Maddy summarySB 740 amends Oklahoma's mental health definitions to modernize terminology and clarify eligibility for care. It replaces outdated terms like "insane" and "mental disease" with "mental illness" throughout the law and defines key terms such as "person requiring treatment" (based on specific risk criteria like immediate harm to self/others) and "licensed mental health professional" (including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors). The bill directly affects mental health facilities, providers, and individuals receiving care by standardizing how these terms are used in legal documents, admission processes, and treatment decisions. It does not create new services or funding but ensures consistent application of existing mental health laws.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1266 modifies penalties for notaries public who provide unauthorized legal advice. It reduces the maximum punishment for violating Oklahoma law (Title 49, Section 6.1) from potentially harsher penalties to a misdemeanor charge capped at a $1,000 fine or up to one year in county jail. The bill directly affects notaries public who may inadvertently offer legal advice beyond their permitted scope. The key change updates the statutory penalty structure while maintaining that violations remain punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.
Maddy summaryHB 4237 creates the "Oklahoma Criminal Procedure Act of 2026" as a standalone legislative act, explicitly stating it will not be codified into the Oklahoma Statutes. The bill sets an effective date of November 1, 2026, for this new act. This is a procedural bill that names a future legislative framework but does not establish new substantive criminal procedure rules or affect any specific groups. It has no direct policy impact beyond its own naming and effective date.
Maddy summarySB 2018 amends Oklahoma property tax law to establish a specific valuation method for large residential rental housing developments. It defines "residential rental housing" as properties with at least 60 rental units and prescribes how county assessors must value these properties for ad valorem tax purposes. The bill updates statutory definitions and requirements in Sections 2802 and 2817 of the Oklahoma Statutes, ensuring these properties are assessed using a method consistent with market value standards. This change directly affects county tax assessors and owners of large multi-unit rental properties across Oklahoma.
Maddy summaryHB 4227 prohibits settlement agreements that conceal details of child sexual abuse claims (as defined in Oklahoma law) or child sexual exploitation, making such clauses void and unenforceable. It also requires that victim identifying information remain confidential. The bill extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting child sexual abuse crimes: prosecutions can now occur at any time until the victim’s 45th birthday, with exceptions for cases involving DNA evidence, confessions, or specific evidence. This directly affects victims of child sexual abuse, their families, and institutions involved in settlements or prosecutions.
Maddy summaryHB 1937 requires Oklahoma public and charter school staff to include a student's parent or legal guardian in all electronic or digital communications (like emails, texts, or social media) with that student, unless the communication occurs on a school-approved platform for academic purposes. Exceptions allow staff to communicate without parental inclusion during emergencies, as determined by the school board, with mandatory follow-up notification to parents. The bill mandates training for school personnel on these requirements and outlines procedures for investigating alleged violations, which may include administrative leave during investigations. It directly affects students, parents/guardians, and school staff, taking effect July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 4226 changes Oklahoma court procedures for requesting a judge's disqualification. It requires parties in a case to first ask the judge directly to step aside in private (in camera), and if denied, file a formal motion within 10 days before trial. The judge must rule on the motion within 15 days, and denied motions can be appealed to the chief judge (or presiding judge if the chief is involved) within 5 days for a ruling within 30 days. This process affects anyone involved in court cases who believes a judge should recuse themselves, adding clear timelines to the disqualification request system. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 4248 is a procedural bill that names itself the "Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverages Act of 2026" and sets its effective date as November 1, 2026. It does not change any alcohol regulations or affect any specific entities. The bill solely establishes its own title and effective date for reference purposes. This is a standard naming procedure with no substantive policy changes.
Maddy summaryHB 4246 allows Oklahoma's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to contract with the Oklahoma Rural Water Association or other qualified state suppliers for technical assistance to rural water and wastewater system operators. The bill expands the DEQ's existing authority to partner with nonprofit entities that can provide equally effective support, without requiring new funding. It directly affects rural water system operators statewide by potentially improving access to technical support services. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 4236 creates Oklahoma's "Uniform Commercial Receivership Act," establishing standardized procedures for court-appointed receivers managing property in debt or dispute cases. It directly affects creditors, debtors, courts, and receivers by defining key terms (like "receivership property" and "secured party"), requiring courts to provide notice and hearing before appointing a receiver, and clarifying that government property is excluded from the act. Key mechanisms include setting rules for receivers to operate (e.g., needing court approval for selling property or entering contracts), outlining how proceeds from receivership must be distributed to creditors, and ensuring receivers have the same legal standing as lienholders. The bill aims to create uniformity in receivership cases across Oklahoma, replacing inconsistent local practices with a clear statutory framework.