Rep. Chris Kannady

Maddy summarySB 1552 raises the population requirement for Oklahoma counties to adopt or amend a home rule charter. Counties must now have at least 825,000 residents or be located in a metro area with 500,000+ residents (per the latest federal census) to qualify. This change affects counties seeking greater local control over government powers like zoning or services. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2144 creates a new legal cause of action for Oklahoma insurance policyholders and third parties who suffer unreasonable delays or denials of benefits by insurers, defining "bad faith" as violating an insurer’s duty of good faith and fair dealing. It prohibits insurers from including clauses reserving discretion to interpret policies or deny claims, eliminates the need to exhaust administrative remedies before suing, and guarantees jury trials for bad faith claims. The bill applies to all insurance policies issued in Oklahoma (including health, disability, and employee benefits), directly affecting insured individuals, businesses, and third parties who rely on insurance contracts. Key provisions clarify that insurers must pay valid claims promptly, and claimants can seek damages for unreasonable refusals or delays without first appealing to the Oklahoma Insurance Department.

Maddy summaryHB 4229 clarifies when Oklahoma school districts can declare emergencies to bypass standard bidding rules for urgent repairs. It limits emergency declarations to two specific situations: when a school building is unoccupied due to damage/unsafe conditions, or when students are displaced from the facility. The bill requires written documentation of the emergency reason, approval by the school board, and public record retention. It explicitly prohibits using this authority for routine maintenance, planned renovations, or convenience-related projects. This bill directly affects school districts seeking to quickly address facility emergencies impacting student safety or attendance.

Maddy summaryHB 4253, the "Taxpayer Dollars Protect Workers Act," requires businesses receiving Oklahoma's economic development incentives (such as tax credits, grants, or job creation programs) to comply with specific labor practices. It prohibits employers from bypassing secret ballot elections for union representation, sharing employee contact information with unions without written consent, or signing neutrality agreements that prevent them from discussing union issues with workers. The law applies to all projects funded by state incentives and forbids employers from requiring subcontractors to violate these rules. Violations may result in the state recovering funds, with reports investigated by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryHB 4230 requires board members of Oklahoma's rural water districts and nonprofit rural water corporations to complete training. New members must attend six hours of workshop training within 12 months of election, while all members must complete six hours every three years thereafter. Training covers district financing, law, ethics, and board duties, organized by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board with reimbursement for reasonable expenses. Sessions must be held within 75 miles of members' homes, often in the evenings, and failure to attend makes members ineligible starting at the next board meeting after 12 months. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1297 creates a $500,000 revolving fund to support Oklahoma's efforts in improving the accuracy of the 2030 U.S. Federal Decennial Census. The fund, administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, will finance nonprofit community outreach and marketing campaigns aimed at increasing census participation. Unspent funds must be transferred back to the state general fund by July 1, 2031. The bill appropriates the initial $500,000 from the 2027 state budget and takes effect immediately upon approval.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 2106 requires Oklahoma municipalities to compensate property owners when zoning changes revert to a previous classification, causing a measurable drop in property value. It directly affects residential and commercial property owners whose land value decreases due to a city's zoning reversal. The bill mandates that municipalities pay the difference between the property's appraised value before and after the zoning change. This law takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1470 amends Oklahoma law to allow elected state officials (like legislators or governors) and religious leaders (such as clergy or ministers) to enter any jail in Oklahoma for informal visits, without needing to follow full jail inspection standards. These visitors must first verify their identity and official role before entering. The bill does not change existing health inspections by the State Department of Health, which remain separate and require formal reporting. It applies to all public and private jails statewide and takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2140 changes how commercial buildings with unfinished interiors are taxed in Oklahoma. It requires county assessors to value such properties - those sold or leased for the new owner/tenant to complete interiors (e.g., flooring, ceilings) - based solely on the cost of construction materials before interior work, not the full building cost. This applies to commercial buildings constructed without final interior elements like finished walls or cabinetry, affecting property owners and contractors selling or leasing these spaces. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly impacting property tax assessments for these specific commercial properties.

Maddy summarySB 2111 modifies Oklahoma's hunting clothing requirements by exempting commercial hunting areas from the existing rule that mandates hunters wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing (with 400 square inches being the visible orange portion). This change directly affects hunters participating in commercial hunting operations, such as guided tours or outfitter services, where the standard clothing rules no longer apply. The bill amends Section 5-205 of state law to create this specific exception while maintaining the original fine of $25-$50 for violations in non-commercial areas. The law will take effect on November 1, 2026.