Rep. Ross Ford

Maddy summaryHB 2702 requires Oklahoma school districts to ensure special education administrators (directors and assistant directors of special education programs) hold a valid teaching certificate and obtain an "acknowledgment of competency" by July 1, 2025. This competency requires completing a 150-hour state-approved training program covering Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) rules and scoring at least 70% on a state-administered exam. The requirement does not apply to individuals already holding a Special Education Teaching Certificate under existing Oklahoma law. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, aiming to standardize qualifications for special education leadership roles.

Maddy summaryHB 2720, the Targeted Violence Prevention Act, authorizes Oklahoma's Department of Homeland Security and its Counter Terrorism Intelligence Center to collect, analyze, and share information about individuals suspected of terrorism, targeted violence, or threats to public safety with law enforcement agencies. The bill requires all shared information to remain confidential, with strict penalties - including fines up to $50,000 or one year in jail - for unauthorized disclosure or use. It also designates such information as legally privileged, making it non-discoverable in court except during criminal prosecutions related to the specific threats. The law directly affects law enforcement agencies receiving these reports and establishes new protocols for handling sensitive intelligence.

Maddy summaryHB 2713 would require Oklahoma authorities to seize vehicles without valid registration plates after 60 days (down from 90 days) instead of the current 90-day period. Vehicle owners whose vehicles are seized must pay all fees, penalties, and seizure costs to reclaim the vehicle, or face sale at public auction. If the sale price doesn't cover costs, the vehicle is sold as scrap, and any remaining funds go to the state under unclaimed property rules. This bill directly affects vehicle owners who let registration expire, and it modifies enforcement procedures for the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Registration Act.

Maddy summaryHB 2720, the Targeted Violence Prevention Act, authorizes Oklahoma's Department of Homeland Security and the Oklahoma Counter Terrorism Intelligence Center to collect, analyze, and share information about individuals suspected of targeted violence, terrorism, or threats to public safety with law enforcement and public safety agencies. The bill requires all shared information to remain confidential, with penalties including fines up to $50,000 or jail time for unauthorized disclosure. It also designates this information as legally privileged and not subject to court subpoenas, except in specific criminal prosecutions. The law directly affects law enforcement agencies receiving the information and individuals whose data may be collected under its provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2713 would have required Oklahoma vehicle owners to renew registration within 60 days of expiration (down from 90 days), or risk authorities seizing the vehicle. If owners failed to pay all fees, seizure costs, and provide proof of security within 60 days, the vehicle could be sold at auction to recover costs. The bill also referenced existing registration fee structures (e.g., $85 for first four years) but did not change those rates. This bill failed to pass in the Oklahoma legislature on March 11, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 766, the Targeted Violence Prevention Act, authorizes Oklahoma's Office of Homeland Security to collect and share information about individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism, targeted violence, or organized crime threats with law enforcement and public safety agencies. It requires strict confidentiality for this information, imposing felony penalties - including up to three years in prison or a $50,000 fine - for unauthorized release or use, with exceptions for criminal investigations or authorized disclosures. The bill also makes such information privileged and non-discoverable in most court cases, barring criminal prosecutions directly related to the data. This law directly affects law enforcement agencies receiving the shared information and expands the Office of Homeland Security’s role in coordinating statewide violence prevention efforts under existing homeland security frameworks.

Maddy summarySB 766 creates Oklahoma's "Targeted Violence Prevention Act," authorizing the Office of Homeland Security to collect, analyze, and share confidential information about individuals suspected of terrorism, targeted violence, or threats to public safety with law enforcement agencies. It requires strict confidentiality for shared information, making unauthorized release or use a felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a $50,000 fine, or loss of peace officer certification. The bill also makes disseminated information privileged and exempt from court subpoenas, except in specific criminal prosecutions. This directly affects law enforcement agencies receiving such information and sets legal standards for handling sensitive threat data.

Maddy summaryHB 2710 creates the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act, reorganizing the state's emergency communications system under a new Oklahoma Emergency Communications Section within the Office of Homeland Security. It transfers the 9-1-1 Management Authority's staff, records, and assets to this new section, establishes a 9-1-1 Management Unit, and creates an Oklahoma Emergency Communications Council to advise on system priorities. The bill sets up a special fund to manage communications assets and allows the Homeland Security Advisor to transfer equipment or funds to support the system. This reorganization affects state emergency communications operations but does not change public 9-1-1 service delivery.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires Oklahoma public schools to provide parents, guardians, or students aged 18+ with all requested student records - including personal communications, assessments, and Individualized Education Program details - without redaction, unless the information would violate the law. The bill mandates that schools release "directory information" (like name, address, and activity participation) in a timely manner and allows parents to opt out of sharing specific details. Schools are prohibited from selling or releasing student directory information without authorization under federal law or Oklahoma statutes. This law applies to all public educational institutions in Oklahoma and takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2715, the Laser Safety Act, increases penalties for intentionally pointing lasers at law enforcement officers or aircraft. It raises fines for first-time offenses against officers to $500 (up from $100) and for aircraft to $1,000 (up from $100), with steeper penalties for repeat violations. Second offenses against officers carry up to $1,000 fines or 2 years in jail, while second aircraft offenses can result in $5,000 fines or 5 years in prison. The law excludes authorized uses like FAA research, military operations, or emergency signaling devices. It takes effect November 1, 2025.