Sen. Shane Jett

Maddy summarySB 1821 requires that when a parent waives a jury trial in a parental rights termination case, the subsequent bench trial must be held in a separate court from the initial hearing. It sets strict timelines: bench trials must begin within 90 days of a scheduling order, and jury trials must start within six months, with exceptions only for exceptional circumstances or party agreements. This bill directly affects parents, state child welfare agencies, and children involved in termination proceedings by changing court procedures for these sensitive cases. The law aims to streamline processes while ensuring procedural fairness in parental rights decisions.

Maddy summarySB 1845 would remove sales tax from firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition purchased in Oklahoma. This policy change directly affects individuals buying these items at retail stores. The bill amends Oklahoma's sales tax code to add firearms and related products to the list of tax-exempt items, similar to existing exemptions for food or medical supplies. If passed, this would reduce the cost for consumers purchasing these products at the point of sale.

Maddy summarySB 1703 designates the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle as Oklahoma's official state firearm, making it a symbolic state emblem. This bill does not create new laws or affect regulations; it only formally names a specific firearm model for ceremonial purposes. The designation takes effect on November 1, 2026, as specified in the bill. No individuals or groups are directly impacted beyond the symbolic recognition of this firearm.

Maddy summarySB 1816 prohibits Oklahoma state and local governments from implementing universal basic income (UBI) programs. It defines UBI as recurring government payments to all residents in a designated area without requiring proof of income (means test) or work. The bill blocks state agencies, cities, counties, and other local entities from funding such programs starting November 1, 2026. This directly affects government entities that might consider launching UBI initiatives, preventing them from using public funds for unconditional cash payments.

Maddy summarySB 1665 prohibits Oklahoma courts from restricting a person’s right to purchase, possess, carry, or conceal a firearm. It requires courts to return firearms seized during a misdemeanor arrest or conviction once the case concludes, unless the firearm was used in the crime. The bill directly affects individuals arrested for misdemeanors who have firearms confiscated by law enforcement. It takes effect on November 1, 2026, and would be codified in Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1290.28 of Title 21.

Maddy summarySB 1637, the Parental Medical Rights Protection Act, prevents child removal from a custodial parent based solely on allegations of medical neglect. It requires courts to see "clear and convincing evidence" that a specific treatment is medically necessary (to prevent imminent death or permanent disability) and that the parent refused it after being informed. Parents can rebut removal claims by showing their child is receiving alternative treatment from a licensed provider with proper insurance. The bill also restricts emergency removal orders to cases involving immediate physical safety threats, not just medical concerns, and mandates judicial review within 24 hours.

Maddy summarySB 1908 removes the requirement for a prescription to purchase non-narcotic medications, homeopathic treatments, and medical supplies in Oklahoma. It prohibits state agencies, healthcare payers, and others from demanding prescriptions for these items and protects pharmacists from liability when selling them per the law. The bill directly affects patients seeking these products, pharmacists dispensing them, and healthcare payers. It takes effect November 1, 2026, and allows the State Board of Pharmacy to create implementing rules.

Maddy summarySB 1785, the "Citizen's Bill of Rights," prohibits Oklahoma government and businesses from forcing digital payment systems without alternatives, monitoring spending habits, or denying services based on personal characteristics like race or political views. It guarantees citizens' rights to use gold/silver as currency, opt out of medical procedures (including vaccines), choose energy sources without tracking, maintain personal gardens or rainwater collection, and avoid social credit scores. The bill specifically restricts entities from using digital identification for travel or employment restrictions, tracking carbon usage, or penalizing personal agricultural practices. It applies to all state and federal government entities, businesses, and their agents operating in Oklahoma. The law aims to prevent coercion in financial, medical, energy, and personal freedom decisions while requiring publication of AI-related reports.

Maddy summarySB 1658, the Informed Consent and Medical Transparency Act, requires drug manufacturers to create plain-language summaries of serious side effects for all drugs distributed in Oklahoma and provide these summaries to the State Board of Pharmacy, hospitals, and healthcare providers. Hospitals and providers must give patients these summaries before prescribing or administering drugs, document adverse events in medical records, and report them to the State Board within 10 business days. The bill also establishes civil liability for negligence in compliance, allowing patients to sue for damages and requiring discovery to prioritize transparency. It becomes effective November 1, 2026, and explicitly states it does not override federal drug approval requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1710 amends Oklahoma's handgun license law to give license holders the option to renew for 10 or 20 years (instead of the current 5-year term), directly affecting current and future handgun license holders. The bill requires licensees to pay double the standard renewal fee ($170 instead of $85) for 10- or 20-year licenses, with renewal applications needing photos, a background check (excluding FBI fingerprint searches), and submission 90 days before expiration. It maintains the existing 30-day grace period after expiration for renewals and clarifies that licenses expire if not renewed or are suspended/revoked. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.