Rep. Mike Kelley

Maddy summarySenate Bill 578 extends the effective date of the existing "Oklahoma Quality Events Incentive Act." This act provides incentives for qualifying events held within the state of Oklahoma. The bill changes the program's expiration date from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2031, allowing the incentive program to continue for an additional five years.

Maddy summaryHB 1027 amends Oklahoma's Law Enforcement Retirement System code to update membership definitions and service credit calculations. It adds new member categories, including agents hired by the Office of the Attorney General or Military Department after July 1, 2024, and university police officers at the University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University. The bill revises how service credit is purchased during certain leaves of absence by updating the purchase price calculation formula. These changes directly affect current and future members of the retirement system, covering law enforcement officers across state agencies like the Highway Patrol, State Bureau of Investigation, and university police departments.

Maddy summaryHB 1424 establishes a new process for resolving unfair labor practice claims between cities/towns (local government employers) and public employee unions. It requires written notification of alleged unfair labor practices within six months, followed by a specific three-step arbitrator selection process: each party selects one arbitrator within 10 days, they jointly select a third (or use the Federal Mediation Service if needed), and the third serves as chair. The bill specifies that the first two arbitrators' fees are paid by their respective sides, while the third arbitrator's reasonable fees are shared equally. This process applies to interest arbitration, unfair labor practice disputes, and union certification matters.

Maddy summaryHB 1424 establishes a new arbitration process for resolving unfair labor practice claims between cities, towns (as employers) and public employee bargaining agents. The bill outlines a timeline for notifying the other party of an alleged practice and details a specific method for selecting a three-person arbitration board. If the initially chosen arbitrators cannot agree on a third, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service will provide a list for selection. Additionally, the bill specifies that each party will pay for their own selected arbitrator, while the fees for the third, neutral arbitrator will be shared equally.

Maddy summaryHB 1065 extends the expiration date of Oklahoma's Quality Events Incentive Act from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2032. The bill amends Section 4301 of the Oklahoma Statutes to change the program's end date, directly affecting event organizers qualifying under the Act for tax incentives. This extension provides continued eligibility for qualifying events through 2032 without altering the incentive structure or creating new tax obligations. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025, following its passage in the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1065 extends the expiration date of Oklahoma's Quality Events Incentive Act from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2032. It amends Section 4301 of the Oklahoma Statutes to update the program's end date while maintaining the existing incentive structure. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2025, ensuring the program continues operating under its current framework until 2032. This is a procedural amendment affecting the program's timeline, not the eligibility or structure of the incentive.

Maddy summaryHB 1104 allows Oklahoma counties with fewer than 200,000 residents to levy a 3% lodging tax on hotels and motels (excluding campsites) to fund county-owned tourism facilities. The tax requires voter approval via election or petition and must be deposited exclusively into a dedicated tourism fund, not general county revenue. Counties may not impose this tax within municipalities that already collect their own lodging tax. The bill specifies the tax must fund tourism promotion, advertising, or facility development, with proceeds restricted to these purposes only. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, pending voter approval.

Maddy summaryHB 1104 allows Oklahoma counties with fewer than 200,000 residents to levy a 3% lodging tax on hotels, motels, and similar accommodations, specifically for building and maintaining county-owned tourism facilities. It requires voter approval via election or petition (5% signature threshold) before implementation and prohibits counties from imposing this tax if a municipality within the county already has a lodging tax. The bill mandates that all revenue from this tax must be deposited into a dedicated tourism fund and used exclusively for tourism promotion, not general county spending. This would directly affect small counties seeking to fund tourism infrastructure through voter-approved local taxation.

Maddy summarySB 1015, the "State-Sponsored Persecution Prohibition Act," prohibits Oklahoma state agencies from regulating businesses, farms, taxpayers, or citizens in a malicious manner intended to harass, intimidate, or punish them for personal, economic, political, or ideological reasons. It creates a legal mechanism allowing affected individuals or entities to sue agencies for damages, equitable relief, and attorney fees if they believe regulations were imposed improperly. The bill does not change existing regulations but establishes new grounds for legal action against agencies engaging in such conduct. It is currently pending in committee and would take effect November 1, 2025, if passed.

Maddy summarySB 402 directs Service Oklahoma to create specific rules governing commercial driver training programs. This bill directly affects commercial driving schools and training providers in Oklahoma that must comply with these new regulations. The key provision requires Service Oklahoma to establish clear standards for training curricula, instructor qualifications, and program oversight. As an emergency measure, the rules would take effect quickly upon passage to address current gaps in driver training oversight.