Sen. Micheal Bergstrom

Maddy summarySB 528 prohibits Service Oklahoma from considering an applicant's criminal background check when processing driver license applications. This bill amends Oklahoma law to remove the requirement that Service Oklahoma review criminal history as part of license eligibility decisions. The change directly affects all Oklahoma residents applying for a driver license, ensuring past criminal convictions no longer impact their ability to obtain a license. Other requirements, such as vision tests, knowledge exams, and driving skills assessments, remain unchanged.

Maddy summarySB 370 prohibits Oklahoma school districts from requiring or coercing employees to participate in activities related to employee organizations (like teacher associations) or distribute their materials. It specifically bans districts from forcing employees to meet with, listen to, or interact with these groups, distributing membership solicitations on their behalf, or granting them access to district meetings, facilities, or communications systems. The bill directly affects school employees and employee organizations by protecting their right to choose whether to engage with such groups. It amends Oklahoma Statute 70 O.S. § 509.11 to establish these protections, effective immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 810, the Zero-Based Budgeting Implementation Act, requires Oklahoma's Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) to create a tiered review system for all state agencies by December 2025. It mandates a 6-year rotating schedule where agencies are reviewed based on size (budget, staff, regulations), with larger agencies reviewed every 4-6 years and smaller ones every 2-4 years. Starting July 2026, LOFT will conduct annual zero-based budget reviews for designated agencies, requiring collaborative analysis of program necessity, legal requirements, costs, and performance metrics to inform budget recommendations by December 1 each year. This directly affects all Oklahoma state agencies receiving funds, including boards and commissions.

Maddy summarySB 1026 establishes new setback requirements for wind energy facilities in Oklahoma, requiring tower bases to be at least 2,000 feet or five times the blade length (whichever is greater) from residential homes and nonparticipating properties. It also limits noise from wind facilities to a maximum of 40 decibels at the property line of nonparticipating properties. The bill further requires wind energy projects to obtain military aviation safety clearances (including FAA "Determination of No Hazard" documentation) before construction to avoid conflicts with military operations. These provisions directly affect wind energy developers and landowners near proposed facilities, aiming to address proximity concerns and aviation safety.

Maddy summaryHJR 1019 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring that every general election race for federal, state, county, and municipal offices in Oklahoma include a candidate from each political party recognized under state law that filed a candidate for that race. To qualify, a party's candidate must have filed during the designated timeframe and won their party's primary or runoff election. The amendment would apply to all such elections, though it does not restrict the Legislature from maintaining mandatory primary systems. The measure would take effect if approved by voters, requiring the Legislature to pass implementing laws within the next session.

Maddy summarySB 916 prohibits foreign adversary nations (as defined by U.S. regulations) and certain affiliated entities from owning, controlling, or acquiring agricultural land or real property within five miles of military installations in Oklahoma. It requires existing violations to divest holdings within two years, with exceptions for diplomatic properties, agricultural research activities (like seed or fertilizer testing), and residential leases. The bill defines "agricultural land" broadly to include crop and livestock operations, and allows a de minimis ownership exception for public stock holdings under 5% or noncontrolling interests in SEC-registered entities. It also permits the Governor to waive restrictions if economic benefits outweigh security concerns.

Maddy summarySB 762 prohibits Oklahoma state and local governments (including counties, cities, schools, and water districts) from enforcing or implementing any rules, mandates, or requirements issued by international organizations like the World Health Organization, United Nations, or World Economic Forum. The bill specifically blocks the use of such international mandates as a basis for public health measures (like mask or vaccine requirements) or for collecting citizen data. It also requires state entities to resist efforts by these organizations to exercise authority within Oklahoma and to avoid cooperating with federal actions implementing such international mandates. The bill declares an emergency to take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 809 would allow physician assistants (PAs) in Oklahoma who complete specific postgraduate clinical training to practice without direct physician supervision. It specifies that these PAs may prescribe certain controlled substances and clarifies their prescriptive authority under state law. The bill repeals current requirements for physician supervision and practice agreements (previously covered under Section 521.4) for qualifying PAs. These changes directly affect PAs seeking expanded practice autonomy and impact how pharmacies dispense medications under PA prescriptions.

Maddy summarySB 371 requires Oklahoma school districts to adopt policies prohibiting students from using school computers or school-issued devices to access social media platforms (including social networks, blogs, video-sharing sites, and similar services) while on school premises. The bill defines "social media" broadly to cover external websites and services where users contribute content. School boards must implement these policies by July 1, 2025, when the law takes effect, with the State Board of Education overseeing compliance. This directly affects students using school-provided technology during school hours.

Maddy summarySB 532 requires cosmetologists and barbers in Oklahoma to complete 12 hours of approved continuing education every two years to renew their licenses, starting January 1, 2026. The State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering must create rules specifying which topics must be covered in this training. This requirement directly affects all licensed cosmetology and barbering professionals renewing their licenses after 2025. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, with the new education requirement beginning in 2026.