Rep. Erick Harris

Maddy summaryHB 2606 creates a five-year pilot program requiring Oklahoma's District Attorneys Council to establish domestic violence forensic exams in counties with over 100,000 residents. The program funds qualified health care professionals (physicians or nurses trained in domestic violence exams) to provide free forensic medical exams for victims of domestic violence assault. Participating counties must create a Domestic Violence Examination Fund, with payments capped at $200 per exam through the Crime Victims Compensation Board, requiring signatures from both the victim/guardian and the provider. This directly affects domestic violence victims in qualifying large counties and the healthcare providers conducting these exams.

Maddy summarySB 160 modifies Oklahoma's Uniform Building Code Commission structure and operations. It revises membership requirements to include specific contractor, engineer, and inspector roles (e.g., residential/commercial contractors, licensed electrical/mechanical engineers), adds a two-term limit for appointed members, and requires staggered four-year terms. The bill mandates free regional training for licensed building inspectors and authorizes fees for non-licensed participants to fund the Commission, while directing all collected fees into a dedicated state fund. It also requires the Commission to develop workforce plans to increase the number of qualified building code officials statewide.

Maddy summarySB 160 reorganizes Oklahoma's Uniform Building Code Commission by updating its membership structure, training requirements, and administrative procedures. It specifies that the 13-member Commission must include representatives from residential/commercial contractors, electrical/plumbing/heating contractors, licensed engineers, building officials, architects, insurance professionals, and local regulators. The bill also modifies term limits (capping two consecutive 4-year terms), updates fee assessment rules, and requires electronic reporting for certain documents. This procedural bill directly affects the Commission’s operations and the construction industry entities that must follow its adopted building codes.

Maddy summarySB 755 shortens the time frame for divorce parties to object to automatic temporary orders from 3 days to 2 days after service. This affects anyone filing for divorce in Oklahoma who needs immediate court orders regarding property, child custody, or finances. The bill modifies existing law (43 O.S. § 110) so that if a party objects within 2 days, a hearing must be scheduled sooner. It aims to expedite resolution of temporary disputes in divorce cases. The bill is designated as an emergency measure.

Maddy summarySB 755 shortens Oklahoma's timeline for scheduling hearings on temporary divorce orders from 10 days to 3 days after filing. It affects anyone filing for dissolution of marriage, annulment, or legal separation in the state. The bill modifies automatic temporary injunctions that prevent asset transfers, insurance changes, or custody disruptions during divorce proceedings. Courts must now hold hearings faster after a party objects to these temporary orders. This change aims to expedite resolution of urgent issues like property protection and child custody during divorce cases.

Maddy summarySB 213 increases liability caps for certain claims under Oklahoma's Governmental Tort Claims Act. It raises the maximum payout for property damage claims from $25,000 to $75,000 per claimant, and for nuisance claims in large counties (150,000+ population) from $85,000 to $140,000. The bill also raises medical negligence liability limits for state hospitals to $300,000 (from $200,000) and establishes a new $175,000 cap for wrongful conviction claims resulting in imprisonment. These changes apply to claims arising from single incidents or occurrences involving state agencies, local governments, or public hospitals.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases liability limits for government entities under Oklahoma's Governmental Tort Claims Act. It raises caps from $25,000 to $75,000 for property damage claims arising from a single incident, and increases limits for nuisance claims (e.g., $85,000 to $140,000 in smaller counties) and general claims (e.g., $125,000 to $250,000). Medical negligence claims against state hospitals also see higher limits ($200,000 to $300,000). These changes affect how much governments can be sued for in claims involving property loss, nuisance disputes, or medical negligence, directly impacting both claimants and public entities.

Maddy summarySB 199 requires courts to mandate training for guardians appointed for individuals with neurological conditions like Alzheimer's or dementia. Before approving a guardian appointment, courts must verify that the applicant completed this specific training. The bill applies directly to guardianship cases involving vulnerable adults with conditions such as dementia. The Department of Human Services must maintain a list of approved training programs to support this requirement.

Maddy summarySB 199 requires individuals appointed as guardians for people diagnosed with neurological conditions (such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia) to complete specific training before a court can approve their appointment. Guardians must submit proof of this training to the court as part of the appointment process. The bill amends Oklahoma guardianship law to give courts authority to mandate this training and verify completion, focusing on improving oversight for vulnerable adults. It directly affects guardianship applicants for individuals with these conditions and updates court procedures for managing such cases.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally recognizes February as "Black History Month" in Oklahoma, acknowledging the contributions of Black Americans to Oklahoma and U.S. history, culture, and society. The resolution makes no new laws, changes policies, or allocates funding - it solely serves to celebrate and honor these contributions through official recognition. It directly affects Oklahomans by affirming the state's support for observing Black History Month.