Rep. Ron Stewart

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Health Insurance Act of 2026" as a standalone law that will not be added to the Oklahoma Statutes. It directly affects health insurance regulations and providers in Oklahoma by creating a new legal framework for the 2026 legislative session. The key provision is simply naming the act and setting its effective date as November 1, 2026. This is a procedural measure that organizes how health insurance laws will be referenced and applied in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1137 removes a requirement for Oklahoma's State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to seek federal funding by January 1, 2022, to address missing and murdered indigenous persons. It deletes the specific mandate in Section 150.12A-1 that directed the OSBI to coordinate with federal offices for funding and grants. The bill directly affects the OSBI's operations regarding this program, eliminating the obligation to pursue federal financial support. The change takes effect November 1, 2025, and does not alter the program's structure or responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1689 amends Oklahoma's larceny law for lost property, establishing penalties based on the item's value: misdemeanor fines/imprisonment for items under $1,000, and escalating felony penalties up to 8 years for items valued at $15,000 or more. It specifically adds that removing retail shopping carts with intent to deprive the owner (or possessing such carts) is unlawful, punishable as a misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine. The bill directly affects individuals who find lost property without making reasonable effort to return it or who remove shopping carts from retail parking areas. It takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1125 requires Oklahoma's Department of Transportation (DOT) to cover the cost of replacing curbs, inlets, inlet grates, and related drainage components on municipal streets that continue state or federal highways. It applies specifically to cities with populations under 100,000 (per the latest federal census) and excludes mill-and-inlay road projects. The bill mandates the DOT to update its administrative rules to include these repairs in project scopes. This policy change directly affects local municipalities by shifting maintenance costs from cities to the state DOT for qualifying street infrastructure.

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 1980, the Oklahoma Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, prohibits public colleges and universities from asking prospective online students about their past criminal records if those students will not reside on campus during their enrollment. The bill also bans institutions from inquiring about an applicant's juvenile behavioral history. These restrictions apply specifically to students enrolled exclusively in online programs, with the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education responsible for enforcement and potential penalties for violations, including fines or loss of state funding. The law aims to remove barriers for certain students seeking higher education access.

Maddy summaryHB 1114 clarifies that the mayor's office or its designee, alongside the city manager, may make decisions regarding municipal land banks. This procedural amendment affects cities and towns operating land banks by specifying who has authority to handle property sales and tax-related matters under the program. It does not change tax rates, property sale rules, or create new policies - only streamlines existing decision-making procedures. The bill was amended by committee and passed "Do Pass" in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1115 requires Oklahoma's Medicaid program to increase payment rates for mental health services provided to children 19 years of age or younger by 30%. This change directly affects mental health providers who serve Medicaid-eligible children under 19 by raising the reimbursement they receive for these services. The bill mandates a specific 30% rate increase for covered mental health services, without altering eligibility criteria. The policy becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 1004 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit property tax increases for Oklahoma homesteads. It would freeze the tax assessment value of a primary residence for homeowners who have owned and occupied the property for at least 10 years and whose gross household income stays below HUD's low-income threshold for their county. The cap remains in effect as long as these conditions are met, but any property improvements would be added to the assessed value while still respecting the frozen baseline. If homeowners move out or exceed the income limit, the property reverts to standard tax assessment rules. This measure requires voter approval via ballot referendum.

Maddy summaryHB 1926 appropriates $30 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund to the Department of Commerce for a program partnering with SBA-certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). This funding directly supports small businesses by enabling CDFIs to provide loans to owners, particularly in underserved communities. The program will operate using unallocated funds for the 2026 fiscal year and takes effect July 1, 2025. The bill creates a specific funding mechanism to expand small business lending access through established community-focused lenders.