Sen. Micheal Bergstrom

Maddy summaryHB 1032 extends the sunset date for Oklahoma's State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026, under the Oklahoma Sunset Law. The bill re-creates the existing seven-physician and four-lay-member board without changing its composition or responsibilities. It ensures the board continues operating for one additional year without altering medical licensing rules or procedures. Current board members will complete their existing terms under this extension.

Maddy summaryHB 1035 extends the expiration date of the Capitol-Medical Center Improvement and Zoning Commission from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. The bill amends Oklahoma Statute 73 O.S. § 83.1 to re-establish the commission with its existing 11-member structure, including state officials, city representatives, and appointed members. This procedural change does not alter the commission's duties or membership composition but delays its automatic termination under Oklahoma's Sunset Law. The commission oversees planning and zoning for the Capitol-Medical Center district in Oklahoma City.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 restricts notary publics from handling absentee ballots for others, limiting them to only assisting themselves or household members with ballot requests, receipt, or submission. Notaries must maintain detailed logs of all notarized absentee ballot forms for two years and submit these logs to county election boards if handling over 20 ballots per election, requiring special approval for higher volumes. Violations, such as exceeding the 20-ballot limit without authorization or failing to submit logs, can result in notary license revocation for eight years or misdemeanor fines up to $500. The law specifically exempts requests for nursing homes, veterans centers, and military facilities, and applies only to county, state, or local election processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1120 requires Oklahoma state election officials to obtain prior approval from the state legislature before implementing new federal election rules or accepting federal election funds. It mandates written notice to state leaders (Governor, House Speaker, Senate President Pro Tempore, and Attorney General) within 10 business days about new federal election guidance, litigation threats from federal agencies, or planned use of federal funds. The bill also requires annual public reporting of federal election funds held by the state election board, starting January 2026. This law directly affects state and county election boards and aims to ensure legislative oversight of federal election-related actions.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 establishes new regulations for notary publics and absentee ballots in state, county, and political subdivision elections. The bill restricts notaries from requesting, receiving, or submitting absentee ballots for anyone other than themselves or a household member. It requires notaries to maintain a log of all notarized absentee ballot affidavits for two years and limits them to notarizing 20 affidavits per election, with exceptions for county election board approval or notarizations at a public place of business. Additionally, the bill mandates that county election boards notify law enforcement if more than ten absentee ballots are requested to a single address, triggering an investigation. Non-compliance can lead to fines, revocation of a notary's appointment, or misdemeanor charges.

Maddy summaryHB 1120 requires legislative approval for Oklahoma's State and county election boards to implement new federal election guidance or accept certain new federal election funds. It mandates that these boards, along with other state agencies, provide written notice to the Governor, legislative leaders, and the Attorney General regarding new federal election directives or related litigation. If the Legislature is not in session, specific legislative leaders can provide interim approval for guidance or funds. Additionally, the State Election Board must annually publish details of federal funds it has received.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1185 amends existing law regarding the disposition of seized property by sheriff's offices and campus police agencies. The bill specifically prohibits these agencies from destroying firearms that are determined to have historic military value. Instead, it mandates that such historic military weapons be donated to local units of veterans' organizations. This change affects how law enforcement agencies manage and disperse certain types of seized firearms.

Maddy summarySB 616 requires Oklahoma state agencies to notify the legislature and governor via email whenever a federal regulation, rule, or interpretation affects them. The legislature can block compliance by passing a joint resolution disapproving the federal requirement, which would make the rule void for the agency. Agencies and employees following this process are protected from liability under existing law. The bill preserves rights gained under federal rules before legislative disapproval but does not affect existing agency authority for rules adopted before the bill's effective date of November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1539 lowers Oklahoma's individual income tax rates for the 2024 tax year. It reduces the top tax rate from 5.50% to 4.75% for most filers, with new brackets starting at 0.25% on the first $1,000 of income (e.g., 0.75% on the next $1,500 for single filers). The bill affects all Oklahoma residents and nonresidents who file individual income tax returns, applying to taxable income earned in 2024. The change eliminates the previous tiered top rate structure and requires no deduction for federal income taxes paid.

Maddy summarySB 616 requires Oklahoma state agencies to notify the Legislature and Governor via email whenever a new or changed federal regulation applies to them. The Legislature can then block implementation by passing a joint resolution disapproving the regulation, and agencies must stop following it if disapproved. Agencies and employees complying with this process are exempt from liability under state law. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and applies broadly to state agencies unless specifically exempted.