Rep. Kevin West

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as the official standard for Oklahoma state agencies. It requires state departments reviewing discrimination cases under existing laws (like those in Title 25) to use this definition when determining if conduct was motivated by antisemitic intent. The bill explicitly states it does not affect First Amendment rights, alter evidentiary standards, or override current discrimination laws. It becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1219 prohibits Oklahoma state agencies from using public funds or resources to promote, recognize, or support LGBTQ+ Pride Month or similar events. It also restricts state property flag displays to only those officially recognized by federal or state governments. The bill directly affects all state government entities, including departments and agencies, by banning activities like social media posts or educational programs related to Pride Month. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon approval.

Maddy summarySB 16, the Oklahoma Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, prohibits financial companies (like banks and credit card networks) from using payment codes that identify gun stores or gun-related purchases. It also bans government agencies from collecting or maintaining lists of firearm owners or their transactions. The law directly affects financial institutions, payment networks, and state agencies handling transactions. Violations can be enforced by the Attorney General, who may seek fines up to $1,000 per incident for repeated noncompliance.

Maddy summarySB 16, the Oklahoma Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, prohibits financial institutions from using payment card transaction codes to identify firearm retailers or firearm-related purchases. It specifically bans payment networks and covered entities (like banks processing payments) from assigning or requiring merchant category codes that distinguish firearm retailers from other businesses. The law also prevents government entities from maintaining lists of privately owned firearms or their owners. The Oklahoma Attorney General can investigate violations and require entities to stop the prohibited practices within 30 days.

Maddy summarySB 1006 prohibits Oklahoma state agencies from requiring or implementing programs that mandate preferential treatment based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin. It specifically bans agencies from forcing employees or applicants to participate in diversity training, providing diversity statements, or signing loyalty oaths favoring specific groups. Violations trigger a budget penalty: the legislature must reduce the agency's funding by 1% or require a 1% deposit into the General Revenue Fund the following year. The bill directly affects all state agencies, including higher education (via the Oklahoma State Regents), and takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 636 prohibits Oklahoma state and local government entities from using public funds for activities opposing Second Amendment rights. It bans spending on publicity, materials, or lobbying efforts aimed at defeating or restricting gun-related legislation, regulations, or taxes at federal or state levels. The bill defines using public employees, property, or time for such purposes as "expenditure of public funds" and includes exemptions for elected officials, neutral testimony, and personal opinions. Violations carry a misdemeanor penalty of up to $1,000 or one year in jail. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 636 prohibits Oklahoma state entities, political subdivisions, and their contractors from using public funds for any activity opposing Second Amendment rights. Specifically, it bans spending public money on anti-gun rights propaganda, materials opposing gun-related legislation or regulations, or hiring lobbyists to influence such laws. The bill defines public property, employee time, or resources as "public funds" and exempts elected officials, neutral testimony, and personal opinions. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties including up to $1,000 fines or 1 year in jail. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1006 prohibits Oklahoma state agencies from requiring or implementing programs that grant preferential treatment based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin. It specifically bans mandates for DEI training, diversity statements in hiring, loyalty oaths favoring specific groups, and programming that compels adherence to particular political or philosophical views. The bill defines "diversity, equity, and inclusion" to exclude practices involving preferential treatment or forced ideological endorsement. Violations trigger a 1% budget reduction for the agency in the following fiscal year, enforced by the Attorney General. This bill directly affects all state agencies, including higher education institutions, by restricting certain DEI-related policies and practices.

Maddy summarySB 550 prohibits organizing adult cabaret performances harmful to minors on public property or hosting "story hours" (where drag performers read children's books to minors) in public spaces. Violators face felony charges (1-5 years in prison or $5,000-$20,000 fine) for performances, or misdemeanor charges (up to 1 year jail or $500-$1,000 fine) for story hours. The law preempts conflicting local ordinances and defines "harmful to minors" per existing Oklahoma law. It directly affects event organizers, venues, and performers hosting such public activities involving minors.

Maddy summarySB 739 prohibits specific public entities from withholding retainage (hold-back payments) on certain construction contracts in Oklahoma. It directly affects contractors working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (DOT), Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, and railroads on privately owned rail property. The bill bans DOT and the Turnpike Authority from withholding retainage on their projects, and also prohibits retainage on contracts requiring bonds. This takes effect on November 1, 2025.