination provisions. This policy shift directly affects all state agencies, moving IT management from a centralized unit to individual agency responsibility.

Maddy summaryOklahoma's SB 268 prohibits the land application, sale, or distribution of biosolids-derived materials (like treated sewage sludge from wastewater plants) used as fertilizers or soil amendments. It directly affects wastewater treatment facilities, agricultural producers, and businesses selling compost or soil products containing these materials. The bill allows exceptions for food-processing byproducts (e.g., blueberry or apple waste compost) if produced without prior biosolids soil contact, and for manure-based products. It also requires the Environmental Quality and Agriculture Departments to report on compliance and develop remediation plans for affected farms.

Maddy summaryHB 1780 removes the prohibition on carrying firearms in school parking areas (both public and private schools) that previously existed under Oklahoma law. It modifies rules for private schools by allowing concealed carry in school parking lots if firearms are stored locked in vehicles when unattended. The bill also updates policies for private school buses, permitting licensed individuals to carry firearms on school transportation with adopted school policies. These changes specifically affect school parking lots, school buses, and private school transportation policies, while maintaining existing restrictions on carrying firearms inside school buildings or on college campuses.

Maddy summaryHB 1780 removes existing restrictions on carrying concealed firearms in specific locations under Oklahoma law. It deletes prohibitions that previously banned firearms in school parking lots, government-owned parking areas, and public parks/recreation spaces. The bill affects lawful gun owners with valid handgun licenses under Oklahoma's Self-Defense Act by allowing concealed carry in these areas. This change modifies current law by removing specific restrictions rather than adding new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1454 changes fees for businesses that send money electronically (wire transmitters) in Oklahoma. It sets a fee of $5-$10 per transaction under $500, plus 1-2% on amounts over $500, requiring quarterly payments to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Revenue funds the Drug Money Laundering and Wire Transmitter Revolving Fund, and customers may claim a tax credit equal to the fee when filing income taxes. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and includes enforcement measures like license suspension for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1726 bans the land application, sale, or distribution of biosolids (treated sewage byproducts) and related products containing perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as fertilizers, soil amendments, or mulch in Oklahoma. It directly affects wastewater treatment facilities, agricultural businesses, and farmers who previously used these materials. Key provisions include exemptions for food-processing compost (e.g., from fruits or grains), manure, and lined landfill disposal, while requiring the Department of Environmental Quality to enforce environmental rules and develop a remediation funding plan for PFAS contamination. The bill also mandates a 2025 report on long-term alternatives for safely managing biosolids and septage.

Maddy summaryHB 1781 restricts how the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) can advertise by limiting its methods to billing statements, OTA-owned websites/social media, and on-road signage within 1.5 miles of turnpike access points. It prohibits the OTA from using TV, radio, print newspapers, third-party digital platforms, or signage beyond the 1.5-mile limit. The bill does not affect advertising for construction bids. It takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1450 places an indefinite moratorium on constructing or expanding new wind and utility-scale solar energy facilities in Oklahoma, affecting all new projects and expansions by state agencies and political subdivisions. The bill exempts facilities already permitted, approved by regional transmission organizations, and operational before the bill's passage, as well as existing operational facilities. It declares an emergency to take immediate effect upon passage, halting all new renewable energy infrastructure development while allowing current projects to continue. The measure directly impacts developers planning new wind or solar projects but does not alter existing operational facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1455 prohibits state employees from using official authority to interfere with the nomination or election of candidates for statewide office, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and state legislators. It directly affects state agency staff, department workers, and political subdivision employees who might misuse their positions to influence elections. The bill makes such interference a felony punishable by up to $10,000 in fines, one year in prison, or both. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.