Rep. Rob Hall

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes an emergency appropriation of approximately $19.66 million to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The funds must come from the Rate Preservation Fund in the State Treasury and are designated specifically for Title XIX services, which are Medicaid-funded mental health and substance abuse programs. The legislation includes an emergency provision, allowing the funding to take effect immediately upon the governor's approval without waiting for the regular budget cycle. This action provides direct financial resources to the state agency responsible for administering mental health and substance abuse services.

Maddy summaryHB 3280 amends Oklahoma's Homemade Food Freedom Act to clarify rules for home-based food businesses. It defines a "home food establishment" as a residence-based business selling homemade food with annual sales under $75,000 for time-sensitive foods (like cooked meals) or $300,000 for non-perishable items (like baked goods). The bill explicitly excludes alcohol, unpasteurized milk, and cannabis products from coverage. It also clarifies terms like "delivered" (transferred to customers) and defines "time-controlled" foods (requiring temperature control for safety). The changes take effect November 1, 2026, directly affecting Oklahoma home food producers operating below these sales thresholds.

Maddy summaryHB 1572 modifies Oklahoma's sales tax apportionment to increase funding for tourism. It removes a $5 million annual cap on the Oklahoma Tourism Promotion Revolving Fund, raises the percentage of sales tax revenue allocated to tourism from 0.87% to 1.0% for fiscal years 2026 and beyond, and changes the distribution to 36% for Promotion, 64% for Capital Improvement, and $6.6 million for Route 66. The bill also eliminates restrictions prohibiting tourism funds from covering salaries. These changes directly affect the Oklahoma Tourism Promotion, Capital Improvement, and Route 66 Commission funds, increasing their available resources for operations and projects.

Maddy summaryHB 3069 changes Oklahoma's charter school application process by removing the requirement that applicants must submit applications either to a sponsor or their school district. Instead, applicants for traditional charter schools (not virtual charters, which still submit to the Statewide Charter School Board) can choose where to submit their application. The bill also adds a 10-hour training requirement for applicants and sponsors on charter school processes, to be completed before submission. These changes apply to applications filed after July 1, 2024, and aim to streamline the application pathway for new charter schools.

Maddy summaryHB 3068 limits the total service time for certain state government leaders to 12 years. It applies to cabinet secretaries appointed by the governor and executive directors (or equivalent leaders) of state agencies within the executive branch. The bill establishes that years served in either role count toward the 12-year maximum, meaning combined service as a cabinet secretary or agency director cannot exceed this period. The law takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2944 (Strong Readers Act) requires Oklahoma public schools to administer standardized reading screenings for students in kindergarten through third grade to identify those not meeting grade-level reading targets. Students identified as struggling must receive a research-based reading intervention plan within 30 days, including additional instruction in phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, plus access to free online literacy resources for families. The bill mandates third-grade retention for students who do not meet reading targets after interventions, with exemptions for students with disabilities, English learners, or those using Braille/sign language. Schools must also provide literacy coaches, summer academies, and annual reporting on student reading progress.

Maddy summaryHB 3373 defines "high-dosage tutoring" for Oklahoma public schools, establishing specific requirements for this type of academic support. The bill mandates tutoring sessions of 30-45 minutes, three times weekly (during or right after school), delivered by trained tutors in 1:1 or small groups (max 4 students), lasting at least 10 weeks, with regular student progress assessments. It directly affects public school districts participating in Oklahoma's high-dosage tutoring programs by setting standardized criteria for implementation. The definition becomes effective November 1, 2026, and is codified into Oklahoma law.

Maddy summaryHB 3282 repeals Oklahoma Statute § 850 (as amended), which previously addressed intimidation and harassment offenses. This is a procedural bill with no new provisions or direct impacts on individuals or entities, as it solely removes an existing legal section. The repeal takes effect on November 1, 2026, as specified in the bill. No new policy changes are implemented by this legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 3283 modifies Oklahoma's criminal forfeiture law by raising the standard of proof required for property seizures. It requires prosecutors to prove illegal use of seized property by "clear and convincing evidence" rather than a lower standard, directly affecting property owners in forfeiture cases. Key provisions protect innocent owners and lienholders by allowing them to prove they had no knowledge of illegal use, potentially preventing forfeiture if they hold a valid claim. The bill also clarifies how proceeds from forfeited property must be distributed, prioritizing victims and law enforcement costs. It takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4039 establishes the "State Budget Act of 2026" as the official name for Oklahoma's 2026 state budget framework. The bill sets its effective date as November 1, 2026, and specifies that it will not be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes. This is a procedural bill that formally names the budget legislation and sets its implementation timeline, without detailing specific spending allocations or policy changes. It directly affects state budget processes and future fiscal planning but does not alter existing funding levels or programs.