Rep. John Waldron

Maddy summaryHB 2244 requires Oklahoma school districts to annually report detailed data on corporal punishment use, including the number of incidents, student demographics (grade, age, race, gender, disability status), and staff involved. It prohibits school personnel from using corporal punishment on students with significant cognitive disabilities unless specifically addressed in a special education plan (IEP) or with written parental consent. The bill directly affects students with disabilities and school districts, mandating transparency in discipline practices. The State Department of Education must compile these reports and share them with the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth annually. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2252 requires Oklahoma school districts to provide a 20% wage increase to school support employees earning less than $80,000 annually for the 2025-2026 school year, if they continue working for the same district. The increase is calculated based on the employee’s 2024-2025 salary and adjusted proportionally for hours worked. This change takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies in addition to any existing compensation, benefits, or collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 2251 requires Oklahoma school districts to provide a 20% salary increase to classroom teachers for the 2025-2026 school year, applying to both current teachers who stay with the same district and new hires (based on 2024-2025 salaries). The increase must be added to existing compensation, benefits, or mandated raises, unless teaching duties are reduced proportionally. It defines "classroom teacher" to exclude superintendents but includes all other teachers as defined in Oklahoma law. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with an emergency declaration making it immediately enforceable upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2250, titled the "Oklahoma Pretrial Discovery Modernization Act of 2025," creates a new procedural framework for pretrial discovery in criminal cases. The bill establishes a standalone act (not codified in Oklahoma Statutes) that takes effect on November 1, 2025. It directly affects criminal defendants, prosecutors, and courts by modernizing how pretrial evidence is exchanged. The bill text provided does not specify detailed mechanisms or provisions beyond naming the act and its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 2251 requires Oklahoma public school districts to provide a 20% salary increase for classroom teachers starting in the 2025-2026 school year, based on their 2024-2025 base pay. This applies to teachers who remain with the same district or are new hires for the same position. The increase must be added to existing compensation and benefits, unless teaching hours or duties are reduced proportionally. The law defines "classroom teacher" as per Oklahoma Statutes, excluding superintendents, and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2242 creates Oklahoma's "Inspired to Teach Program" to support future educators through scholarships. It provides undergraduate teacher candidates (in preK-12 fields) up to $5,500 in scholarships covering tuition, fees, and living costs, with amounts varying by credit hours completed. Graduate students pursuing counseling, special education, or school administration degrees receive up to $4,500 in similar support. All recipients must teach in Oklahoma public schools for five consecutive years after graduation and maintain academic standards, with additional incentive payments available for each year of continued employment. The program applies to students at Oklahoma-accredited colleges and universities preparing for teaching or specialized school roles.

Maddy summaryHB 2245 requires most railroad operators in Oklahoma (excluding short lines) to maintain at least two crew members in the control compartment of a train's lead locomotive if they adopt a policy allowing single-crew operation. This rule applies during regular train service, with exceptions for switching, brake testing, safety inspections, and setouts during road service. The bill mandates this two-crew requirement instead of single-crew operations for qualifying railroads, effective November 1, 2025. It directly affects railroad companies seeking to reduce crew sizes on mainline operations within Oklahoma.

Maddy summaryHB 2244 requires Oklahoma school districts to annually report details about corporal punishment administered to students, directly affecting all public school districts in the state. It prohibits school personnel from using physical discipline on students with significant cognitive disabilities unless documented in an individualized education program (IEP), with parental written consent needed for exceptions. Districts must report the number of incidents, student demographics (grade, age, race, gender, disability status), and details about who administered and witnessed each incident. The State Department of Education will compile this data annually and share it with the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2249 requires Oklahoma's Department of Public Safety to provide free firearm locks to any resident who requests them, with instructions posted on the department's website. It also mandates collaboration with state agencies to create a public safety campaign promoting safe firearm storage, funded through specific appropriations. The bill amends existing laws to update requirements for firearms safety training courses and instructor registration under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act. These changes focus on implementing accessible safety measures and clarifying training standards, without altering firearm ownership rights or restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2254 requires parents to submit a written "letter of intent" to the Oklahoma State Department of Education before choosing homeschooling, podschooling, or microschooling for their children. The letter must include parent/child names, home address, household details, and a statement about the schooling choice. The state must create a database tracking individuals, facilities, and organizations involved in these alternative schooling options. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.