Sen. Mary Boren

Maddy summarySB 163 amends Oklahoma's child custody law to clarify and strengthen requirements for joint custody arrangements. It requires parents seeking joint custody to submit detailed written plans covering living arrangements, child support, medical care, school placement, and visitation, along with signed affidavits agreeing to the plan. The bill creates a strong presumption that joint custody is inappropriate if domestic violence, child abuse, stalking, or harassment has occurred, prioritizing the child's safety. Courts must consider the victim's safety as a primary factor and can modify or terminate joint custody plans if they determine it's not in the child's best interest. The law becomes effective upon enactment.

Maddy summarySB 519 prohibits Oklahoma hospitals from using certain debt collection tactics against patients for services provided when the hospital was not following price transparency laws. Specifically, it bans hospitals from referring debts to third-party collectors, suing patients, or reporting debts to credit bureaus during those non-compliant periods. The bill directly affects patients who received care from hospitals not meeting transparency requirements, while allowing hospitals to continue normal billing practices. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, and does not require refunds for past payments.

Maddy summarySB 106 creates a 30% tax credit for Oklahoma employers who pay down employees' student loan debt, effective for tax years starting in 2026. The credit directly affects employers (not employees) and cannot reduce tax liability below zero, but unused portions can be carried forward for up to 10 years. Employers must claim the credit using forms and documentation specified by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 356 prohibits railroad companies operating in Oklahoma from running trains exceeding 8,500 feet in length, the length of the shortest siding or passing track on their route, or blocking intersections for more than 10 minutes at a time. Violations trigger civil penalties of $500-$1,000 per foot over the limit, with fines up to $250,000 for gross negligence causing injury or death. The Oklahoma Transportation Commission enforces these rules, can seek penalties through the Attorney General, and deposits collected fines into the State Transportation Fund. The law takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 614 requires the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to publish and annually update on its website information about energy efficiency incentive programs. This directly affects households, businesses, local governments, tribal entities, and retail energy providers by making program details publicly accessible. Key provisions include listing ongoing programs for residential and multi-family housing, as well as providing retail energy provider territorial boundaries and designated contacts for program implementation. The bill transfers oversight of energy conservation programs from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to the Department of Commerce, effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 725 requires Oklahoma's Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development to compile an annual report on workforce development program outcomes. The report must include specific data on how many Oklahomans were hired through state-funded workforce programs (including full-time, part-time, and temporary roles) and analyze tax incentive programs used by businesses. This report will be distributed electronically to the Governor and Legislature, directly affecting the Council, state agencies administering workforce programs, and businesses utilizing state incentives. The bill updates existing law to mandate this data collection and reporting process for transparency and accountability.

Maddy summarySB 408 prohibits Oklahoma public higher education institutions from requiring pregnant students to take leave, withdraw from programs, or restricting their studies solely due to pregnancy. It mandates reasonable accommodations like health-related safety adjustments, makeup work for missed assignments, and a six-month extension for completing degrees or exams. Institutions must create written policies on pregnancy accommodations, make them available to all students, and the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Enforcement Office will handle related complaints. This bill directly affects pregnant students enrolled in Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 525 requires county election boards to provide approved training to county law enforcement, including sheriffs and police, on securing election materials and processes. The training must be approved by the Oklahoma State Election Board and focuses on protecting ballots, election equipment, and related systems. This requirement directly affects county election boards (which must arrange and provide the training) and county law enforcement officers (who must complete it). The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025, as part of broader security measures for election offices.

Maddy summarySB 101 creates an income tax credit for Oklahoma residents paying rent or mortgage on their primary residence. It provides refundable credits ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 based on household income (as a percentage of Oklahoma's state median income) and the number of dependents. The credit applies to tax years starting in 2026, with limits of one credit per residence and refunding excess amounts if the credit exceeds the tax owed. This directly benefits low-to-moderate-income Oklahoma households struggling with housing costs. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryOklahoma's SB 602 automatically decertifies presidential candidates who have a felony conviction or plea involving embezzlement (a "disqualifying event") under state or federal law. The State Election Board must issue a public notice within 5 days of discovering such a disqualifying event, stating that votes for the candidate will not be counted. The bill prohibits candidates from being certified or remaining certified as presidential candidates in Oklahoma after a disqualifying event occurs, and requires votes cast for them to be disregarded. Violations include fines for advertising support for disqualified candidates or releasing uncast ballots.