Sen. Micheal Bergstrom

Maddy summaryHB 1002 requires Oklahoma law enforcement agencies to file specific notifications with victims of stalking, rather than serving them directly. This bill directly affects stalking victims by changing how they receive official updates about their cases. The key provision amends existing procedures to mandate that law enforcement "file" these notifications with victims, streamlining the process while ensuring victims are informed. The bill is currently moving through committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation after committee amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 3281, titled the "Guidance Transparency Act," clarifies and requires public disclosure of state agency policy guidance documents. It defines "guidance documents" as non-binding agency statements (like memos or bulletins) that interpret laws or regulations, excluding internal communications or legal advice. The bill mandates that agencies publish these documents online, ensuring the public can access official policy interpretations. This directly affects Oklahoma state agencies when they issue such guidance to businesses, individuals, or other entities. The law aims to increase transparency around how agencies apply rules without creating new binding regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the sunset date for the Oklahoma Abstractors Board from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2036, ensuring the board continues operating without automatic dissolution. It updates the board's statutory language and requires electronic submission of certain reports. The bill directly affects the board, its nine appointed members (including abstractors, real estate brokers, attorneys, and bank officers), and the professionals regulated under the Oklahoma Abstractors Act.

Maddy summarySB 1316 requires multiple Oklahoma state agencies to review and potentially renew their permanent administrative rules every four years. Starting February 1, 2027, certain agencies (like the Alcohol Beverage Commission, Accountancy Board, and Department of Labor) must submit their rules to the legislature for review, with rules expiring unless renewed. Additional agencies follow staggered review schedules in 2028, 2029, and 2030. This procedural bill does not change agency policies but mandates periodic legislative oversight of existing rules.

Maddy summarySB 1937 prohibits employers who engage in specific labor practices from receiving Oklahoma's economic development incentives (such as grants, loans, or tax credits). It directly affects employers seeking these incentives by banning: (1) granting union recognition based solely on signed cards instead of secret ballot elections, (2) sharing employee contact information without consent, (3) signing neutrality agreements with unions, and (4) requiring subcontractors to violate these rules. Employers found violating these provisions must repay all incentives received for the project. The bill exempts existing agreements before its November 1, 2026, effective date and employers with current collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 3301 refines Oklahoma's definitions for rifles, shotguns, and "sawed-off" firearms under the Oklahoma Firearms Act of 1971. It clarifies that rifles must have barrels over 16 inches and fire single projectiles (even if designed for multiple), while shotguns must have barrels over 18 inches and fire multiple projectiles (even if designed for single shots). The bill also specifies exact length requirements for "sawed-off" firearms, stating that weapons with barrels under 18 inches for shotguns or 16 inches for rifles are illegal unless overall length meets 26 inches. This bill affects law enforcement, gun owners, and courts by creating clearer legal standards for firearm classification, effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2730 modifies Oklahoma's tax interest rates and penalties for late payments. It sets interest on overdue state taxes at 1.25% per month (based on the Wall Street Prime rate plus 3%) and establishes specific penalty timelines: 10% penalties apply after 15 days for sales/use taxes or 30 days for other taxes, unless paid within 60 days of notice. The bill also updates refund interest deadlines, requiring the Tax Commission to pay interest on delayed refunds within 30 days for electronic filings or 90 days for paper returns. These changes apply to all delinquent accounts as of the bill's effective date, November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHJR 1019 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring that every general election race for federal, state, county, and municipal offices include a candidate from each political party recognized under Oklahoma law that filed a candidate for that race. To qualify, a candidate must have filed during the designated timeframe and become their party's nominee by winning the primary or runoff. This rule would apply to all such elections, though it explicitly preserves the Legislature’s authority to maintain primary systems. The amendment would remain in effect unless repealed by voter initiative or referendum, with the Legislature required to enact implementing laws within one session after approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment (HJR 1044) that would reduce the annual limit on property tax value increases for certain Oklahoma properties. Specifically, it would lower the cap from 3% to 2% for homestead properties and agricultural land, meaning their assessed value could rise by no more than 2% per year for tax purposes. The change would apply to most locally assessed real property but excludes properties with title transfers, new improvements, or personal property. If approved by voters, this amendment would require the Legislature to enact implementing laws. It is a voter-approved constitutional change, not a regular law.

Maddy summaryHB 3567 prohibits candidates from using campaign funds to pay themselves for campaign services (like consulting or management) and bans vendors from giving anything of value to candidates or their family members for campaign work. It requires vendors paid over $500 in an election cycle (excluding major retailers) to sign an anti-kickback certification affirming they won’t make prohibited payments. Candidates must keep these certifications on file and submit them with campaign finance reports. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission enforces the law, with violations subject to civil penalties, restitution, or criminal referral. This bill directly affects candidates, vendors, and political committees managing campaign finances.