Sen. Mary Boren

Maddy summarySB 618 requires Oklahoma public utilities to create an energy alert system for communication with county and municipal governments. The system must provide real-time alerts about potential power outages, requests to reduce electricity use during high-demand periods, and other critical grid stability information. This applies to all public utilities defined under Oklahoma law and directly affects local governments that receive these alerts. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 612 requires Oklahoma public utilities (as defined in Title 17, Section 151) to create and maintain an energy security plan. The plan must identify potential energy disruption risks, outline response and recovery strategies, and include public notification methods to help residents prevent outages. Utilities must update the plan annually and publish it on a public website. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, directly affecting all covered utilities in Oklahoma.

Maddy summarySB 86 requires all freight railroad trains operating in Oklahoma to have at least two certified crew members (such as engineers or conductors) aboard while moving. It exempts passenger trains, tourism rides, slow-moving trains under 30 mph with cabs, helper/hostler services, and loading/unloading at 10 mph. Violations carry fines starting at $250 for a first offense, increasing to $10,000 for repeat violations within three years. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and is declared an emergency to address safety concerns. It directly affects freight railroad operators in Oklahoma, not passenger rail services or specific maintenance operations.

Maddy summarySB 619 requires large industrial energy users in Oklahoma (those exceeding 75 kWh/sq ft/year or 70,000 BTU/sq ft/year of electricity or energy usage) to submit biennial efficiency plans to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. These plans must detail strategies to improve energy efficiency and methods to offset up to 50% of annual energy use through renewable production. All submitted plans will be published on a public website. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 329 changes Oklahoma's absentee ballot process by allowing voters to avoid notarization or witness requirements for certain ballots. Instead of needing a notary or two witnesses, voters may now attach a copy of their state ID to their absentee ballot affidavit. The bill also requires county election boards to notify voters of rejected applications and give them a chance to correct errors before final rejection. This directly affects Oklahoma voters requesting absentee ballots, particularly those who face barriers accessing notaries or witnesses.

Maddy summarySB 342 creates a refundable income tax credit for Oklahoma individual taxpayers who commute at least 2 miles each way (4 miles total daily) to a fixed workplace where they reside year-round. The credit amount is calculated by multiplying 240 (days) by the daily commute miles (max 40 miles) and the IRS standard mileage rate for that year. If the credit exceeds the taxpayer's income tax liability, the excess is refunded directly. This bill directly affects employees commuting regularly to a single workplace within Oklahoma, providing a concrete tax benefit based on actual commute distance.

Maddy summarySB 934 amends Oklahoma law to address criminal negligence when firearm owners permit minors access to weapons. It makes it unlawful for a firearm owner to fail to secure a readily dischargeable firearm (a loaded gun ready to fire), leading to a minor causing injury or death - unless the owner used a locked container, supervised use for lawful purposes, or had other valid defenses listed in the bill. The law also expands civil liability, allowing victims to seek damages from parents or guardians whose negligence permitted a minor to possess a firearm that caused injury. This directly affects parents, guardians, and firearm owners who store guns unsafely around minors.

Maddy summarySB 343 creates a refundable income tax credit for Oklahoma employees required to purchase specific safety or work-related clothing. The credit covers up to $100 per year for items like steel-toed boots, helmets, high-visibility vests, or protective eyewear mandated by employers. If the credit exceeds the employee's tax bill, the excess is refunded directly. The policy applies starting with tax year 2026, effective November 1, 2025. This directly benefits workers in safety-sensitive jobs who bear these costs.

Maddy summarySB 816 creates two tax credits for Oklahoma taxpayers: (1) an employer credit covering 30-50% of costs for child care services, facilities, or on-site construction for employees' children, capped at $30,000 per business annually; and (2) a $1,000 refundable credit for qualified child care workers who meet specific employment and education requirements (e.g., 8+ months at a licensed facility, enrolled in Oklahoma's quality system, 12+ credit hours). The bill directly affects employers offering child care benefits and licensed child care workers in Oklahoma. Key provisions include annual credit limits of $5 million (for employer credits) and $14 million (for all credits) starting in 2028, with unused credits carryable forward for up to five years. The credit for workers is refundable, meaning it can reduce tax liability below zero, while employer credits cannot.

Maddy summarySB 454 modifies Oklahoma's school accountability system by updating how schools are graded based on test scores, graduation rates, and other metrics. It changes grade descriptions (e.g., "C" now means "satisfactory progress" instead of "less than satisfactory") and requires schools to include specific measures supporting learning outside school, like parent engagement strategies. The bill also mandates that school-based social support services - such as counseling, health care access, and family support - be part of accountability reporting. It removes the option for virtual charter schools to use alternative accountability systems and ensures at least 70% of a school’s grade comes from academic metrics like test scores. The changes affect all Oklahoma public schools participating in the state’s grading system.