Rep. Carl Newton

Maddy summarySB 259 requires groundwater permit holders to submit annual usage reports, with specific additions for swine operations using liquid waste systems that must indicate if they are licensed under Oklahoma's Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Act. It updates waste prevention rules to prohibit inefficient use, pollution, and unauthorized drilling, while expanding the Oklahoma Water Resources Board's authority to investigate complaints, implement metering schedules, and enforce penalties. The bill directs the Board to monitor groundwater use, notify agriculture officials about unlicensed operations, and require landowner notice before inspections. An appropriation funds the Board's new monitoring and enforcement responsibilities under this legislation.

Maddy summarySB 206 amends Oklahoma law to classify emergency medical services (EMS) provided by public entities - such as municipal, county, or district ambulance services - as "essential services" **solely for eligibility for federal funding**. This change directly affects public EMS providers seeking federal grants, ensuring they meet the federal definition of "essential services" under current funding criteria. The bill does not alter EMS operations or create new requirements but adjusts the legal classification to align with federal funding rules. It was introduced as an emergency measure to take immediate effect upon approval.

Maddy summarySB 2071 amends Oklahoma's Milk and Milk Products Act to update definitions, increase fees, and clarify regulatory oversight for dairy operations. It doubles fees for dairy producers and processors - from $0.01 to $0.02 per 100 pounds of raw milk, Grade A milk, and imported milk products - requiring monthly or semi-annual payments to the Milk and Milk Products Inspection Revolving Fund. The bill also clarifies terms like "goat milk," "milk contact surfaces," and "dairy farm," and designates the Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture as the lead agency for coordinating with federal dairy inspection programs. These changes directly affect dairy farms, processors, distributors, and importers of milk products within Oklahoma.

Maddy summarySB 1557 transfers the licensing authority for behavior analysts from Oklahoma's Department of Human Services to the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners. The bill requires all applicants to undergo a national criminal history background check and updates definitions to clarify that only professionals certified by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board (and licensed by the State Board) may practice applied behavior analysis. It also specifies that supervisees must work under a licensed behavior analyst and maintains requirements for renewal and professional conduct standards. This changes who oversees licensure, adds background checks, and standardizes practice rules for behavior analysts.

Maddy summarySB 1390 modifies Oklahoma's gross production tax apportionment rules for natural gas and oil revenues. It establishes a "moving five-year average" for gas tax collections to determine when excess revenue (above this average) is sent to the Revenue Stabilization Fund instead of the General Revenue Fund. The bill adjusts the percentage of tax revenue allocated to state general funds, county highway funds, and school districts based on whether gas taxes are levied at 7% or 4% rates. This directly affects natural gas and oil producers, counties receiving highway funds, and school districts eligible for per-pupil funding. The changes take effect immediately as an emergency measure.

Maddy summaryHB 4454 restricts THC content and packaging for medical marijuana edibles in Oklahoma. It limits each serving to 10mg THC (100mg per package) and drinks to 20mg per container, while banning child-appealing designs, candy-like shapes, and color additives. Licensed processors must comply with these rules, submit monthly production/sales reports to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, and undergo annual inspections. The bill directly affects medical marijuana processors who create edible products and takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1849 modifies Oklahoma's continuing education requirements for podiatrists renewing their licenses. It mandates 60 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 2 hours on pain management, opioid use, or addiction (unless the practitioner lacks a federal DEA registration). The bill broadens acceptable continuing education to include medical marijuana training approved by the Board and allows out-of-state practitioners to substitute hours from where they practice. Fully retired podiatrists are exempt but must complete accrued requirements if they resume practice. The changes take effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1509 amends Oklahoma law to change how the Oklahoma Water Resources Board sets rules for spacing between groundwater wells. It removes the requirement for certain public hearings when establishing well spacing rules and allows the Board to set specific spacing as part of determining a basin's maximum annual water yield. This directly affects well operators, landowners in groundwater basins, and the Board in managing water allocation. The changes take effect November 1, 2026, streamlining the rulemaking process for groundwater management.

Maddy summarySB 1314 increases the maximum balance of the Well Drillers and Pump Installers Remedial Action Indemnity Fund from $50,000 to $100,000 and raises the allowable expenditure per well or borehole from $10,000 to $25,000. This bill directly affects commercial well drillers and pump installers in Oklahoma, who pay annual fees that fund the account. The increased limits allow the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to cover more extensive remedial actions needed to protect groundwater from non-compliant or abandoned wells. The fund remains dedicated solely to groundwater protection, with no changes to licensing requirements or enforcement procedures.

Maddy summarySB 1984 amends Oklahoma's Osteopathic Medicine Act to modernize regulations for osteopathic physicians and the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners. It clarifies definitions (like "emergency" and "emergency suspension"), expands the Board's subpoena power and authority to design exams, and updates disciplinary procedures by adding/removing grounds for action. The bill also requires electronic license renewals, clarifies telemedicine practice rules (requiring a proper patient record for remote care), and specifies conditions for emergency license suspensions. These changes directly affect licensed osteopathic physicians in Oklahoma, the regulatory Board, and patients through updated oversight and licensing processes.