Rep. Anthony Moore

Maddy summarySB 364 prohibits Oklahoma public schools from using physical discipline (such as spanking or paddling) on students identified with significant cognitive disabilities, unless their individualized education plan (IEP) explicitly allows it under federal disability law. Schools must obtain written parental consent to override this ban, though the bill removes previous language authorizing automatic waivers. The law applies to all students with such disabilities in public schools and takes effect July 1, 2025. It amends Oklahoma Statutes § 13-116 to clarify that corporal punishment is banned unless documented in an IEP compliant with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Maddy summaryHB 1732 ensures Oklahoma high schools can broadcast their athletic games, including pre-season, regular season, and playoff events. It prohibits the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSAA) from entering exclusive broadcast deals that block local TV, radio, or online stations from airing school games. The law applies to all new or renewed broadcast contracts starting July 1, 2025, directly affecting schools, local broadcasters, and the OSAA. It clarifies that schools and local media retain rights to broadcast games regardless of OSAA agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 1017 establishes the Oklahoma NCAA Division II Athletic Conference Exploration Commission to study creating a new state-based athletic conference for Oklahoma’s NCAA Division II colleges. The commission, composed of university presidents from 10 Oklahoma institutions, will analyze feasibility factors including member schools, finances, student-athlete benefits, and NCAA compliance. It must produce a detailed report within 12 months, covering potential members, transition plans, funding models, and community benefits. The bill directly affects Oklahoma’s public and private universities participating in NCAA Division II athletics by exploring a new conference to enhance local rivalries, reduce travel costs, and keep students in-state. The legislation became law on May 7, 2025, without a governor’s signature.

Maddy summarySB 600 increases court filing fees in Oklahoma by adding new mandatory assessments to existing civil case fees. It requires an additional $6 for the Law Library Fund, $25 for the Court Information System, $5-$10 for court-appointed child advocates (OCASA), and $2 split between judicial complaint and interpreter services funds. These new fees apply to all civil court filings, including common cases like divorce ($183 base fee) and small claims ($150 base fee), with the exception of those qualifying for fee waivers due to poverty. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and includes a temporary $10 fee for court records preservation until November 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1017 establishes the Oklahoma NCAA Division II Athletic Conference Exploration Commission to study creating a new in-state athletic conference for Oklahoma's NCAA Division II colleges. The commission, composed of presidents from 10 Oklahoma public and private universities, must analyze feasibility factors including potential member institutions, academic/athletic capabilities, and funding sources. It will produce a final report with recommendations to the legislature, but the bill does not create the conference itself. The commission may contract independent consultants and consult the NCAA during its study.

Maddy summarySB 600 amends existing Oklahoma law concerning flat fees for civil cases filed in district courts. The bill increases a specific additional assessment from $5.00 to $10.00. This increased fee applies to litigants in certain case types, including divorce, probate, adoption, and various civil actions. The funds collected from this higher assessment are credited to the Oklahoma Court-Appointed Special Advocates (OCASA). The bill is scheduled to become effective on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1732 grants Oklahoma high schools the right to broadcast their own athletic activities, including pre-season, regular season, and playoff games. It clarifies that if the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) enters an exclusive broadcast agreement, it cannot prohibit a local broadcaster or the participating school from broadcasting its own team's events. This allows schools and local entities to share high school sports with their communities. These provisions apply to contracts involving broadcast rights that are entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 363 would have exempted specific private and out-of-state higher education institutions from Oklahoma's accreditation requirements. It exempted institutions participating in Oklahoma's Tuition Equalization Grant program, out-of-state schools in state authorization reciprocity agreements (for online education), religious degree-granting institutions, and schools offering only qualifying religious degrees. The bill also required non-exempt institutions to meet accreditation standards and pay fees for authorization, with funds supporting a tuition recovery fund. However, the bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 6, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 363 exempts certain private and out-of-state institutions from Oklahoma's accreditation requirements, including religious degree-granting institutions meeting specific criteria, out-of-state schools participating in state authorization reciprocity agreements, and Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant participants. Non-exempt institutions must still maintain accreditation by a recognized agency, be domiciled in the U.S., and comply with Oklahoma's authorization standards. The bill also requires institutions to pay annual fees into a tuition recovery fund and establishes procedures for denying or revoking authorization for non-compliance. These changes primarily affect private colleges, out-of-state universities operating in Oklahoma, and religious schools offering qualifying degrees.

Maddy summarySB 758 limits when Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools can count virtual instruction toward required annual instructional hours (1,080 hours or 180 days). Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, schools generally cannot count days when school is closed with virtual instruction toward these requirements. The bill allows counting up to two days (or 12 hours) per year only if the Superintendent of Public Instruction approves the school's virtual instruction plan. This change directly affects how districts report instructional time and must comply with state guidelines for virtual learning.