Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader

Maddy summarySB 84 modifies Oklahoma's school firearm rules to expand exceptions for lawful firearm storage. It allows private schools to adopt policies permitting staff or students with valid Oklahoma Self-Defense Act licenses to carry firearms on campus, provided the school has a written policy and the firearm is stored locked and hidden when vehicles are unattended. The bill also adds new exceptions for firearms used in approved hunting training, ROTC activities (when unloaded), and school personnel with specific security licenses. These changes apply to both public and private schools, with violations punishable by a $250 fine. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 84 amends Oklahoma law to expand exceptions allowing firearms on school property. It adds new provisions permitting firearms in privately owned vehicles used solely for transporting students (not left unattended), firearms used in approved hunting training courses, and weapons carried by authorized personnel (like school security with specific licenses). Crucially, it allows private schools to adopt policies permitting firearms on their property or in school buses, granting the schools liability immunity from lawsuits unless due to gross negligence. This directly affects private schools, their governing entities, and individuals carrying firearms under approved school policies. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 creates Oklahoma's Industrial Access Improvement Grant Program, providing state funding for infrastructure projects that enhance industrial site accessibility. It directly affects eligible municipalities with populations over 750,000 (per the 2020 Census), requiring the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to administer grants for roadway expansions, bridge upgrades, freight corridor improvements, and other access-related construction. The bill establishes a revolving fund in the state treasury to support these grants, mandates an application process with project descriptions and local matching requirements, and requires the Department to allocate funds based on project merit. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 creates Oklahoma's Industrial Access Improvement Grant Program, which provides state funding for roadway, bridge, intersection, and freight corridor projects in municipalities with populations exceeding 750,000 (per the latest U.S. Census). The Oklahoma Department of Transportation will administer the program, requiring applicants to submit project details, economic impact statements, engineering estimates, and evidence of local matching funds. Grants will be allocated based on merit and available funds, with a revolving fund in the state treasury ensuring ongoing financing for these infrastructure improvements. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, directly affecting large Oklahoma cities seeking to enhance industrial site accessibility.

Maddy summaryHB 1167 allows active-duty U.S. military members temporarily stationed in Oklahoma (on temporary duty assignments) and their spouses to serve as poll workers in any Oklahoma county, regardless of their home military base. The bill amends Oklahoma election law to remove residency restrictions for these individuals, making it easier for military personnel and their families to participate in local elections during temporary assignments. The change takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1167 allows active-duty members of the U.S. uniformed services temporarily assigned to Oklahoma and their spouses to serve as poll workers (precinct officials) in any Oklahoma county, regardless of their home of record. This removes a residency requirement that previously restricted military personnel stationed in the state from working at local polling places. The bill directly affects military service members on temporary duty in Oklahoma and their spouses who wish to assist with election administration. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, and codifies this change in Oklahoma law.

Maddy summaryHB 1241 amends Oklahoma law (26 O.S. 2021, Section 2-111.2) to clarify that county election board secretaries cannot be elected as chairman or vice chairman and shall not serve as voting members of the board. This directly affects all Oklahoma county election boards and their secretaries by restricting the secretary’s leadership roles and voting rights. The bill requires boards to elect a chairman and vice chairman every four years on the first Monday in June, with the secretary excluded from these positions. It takes effect November 1, 2025, and is currently pending in the Rules committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1241 changes Oklahoma's election board rules by requiring county election boards to hold annual meetings in June to elect a chairman and vice chairman. It clarifies that the county election board secretary cannot serve as chairman, vice chairman, or vote on the board. The bill directly affects county election boards across Oklahoma and takes effect on November 1, 2025. This is a procedural change to election board structure, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summaryHB 1448 requires non-government campaign or election mailers (such as those encouraging absentee ballot applications or election dates) sent to voters to include a specific disclaimer in 14-point font: "This piece of mail is not an official government document from the State of Oklahoma or any subdivision of this state." It directly affects political campaigns, advocacy groups, and organizations sending such mailers, excluding official government documents from election boards. Violations incur a $100 fine per mailer campaign (not per piece) for the first offense, rising to $300 for a third offense, with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission enforcing the law. The bill aims to clarify the origin of election-related mailers to voters.

Maddy summaryHB 1448 requires non-official campaign or election mailings (like voter registration reminders or absentee ballot solicitations) sent via mail to include a clear disclaimer in 14-point font stating, "This piece of mail is not an official government document from the State of Oklahoma or any subdivision of this state." It imposes fines of $100 per mailing campaign for the first violation, increasing to $300 for a third offense, and directs the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to enforce the rule. The bill directly affects political campaigns, nonprofits, and organizations distributing such mailings to voters. It becomes effective November 1, 2025.