Sen. Todd Gollihare

Maddy summarySB 1618 requires Oklahoma judicial districts to use validated risk assessment tools when setting pretrial release conditions for defendants facing misdemeanor or felony charges. These tools must evaluate factors like criminal history, community ties, substance abuse history, flight risk, and danger to others, while also considering the offense's nature and evidence weight. Courts must presume the assessment's accuracy and set release conditions accordingly, but may deviate only if the state provides clear evidence justifying exceptions to secure defendant appearance, protect public safety, or meet specific legal requirements. If deviations occur, courts must document their reasoning on the record.

Maddy summarySB 633 requires Oklahoma's Office of Juvenile Affairs to implement a centralized management system for juvenile records, integrating with existing child welfare and juvenile justice systems. It authorizes specific schools (including the Oklahoma School for the Blind and Deaf), public school districts, and other personnel already permitted under state law to access certain confidential records and reports. The system must secure data while enabling case-specific tracking and program monitoring. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 604 amends Oklahoma's definitions for motor vehicle dealers and related terms in Section 562 of Title 47. It clarifies that "new motor vehicle dealer" excludes powersports vehicle dealers and revises definitions for key terms like "manufacturer," "distributor," and "powersports vehicle." The bill removes an exception allowing powersports dealers to operate without a specific license and updates terminology to align with current industry practices. It does not impose new data security requirements or create direct policy changes, as the title's mention of "data security standards" appears inconsistent with the actual definitional focus of the bill text.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows evidence of past domestic violence or abuse to be admitted in criminal trials for current domestic violence charges. Prosecutors must disclose such evidence to defendants at least 15 days before trial, including witness statements or summaries of expected testimony. It defines "domestic violence or abuse" broadly to include psychological, physical, sexual, economic, or emotional acts within qualifying relationships. The law applies specifically to criminal cases involving domestic violence in Oklahoma, effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1589 updates Oklahoma's gambling laws by broadly defining "online casino games" to include mobile and wearable devices (like smartphones or smartwatches) that simulate traditional gambling. It clarifies that "representative of value" covers virtual currency systems exchangeable for prizes or cash. The bill expands criminal liability to include not just operators but also geolocation providers, gaming suppliers, platform providers, promoters, and media affiliates involved in such games. Violators face a Class C2 felony charge, fines of $500-$2,000, and imprisonment, effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1597 removes a requirement for Oklahoma's Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs to adhere to specific national standards. It affects local CASA programs and the Oklahoma Court-Appointed Special Advocate Association by eliminating this compliance obligation. The bill maintains existing requirements for CASA volunteer training, annual documentation, criminal background checks, and child welfare records searches. Key provisions remain unchanged, including the need for volunteers to complete training and pass background checks before being assigned cases. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1448 modifies the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act by adding a new exemption (Section 754.5) that explicitly excludes remitted tax collections from consumer protection claims. It states that the Act does not apply to "monies denominated as gross receipts tax on mixed beverages, sales tax or use tax" that have already been paid to the Oklahoma Tax Commission or other taxing authorities. This change directly affects tax collectors (like retailers) and businesses handling these taxes, clarifying that remitted tax collections cannot be challenged under consumer protection laws. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1593 removes outdated language from Oklahoma law regarding the Board of Trustees for Oklahoma State University/Tulsa. Specifically, it deletes requirements for the Board to "promulgate rules" (create official rules) and details about the presidential search process. The bill affects the OSU-Tulsa Board of Trustees, which previously had to follow these specific procedural steps. This change simplifies the governing structure by eliminating redundant or obsolete provisions, effective July 1, 2026. The legislation does not create new policies or alter the Board's responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how nursing facilities receive financial incentives within the state Medicaid program. It adjusts specific reimbursement rules to potentially alter how facilities are compensated for their services. The changes directly impact nursing home operators and the state's Medicaid funding structure. The legislation includes an emergency provision to take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 3980 creates a program to help assistant district attorneys in rural Oklahoma pay back education loans. It provides state-funded repayment assistance of up to $5,000 per year (capped at $50,000 total) for eligible employees who work full-time in designated high-need rural districts. Participants must complete 2,000 hours of service for every $5,000 covered, and must repay the state pro-rata if they leave before meeting this requirement. The program is funded through a new state revolving fund managed by the District Attorneys Council.