Sen. Regina Goodwin

Maddy summarySB 2032 sets specific timeframes for holding special elections on initiative and referendum measures in Oklahoma. It requires statewide special elections to occur between 70 and 250 days after being called, while local elections (including school districts) must be held at least 60 days (or 45 days for school runoff elections) after the call. The bill clarifies that the Governor must set election dates within these ranges after petitions are validated, and it makes related election language gender-neutral. These changes directly affect voters, election officials, and school districts by standardizing how and when initiative/referendum votes are scheduled.

Maddy summarySB 1054 would have modified the Tulsa Reconciliation Education and Scholarship Program by removing specific eligibility requirements for applicants. The bill aimed to expand access to the scholarship program, which supports education-related opportunities tied to Tulsa reconciliation efforts. It directly affected students or applicants who previously met the excluded criteria. The proposed change focused solely on revising the program's qualification rules, without altering funding or other program structures. (Note: The bill was withdrawn and died in conference; this summary reflects its intended policy changes.)

Maddy summarySB 1054 proposed to adjust the eligibility rules for the Tulsa Reconciliation Education and Scholarship Program by removing specific criteria that previously limited who could qualify for the scholarship. This change would have directly affected potential applicants in Tulsa, particularly those excluded by the removed requirements, broadening access to the program. The bill did not specify which criteria were being removed but aimed to modify the program's eligibility structure without altering its core purpose.

Maddy summarySB 214 sets specific timeframes for special elections on initiative and referendum measures in Oklahoma. It requires statewide special elections to occur between 70 and 250 days after being called, while local elections (including school districts) must be held at least 60 days later (45 days for school runoff elections). The bill also clarifies that the Governor must set election dates within 70-250 days after the Secretary of State notifies them, aligning with existing rules. These changes directly affect citizens filing petitions, local governments scheduling votes, and the Governor's process for setting election dates.

Maddy summarySB 214 amends Oklahoma election law to standardize timeframes for special elections on initiative and referendum measures. It requires statewide special elections to occur between 70 and 250 days after being called, while county, municipal, and school district special elections must be held at least 60 days after the call (with a 45-day exception for school runoff elections). The bill also specifies that the Governor must set election dates within the 70-250 day window after the Secretary of State notifies them. This procedural bill affects state and local governments scheduling special elections on voter-approved measures.

Maddy summarySB 63 increases the stipend for certain school board members in Oklahoma. It raises the payment from $25 to $190 per meeting for members of school boards in districts with either over 15,000 average daily attendance or a population exceeding 100,000 (based on the last federal census). The change applies to regular, special, or adjourned meetings, with a maximum of four meetings per month. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1057 updates Oklahoma's rules for special license plates supporting causes like firefighters, wildlife conservation, universities, and child abuse prevention. It requires 100 advance applications before new plate types can be issued (after 2004), and clarifies that fees collected go directly to designated funds (e.g., the Firefighters Museum Fund or Wildlife Diversity Fund). Drivers must renew plates annually, cannot transfer plates to new vehicles without reapplying, and must provide proof of eligibility for certain plates (e.g., firefighter status). The bill also revises how license plate vendors handle fee collection and processing.

Maddy summarySB 1057 modifies Oklahoma's special license plate programs, updating rules for existing plates like Firefighter, Wildlife Conservation, and Environmental Awareness plates. It requires 100 prepaid applications before new plates can be issued (for plates authorized after July 2004), and changes how fees are handled - retaining them with licensed operators until 2025 before shifting to standard registration fees. Fees collected support specific causes, such as the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum, Wildlife Diversity Fund, and Child Abuse Prevention Fund. This affects license plate applicants who choose these specialty plates and the state funds they support.

Maddy summarySB 1055 automatically seals criminal records for certain misdemeanor convictions in Oklahoma after specific waiting periods. It applies to individuals convicted of nonviolent misdemeanors with no subsequent felony convictions, requiring at least 5-10 years to pass since conviction or sentence completion, depending on the offense. The bill creates a "clean slate" process where eligible cases are automatically sealed three years after the law takes effect (subject to funding), without needing court petitions. It excludes violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases involving pending charges. This policy change directly affects Oklahomans with qualifying misdemeanor histories seeking to clear their records.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SJR 14) clarifies voting procedures for Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board, specifically addressing death penalty clemency cases. It states that a tie vote on clemency recommendations for death-row inmates does not deny clemency and establishes a system of seven alternate board members who can fill in when regular members are absent, recused, or unable to vote. Alternates must be appointed by the same authority as the absent member (Governor, Supreme Court Chief Justice, or Criminal Court Presiding Judge), have 180 days to review cases, and cannot recommend parole for individuals sentenced to death or life without parole. The amendment directly affects the Board's operations and individuals seeking clemency, particularly in capital punishment cases.