Sen. Mary Boren

Maddy summarySB 358 requires railroad operators on Oklahoma’s "main lines" (routes handling over 5 million tons of annual traffic) to install and maintain infrared hot bearings detectors every 10 miles along those tracks. These detectors identify overheating train components like bearings, axles, or wheels to prevent safety hazards. Violations carry fines of $1,000 to $5,000, enforceable by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The law, effective November 1, 2025, applies specifically to commercial freight rail operations, excluding tourist or scenic lines.

Maddy summarySB 358 requires railroad operators in Oklahoma to install and maintain infrared hot bearings detectors every 10 miles along "main lines" (defined as tracks with over 5 million gross tons of annual traffic). These detectors identify overheating train components like bearings or wheels to prevent derailments. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety can issue citations and impose fines of $1,000-$5,000 for violations. The law directly affects major freight railroads operating on high-traffic routes and takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1907, the Battery Stewardship Act, proposes new rules for recycling vehicle batteries weighing over 11 pounds. It would require producers (like car manufacturers) to create and manage recycling programs for these batteries, granting them legal protection from antitrust laws while developing these programs. Independent collectors (e.g., retailers or drop-off centers) could still run household collection services but must hand collected batteries over to the official recycling programs. The bill aims to establish a structured system for managing vehicle battery recycling while clarifying responsibilities for producers and collectors.

Maddy summarySB 357 requires railroad companies operating freight trains in Oklahoma to carry physical copies of three specific items aboard each train: the cargo manifest, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Emergency Response Guidebook, and crew qualification identification cards. This applies directly to railroad operators transporting freight within the state. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety may issue citations for violations, with fines starting at $250 for a first offense and increasing to up to $10,000 for repeat violations within three years. The law takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 357 requires all Oklahoma freight railroad operators to carry physical copies of three specific items aboard every train: the cargo manifest, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Emergency Response Guidebook, and crew qualification identification cards. This applies directly to railroad companies transporting freight within Oklahoma. Violations can result in fines starting at $250 for a first offense, increasing to up to $10,000 for repeated violations within three years. The law takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 152 increases the sheriff's fee for serving warrants or legal process within a county from $50 to $150 (or mileage, whichever is greater), applying to all criminal cases where a sheriff serves documents. This fee change directly affects defendants convicted of crimes, as it adds to their court costs. The additional funds collected will go to the "Sheriff’s Service Fee Account" in the county where the conviction occurred, specifically for courthouse security enhancements, as outlined in Section 153(E) of the amended statute.

Maddy summarySB 273 expands in-person absentee voting access in Oklahoma by increasing the number of days voters can cast absentee ballots at designated locations. It adds Saturday voting hours for three weeks before major elections (General, Primary, Runoff, and Presidential Preferential Primary) and extends weekday hours before elections, while requiring counties with 25,000+ registered voters or over 1,500 square miles to designate multiple polling sites. The bill also mandates voter ID verification and sets specific procedures for ballot handling and security at these locations. This bill directly affects Oklahoma voters in larger counties, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 512 amends Oklahoma law to prohibit carrying firearms within 300 feet of any polling place during elections. This directly affects voters, election workers, and others near polling locations on election days. The bill adds this restriction to existing prohibitions on carrying firearms in places like courthouses and schools. It does not change other existing firearm carry rules but creates a new 300-foot buffer zone around polling sites during election operations. The provision applies to all firearms, concealed or unconcealed, and violations may result in a $250 fine.

Maddy summarySB 613 requires Oklahoma's Attorney General's Office to create a statewide hotline for residents to report water quality concerns. The Attorney General must coordinate with the Department of Environmental Quality to investigate complaints, conduct water testing, and enforce regulations. The bill also grants the Attorney General authority to create rules for implementing this hotline system. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, directly affecting Oklahoma residents with water quality issues and state environmental agencies.

Maddy summarySB 99 reauthorizes an income tax credit for builders constructing energy-efficient residential properties under 2,000 square feet in Oklahoma. It provides a $4,000 credit for homes certified 40%+ above energy codes or $2,000 for those 20-39% above, requiring properties to be substantially complete in the same tax year the credit is claimed. The credit applies to new construction only (not retrofits) and requires certification by an accredited provider using the Home Energy Rating System. This bill directly affects Oklahoma builders who construct qualifying energy-efficient homes, offering tax relief tied to specific efficiency standards and completion timing.