Sen. Micheal Bergstrom

Maddy summarySB 2081 allows Oklahoma charitable organizations and private individuals to host limited in-person wagering events under strict conditions. Charities may hold one-day, on-premises events with $1,000 total winnings per person per 90 days, no advance bets, and no commercial promotion, requiring tax reporting of winnings to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Private individuals may host similar one-day events at home (max twice monthly), with $1,000 total prize pools and $100 wager limits per person, also requiring tax reporting. The bill explicitly excludes online wagering, casinos, high-stakes games, and commercial promotion for both event types. All events must occur in person without absentee betting or credit use.

Maddy summarySB 2075 reduces fees charged by money transmission businesses (like wire services and money transmitters) in Oklahoma. For transactions up to $500, the fee drops from $25 to $5, and for amounts over $500, the fee is now 1% instead of 5%. These fees must be paid quarterly to the Oklahoma Tax Commission and will fund a Drug Money Laundering and Wire Transmitter Revolving Fund. Businesses must also inform customers they can claim an income tax credit for the fee by filing a tax return with a valid Social Security number or tax ID.

Maddy summarySB 1857 requires specific information to be printed on Oklahoma ballots whenever voters are asked to approve bond or debt measures. It mandates that ballots include the phrase "THIS IS A TAX INCREASE" prominently, along with five concrete details: total debt issued, debt per household, total annual repayment cost, annual repayment cost per household, and whether a new tax is created or an existing tax is extended. This applies to all state or local government proposals authorizing debt issuance, directly affecting voters who cast ballots on such measures. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1577 requires Oklahoma county assessors to send property taxpayers annual statements showing current millage rates, proposed changes, revenue-neutral rates (the rate that would keep tax revenue the same as the previous year), proposed spending details, public hearing information, and how officials voted on rate changes. It also mandates the Oklahoma Tax Commission to maintain a public webpage displaying historical and current property tax rates, assessed values, proposed rate changes, and a tool for submitting public comments. This affects all property owners and local taxing jurisdictions (counties, cities, school districts) by increasing transparency in how property tax rates are calculated and approved. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1578 requires local taxing jurisdictions (like cities, counties, and school districts) that receive ad valorem tax funds to annually disclose specific details about property tax breaks. It mandates disclosure of all exemptions, deductions, credits, and limitations on property taxes; their financial impact on local revenue; and expiration dates with justification for renewal. County assessors and the Oklahoma Tax Commission must provide assistance to help jurisdictions comply. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, aiming to increase transparency around local tax policies.

Maddy summaryOklahoma's SB 1536 authorizes the Attorney General to investigate entities suspected of fraudulently soliciting funds for foreign terrorist organizations or providing them material support. It requires the Attorney General to designate such entities as "Designated Terrorist Support Entities" after investigation, barring them from receiving any state funds (including grants, contracts, or tax benefits) once a final court decision is issued. The bill mandates training for peace officers on recognizing terrorist fundraising tactics and requires annual public reports on investigations and recovered funds. It specifically references the Muslim Brotherhood as a defined entity of concern under the law. The law aims to prevent state funds from indirectly supporting terrorism through deceptive charitable activities.

Maddy summarySB 1485 requires Oklahoma medical examiners to conduct specific investigations within 48 hours for unexplained infant or child deaths (including SIDS, SUID, and SDY) and sudden cardiac deaths in young people (SADS). The bill mandates autopsies, toxicology tests, medical record reviews (including immunization data from the past 90 days), and interviews with caregivers. Medical examiners must document findings, report cases to the CDC’s national SUID/SDY registry, and submit reports to the State Department of Health and Child Death Review Board. This applies directly to medical examiners, health departments, and families of affected infants, children, and young people.

Maddy summarySB 1667 requires all Oklahoma voters to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. Applicants must submit specific documents like a birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or tribal enrollment card to verify citizenship. Election officials must verify this proof before classifying a voter as "verified," and non-citizens (referred to as "federal-only voters") cannot vote in state elections without using provisional ballots. The bill directly affects anyone registering to vote in Oklahoma, adding a new verification step to the registration process.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SJR 28) requires Oklahoma counties to calculate a "revenue neutral rate" each year - defined as the tax rate needed to generate the same revenue as the previous year based on current property valuations. Taxing jurisdictions (like cities or school districts) can only exceed this rate after holding a public hearing, providing detailed notices to taxpayers (including the proposed rate, budget needs, and previous rates), and obtaining a majority vote from their governing body. If jurisdictions fail to follow these steps, they must refund excess taxes collected. The bill also mandates that county assessors send taxpayers annual notices showing the revenue neutral rate, proposed changes, and how officials voted on tax rates. It takes effect January 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SJR 30) would reduce limits on annual property tax increases in Oklahoma. For most properties, it lowers the annual growth cap from 5% to 3% (for tax years 2013-2026) and from 3% to 2% (for 2027+). Homestead and agricultural properties would see similar reductions, from 3% to 2% for 2013-2026 and 2% to 1% for 2027+. Property transfers or major improvements would reset the assessment to full market value, bypassing the cap. It directly affects homeowners, farmers, and property owners subject to local property taxes.