Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader

Maddy summarySB 1598 removes restrictions that previously barred Oklahoma historical societies, arts councils, and charter schools from using state funds to support religious organizations. It amends statutes to eliminate prohibitions on funding religious groups for historical preservation (Oklahoma Historical Society), arts programming (Oklahoma Arts Council), and charter school operations. The bill affects how these state entities can award contracts and manage funds, updating rules that previously required nonsectarian use of funds. This change applies to the Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma Arts Council, J.M. Davis Memorial Commission, and charter schools statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 3063 creates the name "Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026" for future legislation and sets its effective date as November 1, 2026. This is a procedural bill with no substantive policy provisions, as explicitly stated in the text ("not to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes"). It does not establish new rules, taxes, or requirements for vehicle owners or operators. The bill serves only to name a future act and define its implementation timeline.

Maddy summaryHB 3230 amends Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit Program to adjust income-based tax credits for parents paying for private school education. It allows tax credits of up to $7,500 annually (reduced for higher-income households) for tuition at accredited private schools, with a $1,000 cap for students using other education options. Special provisions provide full $7,500 credits for students experiencing homelessness or attending schools primarily serving financially disadvantaged students. The credit is claimed against Oklahoma state income tax for tax years 2024 and beyond, subject to specific eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3377 amends Oklahoma's income tax code to adjust how net operating losses (NOLs) are calculated and carried forward or back for tax years. It specifically changes the rules for businesses and individuals claiming NOL deductions, setting different treatment based on the tax year's start date (pre-2001, 2001-2007, or post-2008). The bill requires Oklahoma taxpayers to calculate NOLs separately from federal rules in some cases, while aligning others more closely with federal Internal Revenue Code Section 172. This directly affects businesses and individuals who utilize NOL deductions to offset taxable income in Oklahoma.

Maddy summaryHB 3064 requires Oklahoma counties to use a new standardized form for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses when they purchase a new home, ensuring they maintain their property tax exemption. The form must confirm they previously qualified for the exemption on their old homestead, and county assessors must use it to update property records to reflect the new exempt status. This applies specifically to veterans who qualify under Oklahoma Constitution Sections 8E and 8F for their primary residence (homestead). The bill creates a clear process to avoid losing tax benefits during home purchases and ensures county officials send updated tax bills accordingly. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3694 requires Oklahoma counties to use a new form for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses when purchasing a new home. The form verifies their prior exemption from property taxes on a previous homestead under Oklahoma Constitution Sections 8E and 8F. County assessors must then update property records to maintain the exemption on the new home. This policy directly affects disabled veterans and surviving spouses who buy property, ensuring their tax exemption continues seamlessly after moving. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 796 prohibits Oklahoma public universities from using state funds, property, or resources for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that grant preferential treatment based on race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin. It bans mandatory DEI training, pronoun disclosure requirements, and diversity statements in hiring, while allowing programs supporting first-generation students, low-income students, or underserved groups without race-based preferences. Universities must review and potentially restructure non-compliant DEI initiatives by July 2025 and submit annual compliance certificates starting July 2026. The bill exempts accreditation requirements, academic freedom, student organizations, and data collection from its restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 658 prohibits Oklahoma's Department of Human Services (DHS) from requiring adoptive or foster parents to affirm government policies on sexual orientation or gender identity that conflict with their personal beliefs, or denying them eligibility based on those beliefs. The bill prevents DHS from establishing policies that block placements due to a parent's religious or moral views on these topics. However, it explicitly preserves DHS's duty to consider a child's best interests, including the child's or family's views on these matters, when making placements. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 796 prohibits Oklahoma's public higher education institutions from using state funds or resources for certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities. It bans programs that grant preferential treatment based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin, and prohibits mandating participation in related training or requiring DEI statements from job applicants. Institutions are also forbidden from mandating the disclosure of personal pronouns. The bill requires these institutions to review existing DEI functions and restructure or eliminate those not necessary for compliance, accreditation, or broad student support, with annual compliance certifications due to state leaders.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 658 prohibits the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) from denying eligibility or placement to current or prospective adoptive and foster parents. This prohibition applies if the denial is based on the parent's sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill also states DHS cannot require parents to affirm government policies on these topics if they conflict with their beliefs. However, it clarifies that DHS can still consider a child's or their family's religious or moral beliefs when determining the best placement for the child.