Sen. Todd Gollihare

Maddy summarySB 741 allows Oklahoma pharmacists to test for and start treatment for minor, nonchronic health conditions (like colds or minor skin infections) under a standing order from a physician or health department director. Pharmacists must use only FDA-approved, CLIA-waived tests for screening and cannot test for strep throat or prescribe antibiotics to children under six. This directly expands pharmacists' clinical role for common, non-serious conditions while requiring specific safeguards. The bill amends Oklahoma's pharmacy law to clarify these new responsibilities and prohibitions.

Maddy summarySB 741 allows Oklahoma pharmacists to test for and initiate drug therapy for minor, nonchronic health conditions (like colds or skin infections) under specific conditions. Pharmacists must follow a standing order from a physician or health department medical director and use only FDA-approved, CLIA-waived tests. The bill prohibits pharmacists from testing for or treating strep throat in children under six years old. This change directly affects pharmacists and patients seeking quick treatment for minor conditions without an immediate doctor’s visit, while expanding pharmacists’ clinical role within Oklahoma’s Pharmacy Act.

Maddy summarySB 378 updates Oklahoma's bail bondsman regulations by requiring detailed written receipts for all collateral (property or cash used as security), depositing cash collateral into a separate trust account within two business days, and submitting monthly electronic reports to the Insurance Commissioner. The bill also changes the monthly reviewal fee to 0.0015% of new bond liability, payable to the Insurance Commissioner. These provisions directly affect licensed bail bondsmen and their insurers, ensuring clearer handling of collateral and financial records. The changes become effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 755 shortens the time frame for divorce parties to object to automatic temporary orders from 3 days to 2 days after service. This affects anyone filing for divorce in Oklahoma who needs immediate court orders regarding property, child custody, or finances. The bill modifies existing law (43 O.S. § 110) so that if a party objects within 2 days, a hearing must be scheduled sooner. It aims to expedite resolution of temporary disputes in divorce cases. The bill is designated as an emergency measure.

Maddy summarySB 755 shortens Oklahoma's timeline for scheduling hearings on temporary divorce orders from 10 days to 3 days after filing. It affects anyone filing for dissolution of marriage, annulment, or legal separation in the state. The bill modifies automatic temporary injunctions that prevent asset transfers, insurance changes, or custody disruptions during divorce proceedings. Courts must now hold hearings faster after a party objects to these temporary orders. This change aims to expedite resolution of urgent issues like property protection and child custody during divorce cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2710 creates the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act, reorganizing the state's emergency communications system under a new Oklahoma Emergency Communications Section within the Office of Homeland Security. It transfers the 9-1-1 Management Authority's staff, records, and assets to this new section, establishes a 9-1-1 Management Unit, and creates an Oklahoma Emergency Communications Council to advise on system priorities. The bill sets up a special fund to manage communications assets and allows the Homeland Security Advisor to transfer equipment or funds to support the system. This reorganization affects state emergency communications operations but does not change public 9-1-1 service delivery.

Maddy summarySB 182 amends Oklahoma's retirement system to allow current Oklahoma Tax Commission members with constitutionally capped salaries to elect, within 90 days, to use the highest salary allowed for their position when calculating retirement contributions and benefits. This change specifically affects state employees in the Tax Commission whose current pay is below the legal maximum for their role. The bill updates compensation rules by permitting these members to base retirement benefits on the higher salary amount instead of their actual lower salary. It does not change retirement ages or apply to most other public employees.

Maddy summaryHB 2650 modifies Oklahoma's civil procedure rules to address abusive discovery requests. It requires parties to attempt resolving discovery disputes through good-faith discussions before seeking court intervention. The bill specifically creates new criteria for protective orders preventing depositions of high-ranking officers (e.g., executives or senior government officials) when they lack unique personal knowledge of the case, have scheduling conflicts, or work for large complex organizations. Courts may limit or block such depositions unless the opposing party proves they've exhausted other discovery methods and the officer has unique knowledge. The bill also includes provisions for awarding attorney fees to parties who successfully oppose or obtain protective orders.

Maddy summaryHB 2015 strengthens tenant rights in Oklahoma by allowing tenants to address landlord failures to maintain health and safety standards. If a landlord doesn’t fix serious issues (like lack of heat or plumbing) within 14 days of written notice, tenants may deduct repair costs (up to one month’s rent) from rent or withhold rent for larger repairs, placing funds in a separate account. Landlords cannot pursue eviction for nonpayment while tenants legally exercise these remedies. The bill also clarifies that tenants can immediately terminate leases for uninhabitable conditions or seek damages up to two months’ rent if landlords fail to act. It takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2628 modifies Oklahoma's civil procedure rules for expert testimony in court cases. It requires parties (the "proponent") introducing expert witnesses to prove to the court that the testimony is: 1) based on sufficient facts/data, 2) derived from reliable methods, and 3) properly applied to the case facts. This directly affects individuals or organizations involved in civil lawsuits relying on expert opinions, such as in medical malpractice or product liability cases. The law takes effect on November 1, 2025, raising the standard for admitting expert evidence.