Rep. Tammy West

Maddy summarySB 1894 removes a 150-hour cap on required professional development for Oklahoma certified teachers over any five-year period, directly affecting all teachers in public school districts. The bill maintains existing mandatory trainings on autism, dyslexia, child abuse recognition, and racial/ethnic education but eliminates the previous limit on total hours. It also requires school districts to electronically submit annual reports to the State Department of Education detailing professional development activities, costs, and outcomes. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and was declared an emergency to take immediate effect upon approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Oklahoma's voting eligibility rules for individuals with criminal convictions. It would modify the current law regarding when felons regain their right to vote after completing their sentences. The amendment seeks to restore specific language that defines the conditions under which convicted felons can vote again. This legislation directly affects people with criminal records who are seeking to restore their voting rights. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further review.

Maddy summarySB 1810 requires Oklahoma human trafficking shelters and service programs to obtain certification from the Attorney General. It authorizes the Attorney General to enter agreements with service providers for victims and expands telephone communication services for victims. The bill also mandates confidentiality for victim information and updates definitions of human trafficking, including "coercion" and "debt bondage." These changes directly affect victims seeking services and the shelters/programs providing them, aiming to standardize and improve support systems.

Maddy summaryHB 4118 proposes a tax credit for Oklahoma caregivers of eligible family members. It allows a 50% credit on qualifying expenses - such as medical travel mileage, home modifications, medical equipment, and hiring aides - for caregivers with income under $50,000 (or $100,000 for couples) caring for someone aged 62+ who needs help with two or more daily living tasks (like bathing, dressing, or eating). The credit caps at $2,000 annually per family, rising to $3,000 if the care recipient is a veteran or has dementia. The total annual credit pool is limited to $1.5 million, with unused funds adjusted yearly. If passed, it would take effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1833 directs Oklahoma's Department of Human Services to seek a federal waiver preventing SNAP (food stamp) benefits from being used to purchase candy and soft drinks, and to potentially exclude other "nonnutritive" foods. The department must submit a waiver request to the USDA with public health justification, an implementation plan for retail point-of-sale systems, and an education strategy for recipients. If approved, the restrictions would take effect within six months, requiring annual reports to state leaders on SNAP spending patterns and program impacts. This bill directly affects SNAP recipients in Oklahoma by changing eligible purchases and requires federal approval for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 4117 establishes a formal definition for "family resource center" in Oklahoma law. The bill defines these centers as community, school, or faith-based hubs offering multigenerational, strengths-based support services at low or no cost, including peer support networks, community-responsive programming, and integrated employment services to reduce family isolation and promote stability. This definition applies to any entity operating such centers and will take effect on November 1, 2026. The bill does not create new programs or funding but provides a standardized framework for future initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that officially designates April 2026 as National Poetry Month in Oklahoma. It encourages public officials, educators, librarians, and residents to celebrate poetry through ceremonies, activities, and programs during the month. The measure recognizes poetry's role in education, culture, and community development, following the national tradition established by the Academy of American Poets. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or regulations but serves to promote awareness and appreciation of poetry within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 4119 requires defendants in real property title or boundary disputes to file a verified statement of facts before trial, rather than at the trial date. It mandates that defendants asserting title must post a bond (up to the property's market value) to secure the property during the case, ensuring the property remains protected until the court decides. This affects property owners, tenants, and landlords involved in disputes over land ownership or lease boundaries. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026, and modifies Oklahoma's civil procedure rules for such cases.

Maddy summaryHB 4115 amends Oklahoma law to require certified public school teachers to complete a maximum of 200 professional development hours over any five-year period, replacing a previous 150-hour cap. The bill mandates annual training on child abuse recognition, autism awareness for early childhood educators (grades K-3), and dyslexia/dysgraphia awareness for all teachers. It maintains existing requirements for data-driven professional development focused on improving student outcomes like test scores, graduation rates, and closing achievement gaps. The law directly affects all certified teachers in Oklahoma public schools and includes reporting requirements for school districts to the State Department of Education.

Maddy summarySB 1407 grants the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women authority to manage its own personnel in coordination with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), rather than having staff managed solely by OMES. It updates how the Commission handles its revolving fund, allowing OMES to manage funds raised or donated to support the Commission’s work, with expenditures directed by the Commission. The bill directly affects the Commission’s operations, enabling more direct control over staffing and financial resources. These changes aim to streamline the Commission’s ability to address gender equity issues as outlined in its duties. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.