Rep. Tammy West

Maddy summarySB 53 amends Oklahoma statutes defining key terms related to child sexual abuse material and age verification. It standardizes definitions across multiple laws (including 21 O.S. §§ 791, 843.5, 1040.12a, and 1024.1) to clarify terms like "distribute," "harmful to minors," and "reasonable age verification methods." The bill specifically adds digitized identification cards and third-party verification services as acceptable methods to confirm users are 18+ before accessing certain content. This affects websites, platforms, and commercial entities handling material that may be harmful to minors by requiring updated age-check protocols.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the last week of September (September 21-28, 2025) as "Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week" in Oklahoma. It aims to raise public awareness about frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a condition often misdiagnosed that affects behavior, language, and personality, primarily impacting adults aged 45-64. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the disease's challenges - including a $120,000 annual economic burden per family - to encourage greater understanding and support for affected individuals and families. It was adopted by the Oklahoma House of Representatives and signed into effect.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 1020 officially recognizes September 21-28, 2025, as Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week in the State of Oklahoma. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about frontotemporal dementia and the importance of appropriate care and research for the condition.

Maddy summaryHCR 1009 is a procedural concurrent resolution (not a bill) passed by the Oklahoma legislature. It urges Oklahoma's U.S. congressional delegation to support the federal **Credit for Caring Act**, which would provide working family caregivers with a $5,000 annual tax credit to offset caregiving costs. The resolution highlights that Oklahoma has 490,000 family caregivers contributing $6.6 billion in unpaid care annually, facing significant out-of-pocket expenses. It does not create new state law but advocates for federal action to support caregivers.

Maddy summaryHCR 1009 is a concurrent resolution from the Oklahoma Legislature. It urges Oklahoma's congressional delegation to support and advocate for the passage of the federal "Credit for Caring Act," which proposes a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 annually for working family caregivers to help offset caregiving costs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1013) proclaims April 1-30, 2025, as National Poetry Month in Oklahoma. It encourages state officials, educators, librarians, and Oklahomans to observe the month through events and activities celebrating poetry's cultural and educational value. The resolution has no binding effect or new policy requirements; it is a symbolic recognition aligning with the Academy of American Poets' established observance. It directly affects no specific group or program, serving only to promote awareness of poetry.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1013) formally designates April 1-30, 2025, as "National Poetry Month" in Oklahoma. It encourages state officials, educators, librarians, and Oklahomans to observe the month through ceremonies and programs celebrating poetry's cultural and educational value, aligning with the Academy of American Poets' established observance. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. The bill was introduced by Rep. Tammy West and passed unanimously in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1480 changes how Oklahoma courts handle court fees and fines for children and their families. It requires courts to assess ability to pay before enforcing financial obligations (like fees, costs, or fines), considering income, expenses, dependents, and disability status. Families receiving federal aid (like TANF, SNAP, or disability benefits) or earning below 150% of the poverty level are automatically presumed unable to pay and receive debt waivers. Courts must inform families of their obligations and provide free cost hearings to determine payment ability, with no fees for requesting these hearings. The law applies to all juvenile cases involving court-ordered financial obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1480 ensures that a child's or their family's ability to pay court-ordered financial obligations (like fines, fees, or costs) cannot affect court decisions about their case. It requires courts to consider factors like income, household expenses, dependents, and disability status when determining payment capacity, and automatically waives these debts for families receiving certain federal/state aid (e.g., SNAP, TANF, disability benefits, or below 150% of the federal poverty level). The bill mandates free cost hearings for families unable to pay, with courts issuing no-fee summons and applying equal percentage reductions to all waived obligations. It also directs court clerks to proactively identify cases with no payments for 90 days and schedule hearings within 45 days.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 17, 2025, as "Profound Autism Day" in Oklahoma. It recognizes individuals with profound autism - those requiring 24/7 care, often with severe intellectual disabilities or minimal speech - who are frequently excluded from research and support services. The resolution cites CDC data showing 26.7% of autistic children (about 1 in 4) have profound autism, and notes they are more likely to be female, from minority groups, or have additional health challenges. It aims to raise public awareness and support for this community within Oklahoma. (Note: This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes.)