Rep. John Pfeiffer

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Oklahoma's public nuisance laws to prevent businesses selling lawful products from being classified as public nuisances. It requires courts to find that a defendant controlled the nuisance conditions before awarding liability and mandates "clear and convincing evidence" for private lawsuits claiming special harm. These changes directly affect businesses selling legal goods and individuals filing civil nuisance claims. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 352 prohibits utility companies from using eminent domain to build wind turbines, solar facilities, battery storage, or hydrogen gas facilities on private property. It also requires electricity providers to obtain a Corporation Commission certificate before using eminent domain for high-voltage transmission lines (over 300 kV). The bill directly affects utility companies seeking to expand infrastructure and private property owners whose land might be targeted for such projects. These changes amend Oklahoma’s eminent domain law (27 O.S. §7) to restrict certain facility siting and add oversight for major transmission projects. The bill was introduced in the 2025 Oklahoma Legislature and referred to the Energy and Natural Resources Oversight committee.

Maddy summarySB 352 prohibits utility companies (electricity or gas providers) from using eminent domain to acquire private property for wind, solar, battery storage, or hydrogen facilities. It also requires these entities to obtain a Corporation Commission certificate before using eminent domain for high-voltage electric transmission facilities (over 300 kV). The bill directly affects renewable energy project developers and utility companies seeking to build large-scale infrastructure. This amendment to Oklahoma's eminent domain law for utilities takes immediate effect as an emergency measure.

Maddy summarySB 1115 clarifies Oklahoma's public nuisance laws by explicitly stating that manufacturing, marketing, and selling lawful products cannot be considered a public nuisance. It requires courts to find that a defendant controlled the nuisance conditions before awarding liability in such cases, and limits private lawsuits to situations where a plaintiff proves the nuisance directly caused them special injury. The bill directly affects businesses selling legal goods and individuals seeking legal action over neighborhood issues. These changes aim to prevent lawsuits against lawful commercial activities while setting clearer standards for nuisance claims.

Maddy summaryHB 2169 requires money transmitters (like Western Union or MoneyGram) in Oklahoma to collect fees on wire transfers: $5-$10 for transactions under $500, plus 1-2% on amounts over $500. The fees fund the Drug Money Laundering Revolving Fund, managed by the Oklahoma Tax Commission, and customers can claim a tax credit equal to the fee when filing income taxes. Transmitters must submit quarterly fee reports to the Tax Commission, with license suspension for noncompliance. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 378 updates Oklahoma's bail bondsman regulations by requiring detailed written receipts for all collateral (property or cash used as security), depositing cash collateral into a separate trust account within two business days, and submitting monthly electronic reports to the Insurance Commissioner. The bill also changes the monthly reviewal fee to 0.0015% of new bond liability, payable to the Insurance Commissioner. These provisions directly affect licensed bail bondsmen and their insurers, ensuring clearer handling of collateral and financial records. The changes become effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 38 modifies Oklahoma's sales tax revenue allocation to provide a fixed annual amount for the Oklahoma Historical Society. It specifies that starting in fiscal year 2026, 0.06% of sales tax revenue will be directed to the Historical Society's Capital Improvement and Operations Revolving Fund, capped at $1,880,553.25 annually. This change directly affects the Historical Society's funding, replacing the previous cap based on 2015 apportionment amounts. The bill does not alter other tax revenue allocations for education, tourism, or general funds.

Maddy summarySB 38 modifies Oklahoma's sales tax revenue distribution for tourism-related funds. It directs 0.87% of sales tax revenue (starting FY 2022) to three specific revolving funds: 24% to the Tourism Promotion Fund (capped at $5 million annually), 44% to the Tourism Capital Improvement Fund (capped at $9 million), and 32% to the Route 66 Commission Fund (capped at $6.6 million). These allocations apply to each fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, and beyond, with annual spending limits to prevent exceeding the specified caps. The bill does not affect the Oklahoma Historical Society, as referenced in the title but not in the actual provisions.

Maddy summarySB 597 prohibits railroad companies in Oklahoma from operating trains longer than 8,500 feet or exceeding the length of the shortest siding or passing track on main or branch lines, and limits train-related intersection blockages to 10 minutes. It directly affects railroad operators by imposing specific length restrictions on trains traveling on Oklahoma rail routes. Violations trigger civil fines of $500-$1,000 per foot of excess length, with potential $250,000 fines for gross negligence causing injury or death. Penalties collected fund the State Transportation Fund, and the Oklahoma Transportation Commission enforces compliance, with the Attorney General able to pursue legal action for unpaid fines. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 459 designates the intersection of U.S. Highway 77 and State Highway 11 in Kay County as the "Ike Glass Memorial Intersection." The bill requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to install permanent markers bearing this name at the location. This is a procedural memorial bill with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents beyond the physical naming of the intersection.