Rep. Carl Newton

Maddy summarySB 237 requires Oklahoma's Commissioners of the Land Office to pay counties a yearly property tax equivalent when they own more than 10% of a county's land (by acreage) and are starting or renewing a lease on that land. The payment equals the county's current agricultural property tax rate per acre, as determined by the county assessor. County assessors must share this rate with the Land Office by September 1 each year, and the Land Office must pay the county by December 31. This payment is included in the minimum bid requirement for new or renewed leases. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe bill text for SB 1047 is not provided in the context, so a summary of its specific provisions cannot be generated. While the title indicates it relates to requiring health insurance reimbursement for certain services, the actual scope, affected parties, and mechanisms are not described. Without the full bill text or a detailed summary, concrete policy details cannot be confirmed. Please provide the bill text or a summary for an accurate description.

Maddy summarySB 894 prohibits distributing AI-generated "deepfake" videos or audio of political candidates within 90 days of an election, unless a clear disclosure states "This media has been manipulated by artificial intelligence." The law requires disclosures to be visible/readable (e.g., large text in videos, spoken in audio) and applies to individuals, corporations, or committees creating such media. Exceptions cover news broadcasts, satire, and media that clearly acknowledges authenticity questions. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000, with the law taking effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryOklahoma's SB 894 prohibits distributing AI-generated "deepfake" media (synthetic images, audio, or video falsely depicting candidates) within 90 days of an election. It requires clear, easily readable disclosures if such media is used, with specific size and duration rules for visual content or spoken announcements for audio. The law directly affects campaigns, media creators, and distributors during election periods, while exempting legitimate news coverage, satire, and parody. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $10,000, and candidates may seek legal action for damages. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 265 creates the Oklahoma Water Infrastructure Loan Program and Revolving Fund to provide low-interest loans for water system improvements. It directly affects municipalities and water districts by enabling them to access funding for projects like upgrading pipes, treatment facilities, or water supply systems. The bill establishes a revolving fund that replenishes as loans are repaid, ensuring ongoing availability of capital. The "Emergency" designation indicates it aims for rapid implementation to address urgent water infrastructure needs.

Maddy summarySB 265 creates the Oklahoma Water Infrastructure Loan Program and a revolving fund to finance water infrastructure projects. It provides low-interest loans and grants to municipalities, rural water districts, and other eligible entities for projects like water treatment plants, pipelines, and conservation efforts. The fund, financed by state water sales proceeds, fees, donations, and investment returns, must allocate at least 10% of annual revenue to rural or underserved communities. The program requires annual reporting to state leaders and independent audits to track fund use and project status. This bill directly affects local water providers and communities needing infrastructure upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 1813 authorizes the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to form agreements with the Oklahoma Rural Water Association and other Oklahoma-based nonprofits that manage rural water systems. These agreements would provide technical training and assistance to board members and system operators, specifically to help maintain uninterrupted water and wastewater services in rural communities. The bill directly affects rural water systems serving Oklahoma residents and their operators by strengthening their capacity to deliver reliable services. It does not change water rights or funding but focuses on improving operational support through existing nonprofit partnerships. The bill is scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1813 allows the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to form agreements with qualified Oklahoma-based non-profits, like the Oklahoma Rural Water Association, that manage rural water systems. These partnerships will provide technical training and assistance to board members and water system operators, aiming to maintain reliable water and wastewater services in rural communities. The bill specifically requires these non-profits to have proven expertise in water system operations. It becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 598 modifies Oklahoma's driver licensing rules to allow individuals with intermediate Class D licenses (typically for teen drivers) who live on farms or ranches to operate vehicles for farming or ranching activities outside municipal limits at any time - bypassing the standard 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. curfew. This change directly affects farm or ranch residents aged 16-18 who hold intermediate licenses and are engaged in agricultural work. The bill amends existing law (47 O.S. § 6-105) to add this exception, specifying that the time restriction does not apply when operating a vehicle for farming/ranching activities, driving to/from work/school/church, or while accompanied by a licensed adult.

Maddy summaryHB 1812 modifies supervision rules for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) working in hospitals. The bill specifically changes requirements so that hospitals - not all healthcare facilities - must oversee APRNs employed by or contracted with them. Key provisions clarify that hospitals must establish supervision protocols for these nurses, while exempting APRNs working outside hospital settings. This directly affects hospital-employed APRNs and the hospitals responsible for their oversight, with no changes to other nurse supervision standards.