Rep. Stacy Adams

Maddy summarySB 97 prohibits Oklahoma state agencies from contracting with lobbyists or hiring legislative liaisons for lobbying purposes without written approval from the relevant cabinet secretary. The bill defines key terms like "lobbyist" (including executive and legislative lobbyists) and excludes individuals who lobby without compensation (such as those exercising constitutional petition rights or appearing without payment beyond expense reimbursement). This law aims to limit direct lobbying by state agencies by requiring higher-level oversight for such activities. It becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1820 requires Oklahoma's Medicaid program to verify specific eligibility information (like income, residency, employment, and immigration status) before approving benefits, excluding TEFRA-eligible applicants and individuals with intellectual disabilities in Home and Community Based Waivers. It mandates quarterly reviews of enrolled Medicaid recipients for changes in circumstances and establishes a 10-business-day window for applicants to respond to discrepancies. The law directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to contract with independent vendors that demonstrate cost savings and to use data-sharing agreements with state agencies. This bill directly affects Medicaid applicants and recipients in Oklahoma by tightening eligibility verification processes, while exempting certain vulnerable groups from these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1820, known as the "HOPE Act," requires Oklahoma's Medicaid program to verify detailed eligibility information for applicants - including income, employment, residency, financial resources, and immigration status - while excluding TEFRA-eligible individuals and those with intellectual disabilities in specific Home and Community-Based Medicaid waiver programs. The bill mandates quarterly reviews of enrolled Medicaid recipients' circumstances and establishes a 10-day response period for individuals to address discrepancies, with written notice required before any benefit discontinuation. It also requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to contract with independent vendors only if annual savings exceed costs and to share data with other agencies via memoranda of understanding. Effective November 1, 2025, the law updates verification procedures but does not change Medicaid benefit eligibility or coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 1475 prohibits Oklahoma public and private schools from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, vaccine passports, or mask mandates for unvaccinated students. It bans schools from discriminating against students based on vaccination status, including in athletics, classroom participation, surveys, or seating arrangements. The law applies to all K-12 schools and colleges but does not affect standard immunization requirements for diseases like measles or polio. Violations result in a 5% reduction in state funding for the affected school district.

Maddy summaryHB 1476 amends Oklahoma's firearms law to allow licensed gun owners to carry concealed or unconcealed weapons in specific locations previously restricted, including government-owned parking areas (Section B.1), private school parking lots when firearms are locked in vehicles (Section B.5), and municipal zoos/parks owned by public trusts or nonprofits (Section E). It maintains prohibitions on carrying in courthouses, schools (except under private school policies or designated staff), gambling venues, and secured event properties. The bill also creates new allowances for school personnel with specific licenses to carry on school property (Section D) and limits penalties for violations to $250 fines or property removal. This directly affects licensed gun owners, school districts, private schools, and public venues like parks and zoos.

Maddy summaryHB 1476 amends Oklahoma law to allow licensed gun owners to carry concealed or unconcealed firearms in specific locations previously restricted. It permits firearms in school parking lots (with weapons stored locked in vehicles when unattended), government-owned parking areas, certain public parks, and municipal zoos/parks (with concealed carry only). The bill requires private schools to adopt written policies permitting firearms on property and allows school districts to designate licensed security personnel to carry on school grounds. It directly affects licensed gun owners, private school entities, and local governments managing public spaces like parks and parking facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1475 prohibits Oklahoma schools from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for student enrollment or attendance, banning "vaccine passports," and ending mask mandates specifically for unvaccinated students. It also prohibits discrimination against students based on vaccination status in activities, seating, or surveys. Schools violating these rules face a 5% reduction in state funding for two fiscal years. The bill affects all public, private, charter, and higher education institutions in Oklahoma and takes effect July 1, 2025. It does not change requirements for other childhood vaccines like measles or polio.