Rep. Erick Harris

Maddy summaryHB 2647, also known as the Shai Cooper Act, modifies adoption laws by expanding the circumstances under which a court can waive a preplacement home study. This bill allows the waiver option for adoptions where the child is an "immediate relative" of the petitioners or their spouse, defining immediate relatives as brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, or uncles. It directly affects these immediate family members seeking to adopt a child within their family. For a waiver to be granted, the court must find it's in the child's best interest, and the petitioning immediate relative or their spouse must not have a record of certain felony convictions, child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.

Maddy summarySB 831 is a bill designed to adjust the compensation for members of election boards. It increases the per diem, or daily allowance, that these members receive when attending specific meetings. This change directly affects individuals serving on election boards by modifying their reimbursement rates. The bill also specifies an effective date for these new per diem amounts to come into force.

Maddy summaryHB 1743 streamlines Oklahoma probate procedures by requiring a single "combined notice" for creditors, heirs, and hearings instead of separate notices. It mandates this notice be filed within 5 days of court approval, published weekly for two weeks, and mailed to creditors and interested parties within 10 days. The bill sets a minimum 45-day waiting period before the final court hearing on estate matters. This directly affects individuals handling probate estates (petitioners, creditors, heirs) by simplifying notice requirements and clarifying deadlines for estate administration.

Maddy summaryHB 1743 amends Oklahoma's probate procedures for "summary administration" of estates. The bill changes the timeframe for filing a "combined notice" to within five days of the court granting the petition and order for combined notice. This notice informs creditors and interested parties about the estate, the final hearing, and how to file objections. The legislation adjusts the administrative timeline for this expedited probate process, directly affecting those involved in settling estates through summary administration.

Maddy summaryOklahoma Senate Bill 742 modifies where individuals with valid handgun licenses can carry concealed or unconcealed firearms. It expands lawful carry to government vehicle parking areas, school parking lots (with firearms stored hidden in locked vehicles), and properties adjacent to prohibited areas. The bill also adds specific requirements for events held on secured property (e.g., metal fences, metal detectors) and clarifies that private schools may allow firearm carry if they adopt a written policy. School personnel with security licenses may carry on school grounds under designated policies, while municipal zoos and parks may permit concealed carry only. The law updates existing restrictions without changing penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 742 modifies Oklahoma's laws regarding where firearms can be lawfully carried. The bill specifies that at temporary public events on public property without minimum security provisions, individuals are limited to concealed carry of a handgun unless the event holder authorizes otherwise. It also allows individuals to carry concealed handguns, but not openly, in municipal zoos and parks. These changes affect individuals who carry firearms and visit these types of public locations.

Maddy summarySB 808 clarifies Oklahoma's physical therapy referral rules, allowing licensed physical therapists (and assistants under supervision) to evaluate and treat patients without a doctor's referral for up to 30 days, except for workers' compensation cases. It specifically exempts children receiving physical therapy under federal special education laws (IDEA/504), screening/education services, and non-injury-related fitness/wellness programs. The bill explicitly states physical therapists cannot practice "healing arts" beyond their scope and maintains existing restrictions on non-therapeutic services. Signed into law on April 23, 2025, it takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 808 amends Oklahoma's Physical Therapy Practice Act to clarify direct access to physical therapy services. The bill specifies that licensed physical therapists, including those working under direct-to-employer contracts, can evaluate and treat patients for up to 30 days without a referral from another healthcare practitioner. For treatment extending beyond 30 days, a referral is required from an updated list of providers, which now includes Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. This legislation impacts licensed physical therapists and patients seeking direct physical therapy care.

Maddy summaryHB 2606 creates a five-year pilot program in Oklahoma counties with over 100,000 residents to provide free domestic violence forensic exams for victims. The program, funded through a state victim compensation fund, covers up to $200 per exam for medical evaluations conducted by trained health professionals (like nurses or physicians who completed a 40-hour course). It directly affects domestic violence victims in qualifying counties who would otherwise pay for these exams, while defining domestic violence broadly to include dating relationships and household members. The bill requires counties to participate and sets clear standards for exam qualifications and fund disbursement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires parties in civil lawsuits to disclose commercial litigation funding agreements when requested, but prohibits using this information as evidence at trial. It mandates certification about whether foreign governments or entities funded the case, including specific details if foreign state funding is involved. Consumer litigation funding agreements are exempt from these requirements. The bill directly affects any party using commercial litigation funding in Oklahoma civil cases.