Rep. Mark Lepak

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to raise the vote threshold for two key processes in Oklahoma. It would require 60% support (instead of a simple majority) from voters who actually cast ballots on a petition for both citizen-initiated laws/referendums and for legislative proposals to amend the state constitution. These changes would directly affect citizens seeking to bypass the legislature via petitions and the legislature's ability to submit constitutional amendments for voter approval. The amendment would take effect if approved by voters at the next general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes two constitutional amendments to Oklahoma law. It would raise the required voter approval threshold from a simple majority to 60% for two specific measures: voter-initiated petitions (referendums) and constitutional amendment proposals. The changes would directly affect voters and the legislative process by making it harder for initiatives and constitutional amendments to pass. The amendment to Article V Section 3 applies to referendum petitions, while the change to Article XXIV Section 1 applies to constitutional amendment proposals.

Maddy summarySB 513 amends Oklahoma's riot control law to grant the Governor emergency authority during declared states of emergency. The Governor may prohibit public assembly, certain weapons (like Molotov cocktails), hazardous materials, alcohol sales, or other activities deemed necessary to protect public safety, but **cannot** ban legal firearm possession or religious activities in places of worship. The bill also establishes legal remedies for individuals whose rights under these exceptions are violated, including the right to seek return of seized firearms. It takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 472, titled "Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act; expanding scope of scholarships while participating in the program," was withdrawn from committee on February 19, 2025, and is no longer active. The bill's original intent, as reflected in its title, was to expand tax credit eligibility for education scholarships under Oklahoma's parental choice program. However, with the title stricken and the bill withdrawn, no legislative action or policy changes were enacted. This procedural withdrawal means the proposed expansion of scholarship access did not advance.

Maddy summarySB 1 requires Oklahoma's State Board of Equalization to certify five-year revenue averages for oil, natural gas, and corporate income taxes. If annual tax collections exceed these averages by $400 million or more, it automatically reduces individual and corporate income tax rates. This directly affects all Oklahoma taxpayers by linking potential tax cuts to specific revenue growth thresholds. The $400 million trigger adjusts for inflation every decade starting in 2035.

Maddy summarySB 513 amends Oklahoma's Riot Control Act to expand the Governor's emergency powers during declared crises. It allows prohibitions on public gatherings, curfews, weapons (like Molotov cocktails), and certain sales, but explicitly forbids banning legal firearm possession or religious activities in places of worship during emergencies. The bill also establishes legal remedies for individuals harmed by violations, including suing officials for unlawful firearm confiscation. It affects all Oklahomans during declared emergencies and takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1 requires Oklahoma's State Board of Equalization to certify average tax revenues from oil, natural gas, and corporate income over the past five years. If next year's revenue for oil or natural gas exceeds this average, the excess must go to the Revenue Stabilization Fund; for corporate income, 25% of the excess goes to the Constitutional Reserve Fund (within constitutional limits) and 75% to the Revenue Stabilization Fund. The bill also mandates the Board to certify if estimated tax collections for the next fiscal year exceed 2024's actual collections by $400 million, which would trigger a reduction in the state's income tax rate. This bill directly affects the State Board of Equalization through new certification duties and impacts taxpayers via potential tax rate adjustments.

Maddy summarySB 472 expands Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit to cover additional educational expenses beyond private school tuition. Taxpayers can now claim credits for nonpublic learning programs (online or in-person), academic tutoring, textbooks, curriculum materials, and fees for standardized tests like college entrance exams. The credit amount depends on household income, with maximums of $7,500 for families earning under $75,000, $7,000 for $75,000-$150,000, and $6,500 for higher earners. This affects Oklahoma parents or guardians paying for these approved expenses for eligible students enrolled in accredited private schools or approved educational programs.

Maddy summarySB 449 modifies Oklahoma county rainy day fund rules to allow counties to use portions of these funds for general budget needs under specific conditions. It permits counties to draw up to 25% of their rainy day fund balance to supplement the general budget if it is smaller than the previous year's budget, and up to 12.5% (1/8) to address revenue shortfalls when collections fall below estimates. The bill maintains existing restrictions, requiring budget approval before transfers and limiting emergency use (e.g., natural disasters) to 50% of the fund. It directly affects all Oklahoma counties managing rainy day funds, providing new flexibility for budget adjustments without altering the 50% cap on fund size. The changes take effect July 1, 2025, following an emergency declaration.

Maddy summarySB 449 modifies Oklahoma county rainy day fund rules to allow more flexible use of these emergency savings. It permits counties to use up to 25% of the fund balance to supplement the general budget when current revenue falls below the previous year's budget, and up to 12.5% to cover unexpected revenue shortfalls (with a 10% emergency cap for urgent needs). The bill maintains a 50% cap on fund size relative to the prior year's budget and requires clear budget line items for all transfers. This directly affects all Oklahoma counties by expanding how they can access their emergency savings for budget stability.