Rep. Jim Shaw

Maddy summaryHJR 1013 proposes changing Oklahoma's constitutional amendment process by requiring a 60% voter approval threshold for any constitutional change, whether initiated by citizens through petitions or proposed by the Legislature. This would affect all future efforts to amend the Oklahoma Constitution, including both citizen-led initiatives and legislative proposals. The bill specifically amends Sections 3 of Article V (referendum rules) and 2 of Article XXIV (legislative amendment process) to replace the current majority requirement with 60% approval. It also standardizes ballot language to clearly state the 60% requirement for voter approval. This is a procedural change to the amendment process itself, not a substantive policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1452 imposes a state tax on owners of wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric facilities in Oklahoma, equal to the federal production tax credit amount they could have claimed. The tax applies regardless of whether the facility owner actually used the federal credit. Government-owned facilities are exempt from this tax, while private owners must report and pay the tax monthly to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. All revenue collected flows into the state's General Revenue Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Oklahoma's Constitution (Article XIII, Section 4) that would affirm parents' and legal guardians' right to direct their children's education. It specifically prohibits the Oklahoma Legislature from regulating schools that do not receive public funds, including homeschools and private schools. The amendment would require voter approval through a legislative referendum, as outlined in the provided ballot title. If passed, it would prevent state laws from controlling non-public educational settings while maintaining existing requirements for school attendance. This change directly affects parents, guardians, and non-public educational institutions across Oklahoma.

Maddy summaryHB 1451 establishes new distance requirements for utility-scale solar and wind energy facilities in Oklahoma. Solar farms must maintain at least 1.5 nautical miles from airports, public schools, and hospitals, and 3 nautical miles from property lines. Wind energy projects must follow these same distances but also require a Federal Aviation Administration "Determination of No Hazard" and resolution of military impact concerns before construction. Developers must submit compliance attestations to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, with disputes resolved in district courts. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Oklahoma's Constitution (Article XIII, Section 4) that would explicitly grant parents and legal guardians the right to direct their children's education. It would prevent the Oklahoma Legislature from passing laws regulating non-public schools (including private schools and homeschools) that do not receive public funds. The amendment would require the Secretary of State to place this change on the ballot for voter approval, with a ballot title explaining it as adding parental control over education and blocking state regulation of non-public schools. If approved by voters, it would become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHJR 1013 proposes to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to require a 60% approval rate for any constitutional amendment, replacing the current majority (50%+) requirement. This change would apply to all constitutional amendments, whether proposed through citizen initiatives or by the Legislature. The bill also mandates that ballot titles for such amendments must explicitly state the 60% approval threshold. This policy shift would make it harder for constitutional amendments to pass, as they would need broader voter support.

Maddy summaryHB 1781 restricts the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's advertising to specific channels: billing statements, its own websites/social media, and on-road signage within 1.5 miles of turnpike entrances. It bans all other advertising methods, including TV, radio, newspapers, and third-party digital platforms. The bill also prohibits signage beyond the 1.5-mile zone near turnpike access points. Construction-related bid advertisements remain exempt. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1726 prohibits the land application, spreading, sale, or distribution of biosolids (treated wastewater solids) and related materials like sewage sludge or septage-derived compost in Oklahoma, except for specific exemptions including food-processing byproducts (e.g., apple or blueberry waste) and animal manure. It holds violators civilly liable for PFAS contamination costs and directs the Department of Environmental Quality to enforce the ban while the Agriculture Department oversees agricultural impacts. The bill requires both agencies to develop long-term plans for safe biosolids management and remediation funding by December 2025, with a report to legislators. This directly affects wastewater treatment facilities, agricultural businesses using biosolids-based products, and landowners who previously applied such materials.

Maddy summaryHB 1455 makes it a felony for state agency, department, or local government employees to knowingly use their official authority to interfere with the nomination or election of candidates for statewide offices, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, state senators, and state representatives. The law prohibits actions like manipulating voter rolls or influencing election processes for these positions. Violators face penalties of up to $10,000 in fines, one year in prison, or both. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1450 imposes an indefinite moratorium on constructing or expanding new wind and utility-scale solar energy facilities in Oklahoma. It directly affects developers seeking new projects and state agencies responsible for permitting such facilities. The bill prohibits all state agencies, boards, or political subdivisions from approving new construction or expansion, with two key exceptions: projects already permitted, approved by the Regional Transmission Organization, and operational before the bill's passage, and existing operational facilities. The moratorium takes immediate effect upon passage due to an emergency declaration.