Maddy summaryHB 2914 creates Oklahoma's Respite Care Pilot Program for Seniors, providing temporary relief for primary caregivers of seniors aged 65+ who work evening or non-traditional schedules. The bill establishes state-funded vouchers or waivers to help eligible caregivers access weekend and evening care services through licensed adult day centers and residential care facilities. To qualify, caregivers must demonstrate financial need and employment in non-traditional work, with applications processed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Funding will come from federal grants, private partnerships, and state appropriations, and DHS must report annually on program effectiveness, including caregiver well-being outcomes. The pilot program is scheduled to launch November 1, 2025.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2918, the "Expanding Access to Local Foods Act of 2025," creates a program for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables from small and underserved Oklahoma farmers at market value. The department will donate this produce to Oklahoma non-profits that distribute food free of charge to address food insecurity. A dedicated revolving fund, financed by state appropriations, federal grants, and private contributions, will support the program's operations. The bill requires the department to establish rules for the program and takes effect on November 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 2924 requires peace officers to immediately notify judges when victims request emergency protective orders for domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or related crimes, and to assist victims in completing petitions. Officers must make "every attempt" to serve the order on the defendant and file the petition with the court the next business day if service isn't possible, with clerks prioritizing service. The bill mandates 14-day hearing deadlines for emergency orders and specifies court clerks must document assigned hearing times. This affects victims of domestic violence and related crimes, as well as law enforcement and court staff handling protective order cases.
Maddy summaryHB 2921 establishes licensing requirements for dental therapists in Oklahoma, who provide limited dental services (like cleanings and fillings) under dentist supervision. To become licensed, applicants must graduate from an accredited dental therapy program, pass national exams, maintain CPR certification, and complete 12 continuing education credit hours every two years (including infection control training). The bill defines key terms like "uninsured patient" (those without dental coverage earning ≤200% of federal poverty guidelines) and specifies supervision levels (direct, general, or indirect) for dentists overseeing therapists. This affects dental therapists seeking licensure, supervising dentists, and ensures dental care access for uninsured patients as defined in the bill.
Maddy summaryHB 2927 modifies Oklahoma's child care licensing rules for directors and facility space requirements. It allows directors to qualify with a bachelor's degree or specific work experience (4 years full-time/part-time) instead of just a degree, and adds a one-year probationary period for those replacing master teachers. The bill also sets new space rules: existing facilities opened before November 2016 must provide 35 square feet per infant in infant-only rooms, while new facilities after that date must provide 40 square feet per infant. These changes apply to all licensed child care centers in Oklahoma and take effect November 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 2923 creates the Oklahoma Prisoner Reentry Pilot Program to support inmates transitioning from prison to community life. It directly affects inmates under the Department of Corrections' jurisdiction who have a medium or high risk of felony re-arrest, focusing on those in counties with over 500,000 residents. The bill requires the Department to provide case management services connecting participants to 14 specific support areas, including housing, job training, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and transitional services like transportation. The program must be evaluated annually to assess recidivism reduction, with results reported to the Legislature and Governor, and becomes effective November 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 2916 creates the Handle With Care Oklahoma program to connect schools with law enforcement when students experience trauma. It requires police or first responders to notify a central program (via hotline/email by 2027) when a child in public school or childcare is exposed to events like domestic violence, family deaths, or neighborhood violence - sharing only minimal details (name, school, age). The program then alerts school teams to provide immediate trauma-sensitive support, using a standardized "handle with care" message. This affects schools, law enforcement, and students exposed to trauma, while mandating training for responders on when and how to report.
Maddy summaryThis Oklahoma bill amends the composition and operations of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee. It specifies that the committee must have 11 members: eight designated by specific health organizations (like the Oklahoma Chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and three appointed by the State Commissioner of Health with expertise in maternal mortality. The committee must elect a chair and vice chair every two years and meet at least quarterly, with authority to form advisory committees as needed. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 2925 requires all Oklahoma law enforcement agencies (state, county, and local) to adopt written policies governing high-speed vehicle pursuits. The bill mandates specific provisions, including banning pursuits in densely populated areas, prohibiting shooting at moving vehicles, requiring supervisory approval before starting a pursuit, and limiting pursuits of misdemeanants to cases where no public harm or property damage is likely. It also strictly restricts pursuing alleged felons only when there is reasonable certainty the pursuit will prevent further harm, and prohibits pursuits for any crime not posing an immediate threat of death or serious injury (listing murder, assault, kidnapping, rape, and armed robbery as qualifying offenses). The policy changes take effect November 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 2915 reorganizes Oklahoma's Maternal Mortality Review Committee by specifying its 11-member composition. It requires eight voting members from key maternal health organizations (like obstetricians, nurse-midwives, and tribal health leaders) and adds three appointed members with expertise in maternal health, severe pregnancy complications, or personal experience with pregnancy-related care gaps. The committee must elect a chair/vice chair biennially and may form advisory committees. This bill directly affects maternal health oversight in Oklahoma, effective November 1, 2025.