Sen. Micheal Bergstrom

Maddy summarySB 397 extends the expiration date of Oklahoma's State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026, preventing its automatic dissolution. The bill directly affects licensed behavioral health professionals (counselors, family therapists, and behavioral practitioners) by ensuring ongoing oversight of their licensure and practice standards. This change maintains the existing board structure and its authority to manage licensing, examinations, and professional conduct rules without altering the board's responsibilities or creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2922 modifies Oklahoma's rules for funeral home vendor payments. It requires penalties for late payments only after a court orders them, applies solely to active funeral establishments (not individual directors), and mandates compliance with bankruptcy laws. The bill also requires proper receipts for all advance cash payments and updates administrative code Section 235:10-11-1. These changes directly affect funeral homes managing vendor payments, ensuring clearer accountability and consumer protections. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3020 requires Oklahoma financial institutions to notify state agencies (like the Department of Human Services or district attorneys) if they suspect financial exploitation of a "protected adult" (defined as individuals aged 62+ or vulnerable adults under state law). It allows institutions to temporarily block transactions for up to 20 days - after notifying account holders and designated "trusted contacts" - if exploitation is suspected, while mandating internal reviews. The bill also provides legal immunity to institutions and employees for good-faith reporting or holding funds, and requires retention of relevant records for investigations. This directly affects financial institutions, protected adults, and oversight agencies handling exploitation cases.

Maddy summarySB 1462 extends the deadline for the Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force from June 1, 2026, to July 1, 2036. The task force, composed of 15 members representing law enforcement, retail associations, and government agencies, must submit a report by December 31, 2025, analyzing organized retail theft impacts and recommending solutions. The bill updates statutory language and declares an emergency to take effect July 1, 2026. It directly affects the task force members, state officials receiving the report, and Oklahoma businesses impacted by retail theft.

Maddy summarySB 1464 extends the expiration date of Oklahoma's State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2036, under the Oklahoma Sunset Law. This procedural bill ensures the board continues operating without needing reauthorization, directly affecting the board's ongoing function in overseeing certified shorthand reporters. The change modifies the statute governing the board's existence but does not alter its duties or membership requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3568 requires advocacy organizations (like 501(c) nonprofits) and political parties to disclose contributions exceeding $100 annually to Oklahoma elected officials, candidates, or their immediate family members. It also mandates that officials and candidates disclose receiving over $100 in contributions from these groups. The bill specifies detailed disclosure requirements, including the payor’s name, amount, purpose, and whether a contract was involved, while prohibiting "structuring" payments to avoid the $100 threshold. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, and the Oklahoma Ethics Commission will enforce these rules starting November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1751 creates a secure digital platform for reporting human trafficking in Oklahoma, requiring the Attorney General to contract with a nonprofit organization to develop and manage it. Mandated reporters (such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers) can use this platform to anonymously report suspected trafficking, with high-priority cases automatically routed to law enforcement or child protection agencies in real time. The platform must comply with privacy laws (including HIPAA), allow anonymous reporting, and integrate with existing systems like the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1900 requires businesses receiving specific state incentives or direct funding (like tax credits or grants under programs such as the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program or Filmed in Oklahoma Act) to pay 5% of the incentive value to the local government where their project is located. This payment must go to the town, city, or county based on the project’s location, with specific rules for areas outside municipalities but using municipal infrastructure. Funds received must be spent exclusively on infrastructure projects like roads, utilities, or public facilities. The bill applies to businesses receiving incentives under 10 specific Oklahoma statutes and takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1486 designates the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as domestic terrorist organizations under Oklahoma law. State agencies must investigate and disrupt any activities or funding linked to these groups, including operations conducted "on behalf of" them. The bill requires all relevant departments to use existing legal authorities for investigations and prosecutions related to these organizations. An emergency declaration allows the law to take immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 1529 limits campaign contributions to Oklahoma state candidates and committees, capping most contributions at $5,000 annually per candidate. It prohibits state candidate committees from accepting funds from federal candidate committees or making contributions to other candidates, and restricts contributions to political party committees to $10,000 yearly. The bill also requires officers of campaign committees to be Oklahoma residents and bans contributions from out-of-state committees to state candidates. These rules directly affect state-level campaign committees, candidates, and political action committees operating within Oklahoma.