Sen. Lisa Standridge

Maddy summarySB 1475 designates the bridge on Indian Hills Road over Interstate 35 in Norman (Cleveland County) as the "Toby Keith Memorial Bridge," requiring the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to install permanent markers and collaborate with Toby Keith's family to create artwork honoring his life and career using public donations (not state funds). The bill mandates that any future replacement bridge or interchange at this location must retain the "Toby Keith Memorial Bridge" designation. This is a commemorative measure with no new policy or funding requirements beyond the specified artwork and naming.

Maddy summarySB 80 requires the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) to complete specific actions before proposing any new turnpikes or modifications to existing ones. This bill directly affects the OTA and future turnpike development projects in Oklahoma. The key provision mandates that the Authority must fulfill certain procedural steps - such as conducting studies or public consultations - prior to submitting any new turnpike proposals to the legislature. The bill aims to ensure thorough evaluation and transparency in turnpike planning before formal proposals are made.

Maddy summaryHB 3448 requires group homes caring for children to maintain $1 million in general liability insurance covering damage to property outside the home. This applies directly to all group homes operating under Oklahoma's Department of Human Services, mandating they verify coverage annually through a standard form signed by a licensed insurance agent. The bill also requires group homes to keep the insurance policy active at all times and specifies that successful plaintiffs in related civil cases can recover attorney fees. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3435 requires Oklahoma cities and towns to include only one clear subject in the ballot title for any municipal bond proposal voted on by citizens. It allows multiple bond proposals on the same ballot if each requires a separate vote, but prohibits proposals where bond funds would be spent across multiple municipal agencies or departments. This bill directly affects local governments preparing bond measures for voter approval, ensuring ballot titles accurately reflect single-purpose funding requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill helps Oklahoma homeowners displaced by turnpike construction by matching their new property tax burden to what they paid on their previous home. For the first three tax years after moving, eligible homeowners get an extra tax exemption equal to the difference between their old home's tax bill and their new home's tax bill. It applies specifically to those who owned a home purchased by the state's Department of Transportation for a turnpike project and now claim a new homestead exemption. The exemption begins for tax year 2027 and lasts three years.

Maddy summaryHB 1939 authorizes the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to construct, maintain, and operate toll turnpikes at 25 specific locations and segments across the state, such as the Turner Turnpike between Oklahoma City and Tulsa and extensions of the Muskogee Turnpike. The bill directly affects the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (a state agency) and drivers using these designated routes. Key provisions include explicitly listing authorized locations (e.g., the Tulsa south bypass and Oklahoma City Outer Loop) and modifying prior restrictions on where turnpikes may be built. The bill does not create new tolls but formalizes existing or planned infrastructure projects under the Authority’s jurisdiction.

Maddy summarySB 1945 requires state agencies and entities using eminent domain to provide property owners with a clear, plain-language "Landowner's Bill of Rights" at the start of any acquisition process. This document must explain key rights, including notification of the proposed taking, good-faith negotiation (with access to appraisal details), a fair damage assessment, the right to a hearing and appeal, and a first right to purchase the property if it's later sold by the government. The Attorney General must review and update this document every two years to maintain accuracy and clarity. The bill directly affects Oklahoma property owners whose land may be taken through eminent domain proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 3968 restricts Oklahoma's use of eminent domain by defining "public use" narrowly to exclude economic development (such as increased tax revenue, jobs, or general economic growth). It prohibits local governments from expanding eminent domain powers without specific state law and bans using economic benefits as justification for taking private property. The bill also requires that if condemned land isn't used for its intended public purpose, it must be offered back to the original owner at fair market value before resale. This applies to all government entities, including cities and counties, and takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1927 creates a new Class D2 felony offense for individuals who board a school bus without permission from a school district employee or refuse to exit a school bus when commanded. This law directly affects anyone who unlawfully enters or remains on a school bus, such as students, visitors, or others without authorization. The bill amends Oklahoma's criminal code to include this specific violation as a punishable felony, with penalties including potential imprisonment (up to 2 years for a first offense) under existing sentencing rules for Class D2 offenses. It becomes effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2046 requires that campsites on municipal land used by 10 or more people for more than five days undergo an evaluation by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The evaluation will assess whether these campsites meet basic environmental and sanitation standards. The DEQ and DPS must develop specific rules to implement this requirement, and the law becomes effective on November 1, 2026. This bill directly affects municipal campsite operators and local governments managing such sites.