Sen. Mary Boren

Maddy summarySB 408 prohibits Oklahoma public and certain private colleges and universities (that receive state funding) from requiring pregnant students to withdraw, take leave, or limit studies solely due to pregnancy. It mandates reasonable accommodations like flexible deadlines for missed work, allowing leave for medical needs, and granting up to six additional months to complete exams or degree requirements after childbirth. Institutions must create written policies on pregnancy accommodations, include them in student handbooks, and make them available to all staff and students. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and directs the Attorney General’s Office to investigate complaints about pregnancy discrimination.

Maddy summarySB 88 amends Oklahoma's Teachers' Retirement System statute to allow the Board of Trustees to approve cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for certain retirees under specific circumstances. The bill does not specify which retirees or exact conditions for the COLA approval, only granting the Board discretion to authorize these adjustments. It modifies Section 17-106.1 of the law to include this authority while updating other statutory language to be gender-neutral. The change affects retirees whose benefits may receive COLAs based on the Board's approval, not automatic eligibility. This is a procedural adjustment to the Board's authority, not a new benefit mandate.

Maddy summarySB 273 expands in-person absentee voting options in Oklahoma. It increases the number of days voters can cast absentee ballots in person: Wednesday through Friday before elections (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), Saturdays for three weeks before major elections (8 a.m.-2 p.m.), and Wednesdays before general elections (8 a.m.-6 p.m.). Counties with over 25,000 voters or 1,500 square miles must designate multiple voting locations (one per 15,000 voters). Voters must provide ID or sign an affidavit if unable to show ID, and ballots are handled through specific procedures by absentee voting boards. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 356 prohibits railroad companies operating in Oklahoma from running trains exceeding 8,500 feet in length or the length of the shortest siding/passing track on their route, and limits how long trains can block intersections (to no more than 10 minutes). Violations could trigger civil penalties of $500 to $1,000 per foot of excess length, or up to $250,000 for gross negligence causing injury or death. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission enforces these rules and can request the Attorney General to collect fines, which fund the State Transportation Fund. This law applies to all railroad operators in Oklahoma and takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 329 modifies Oklahoma's absentee voting rules by allowing voters to avoid notarization or witness requirements for ballot affidavits by instead attaching a photocopy of a state-issued photo ID. It also mandates that election officials notify voters if their ballot application or affidavit is rejected and provide a clear opportunity to correct errors (a "cure" process) before the election. The bill repeals an existing requirement for notarization in absentee ballot procedures and takes effect on November 1, 2025. This change directly affects all Oklahoma voters requesting absentee ballots who previously needed to secure a notary or witnesses.

Maddy summarySB 602 would automatically decertify any presidential candidate in Oklahoma who has a "disqualifying event," defined as a conviction (or plea) for a felony or misdemeanor involving embezzlement under Oklahoma or federal law. This applies to candidates who file for office or are nominated, with decertification taking effect immediately upon the disqualifying event. The State Election Board must issue a 5-day notice to the candidate, electors, and the public, stating the candidate is ineligible and votes for them will be ignored. The bill also imposes fines for advertising in support of such ineligible candidates and requires votes for them to be disregarded from all records.

Maddy summarySB 512 prohibits carrying any firearm (concealed or unconcealed) within 300 feet of polling places during elections operated by state, county, or local election boards. This applies to all individuals, including those with valid handgun licenses, and directly affects voters, poll workers, and anyone near polling locations on election days. The bill amends Oklahoma law to add this restriction as a new exception to existing firearm carry rules, updating Section 1277 of the Oklahoma Statutes. It takes effect immediately upon enactment, with violations punishable by a $250 fine or removal from the area.