Sen. Todd Gollihare

Maddy summarySenate Bill 521 updates Oklahoma law regarding franchises by modifying the definition of a "franchise." The bill clarifies the legal relationships between a franchisor, a franchisee, and their respective employees. Specifically, it states that a franchisor is not considered the employer of a franchisee or the franchisee's employees. This means employees of a franchisee are not considered employees of the franchisor, and vice versa, affecting businesses operating under franchise agreements in Oklahoma. The changes are set to become effective on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2012 removes the July 1, 2026, expiration date for Oklahoma's harm-reduction services program, making it permanent. It authorizes government agencies, religious institutions, nonprofits, for-profit companies, and tribal governments to provide services including needle distribution, HIV/hepatitis testing, referrals for addiction treatment, and safe needle disposal. Providers must register with the State Department of Health and report quarterly on services delivered, such as the number of people served, needles distributed, and test results. This bill directly affects people who use injection drugs by expanding access to health services aimed at reducing disease transmission and overdose risks.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2012 permanently authorizes various entities, including government agencies, religious institutions, and non-profits, to provide harm-reduction services in Oklahoma. The bill achieves this by removing the July 1, 2026, sunset date from the existing law governing these services. Authorized activities include offering referrals for substance use disorder treatment, providing infectious disease education and testing, collecting used hypodermic needles, and distributing clean needles and opioid antagonists. Providers must register with the State Department of Health and submit quarterly reports on their services.

Maddy summaryHB 1676, the "Kay Floyd SANE Act," creates a new Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Statewide Coordinator position within Oklahoma's District Attorneys Council. The coordinator will oversee forensic medical exam training, recruit SANE professionals, develop local SANE and Sexual Assault Response Team programs, and manage payments from the Sexual Assault Examination Fund. The role requires a minimum annual salary of $125,000, funded through the District Attorneys Council's appropriations. The position is established until October 1, 2025, with the bill taking effect November 1, 2025. This directly affects county-level sexual assault response systems and SANE program expansion statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 1092 creates a $7,500 annual tax credit for Oklahoma residents who complete qualifying trade or vocational programs (such as HVAC, plumbing, or welding training) at approved Oklahoma schools. The credit, available for taxable years starting January 1, 2026, offsets income tax liability up to the actual tuition cost paid (whichever is lower), but cannot reduce tax below zero. Unused portions may carry forward for up to three years, and the credit can only be claimed once per individual after receiving program certification. This policy directly supports Oklahoma residents pursuing in-demand technical careers by reducing the cost of vocational education.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the "Kay Floyd SANE Act," makes the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Statewide Coordinator position a permanent role within the District Attorneys Council. Previously set to expire, this coordinator is responsible for overseeing forensic medical examination training, recruiting SANE professionals, and expanding SANE and Sexual Assault Response Team programs across the state. The bill also establishes an annual salary range of $125,000 to $140,000 for the coordinator, funded by appropriations to the District Attorneys Council.

Maddy summaryHB 1092 creates an Oklahoma Trade School Tuition Tax Credit, allowing eligible residents to claim a $7,500 credit against their state income tax for completing certified trade programs. The credit applies to taxpayers who earn certification from qualified Oklahoma trade schools (such as those offering HVAC, plumbing, automotive, or welding training) within three years of graduation, for tax years starting January 1, 2026. The credit cannot reduce tax liability below zero, and the bill takes effect November 1, 2025. This policy directly affects Oklahoma residents pursuing vocational education by reducing their state tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 1730 amends Oklahoma law concerning the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). It primarily affects OPERS members who retire and then return to employment with a participating state or political subdivision employer. The bill clarifies how retirement benefits are calculated and handled for these reemployed retirees, outlining two methods for computing additional benefits based on new service. It also includes a provision regarding a one-year restriction on retirees being rehired by their former employer, with an exception if they waive benefits and return as a bona fide employee.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 604 modifies Oklahoma's motor vehicle laws, primarily by amending definitions related to vehicle sales and dealership operations. It expands the definition of a "new motor vehicle dealer" to include powersports vehicle dealers by removing a previous exemption, thereby bringing them under the same regulatory framework. The bill's title also indicates it will require certain commercially reasonable data security standards and modify the liability of specific entities, though the provided text does not detail these provisions. These changes directly affect motor vehicle and powersports vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and salespersons.

Maddy summaryHCR 1011 is a ceremonial resolution designating April 14, 2025, as "Route 66 Day" in Oklahoma. It recognizes U.S. Route 66’s historical significance to the state, including its role in Dust Bowl migration, its contribution to tourism and tribal cultural heritage, and its status as a symbol of Oklahoma’s identity. The resolution directs the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and Oklahoma Historical Society to observe the day, with no binding policy changes or direct impact on residents or businesses. This is a commemorative measure, not a law affecting regulations or funding.