Sen. Todd Gollihare

Maddy summarySB 765 creates Oklahoma's participation in the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice across participating states with a single license. It streamlines licensure by using the existing American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) system, eliminating duplicate exams and fees, and includes a military waiver for active-duty members and their spouses. The compact maintains each state's authority to regulate practice and take disciplinary action while enabling faster licensure for relocating professionals and military families. This affects dental professionals seeking to practice in multiple states and simplifies the process through shared documentation and uniform standards.

Maddy summarySB 57 amends Oklahoma law to prohibit manually composing, sending, or reading text messages while driving a motor vehicle, and to ban holding hand-held cell phones. It reduces the fine for violations to $5 plus court costs (previously $100), with fines distributed to specific state programs like public safety, victim services, and courthouse security. The law allows hands-free or voice-operated technology use and permits exceptions for emergency calls to first responders, hospitals, or law enforcement. It directly affects drivers operating vehicles on Oklahoma roads and aligns municipal ordinances with state penalties. The bill also clarifies that traffic points won’t be added to licenses for these violations.

Maddy summarySB 757 updates Oklahoma school discipline rules by adding specific reasons for out-of-school suspensions, directly affecting students in grades 6-12 and school districts. It mandates a minimum one-year suspension for students possessing firearms on school property or at school events, and a two-semester suspension for students assaulting school staff. The bill requires schools to provide an education plan for students suspended over five days, including core subjects (English, math, science, etc.), and holds parents responsible for supervised learning during suspension. It also prohibits public schools from enrolling students suspended for violent acts until their suspension period ends.

Maddy summarySB 64 exempts eligible veterans from paying tolls on Oklahoma turnpikes. To qualify, veterans must have a 100% disability rating under Oklahoma law and be driving their own noncommercial vehicle. The bill amends existing law to add this exemption to the list of toll-free users, alongside law enforcement officers. It takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 355 amends Oklahoma's Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act by updating key definitions related to excavation and underground facilities. It clarifies what constitutes "excavation" (excluding small agricultural work, routine maintenance, and certain public projects) and refines terms like "certified project" and "damage." The bill directly affects excavators, utility operators, and public agencies by standardizing how these activities are defined under state law. This clarification aims to improve safety and coordination when digging near underground utilities. The changes take effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 765 establishes Oklahoma's participation in the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact, creating a framework for dentists and dental hygienists to practice across participating states with streamlined licensing. The bill allows professionals to obtain a "Compact license privilege" through a uniform examination (ADEX), eliminating duplicate paperwork and fees, while maintaining state regulatory sovereignty. It specifically waives fees and expedites licensure for active-duty military members and their spouses, who often face relocation challenges. The compact leverages existing infrastructure like the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) to share disciplinary records and ensure public safety through standardized licensing.

Maddy summarySB 757 adds new reasons for out-of-school suspensions in Oklahoma schools, specifically targeting firearm possession and violent acts against staff. It mandates a minimum one-year suspension for students found with firearms on school property or at school events, and requires a full semester suspension for students assaulting school employees in grades 6-12. The bill also requires schools to provide education plans for suspended students covering core subjects (like math and English), while parents must arrange supervised learning during suspensions. Additionally, it bars public schools from enrolling students suspended for violent acts until their suspension period ends.

Maddy summarySB 967 requires Oklahoma courts to hold a specific pretrial release hearing at a defendant's initial appearance, replacing the previous process. It mandates that defendants receive clear notice of their rights, the opportunity to contest evidence and present testimony, and that courts use "clear and convincing evidence" to determine release conditions. The bill establishes a "least restrictive conditions" standard for release, prohibits cash bonds unless non-monetary options are insufficient, and creates a rebuttable presumption that defendants receiving government assistance cannot afford bond. This directly affects all criminal defendants in Oklahoma facing pretrial release decisions, aiming to reduce unnecessary detention while ensuring court appearance and community safety.

Maddy summarySB 1084 removes a $40 nonrefundable application fee for people seeking court-appointed lawyers in Oklahoma. It creates a rebuttable presumption of eligibility for indigent defendants who post bail (other than personal recognizance), meaning courts must assume they qualify unless proven otherwise - such as if their income exceeds the state poverty threshold. The bill also clarifies that being released on bond does not disqualify someone from receiving representation. This directly affects low-income defendants who cannot afford private attorneys and need court-appointed counsel.

Maddy summarySB 827 raises the maximum cap for noneconomic damages in personal injury cases from $350,000 to $500,000. It removes prior exceptions that allowed higher damages in some cases but adds a new exception: noneconomic damages have no cap if a court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted recklessly, grossly negligently, fraudulently, or intentionally. The bill requires courts to separately identify economic and noneconomic damages in verdicts and prohibits juries from being informed about the cap during trials. It applies to most personal injury cases filed on or after November 1, 2025, but excludes government tort claims and wrongful death cases.