Sen. Shane Jett

Maddy summarySB 1759 prohibits Oklahoma counties, municipalities, school boards, and other local governments from adopting ranked choice voting (where voters rank candidates and ballots are tabulated in rounds until a majority winner emerges). It declares any existing local ordinances allowing this method void and gives the Attorney General authority to enforce the ban. The bill also allows affected voters, candidates, or election officials to sue for enforcement and seek court costs and attorney fees. Exceptions apply to internal political party processes like conventions or party officer elections. The law takes immediate effect as an emergency measure.

Maddy summarySB 1695 amends Oklahoma's firearms carry law to add a new exception allowing 18- to 21-year-old members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard (with honorable discharge) to carry firearms openly or concealed without the usual age restrictions, provided they are not otherwise disqualified under state or federal law. This specifically affects young military personnel who meet the service criteria, expanding their existing rights under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act. The bill does not change other existing exceptions (like for hunters, judges, or self-defense) or prohibited locations for firearm carry. It takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2175 requires Oklahoma courts to advise parents or guardians in writing within two days of a child's emergency custody placement about their rights to testify, have legal representation, understand hearing consequences, and appeal decisions. It mandates parents/guardians to submit a completed affidavit listing relatives within 15 days (or provide alternative placement suggestions), and directs the Department of Human Services to notify relatives of a child's removal within 30 days, unless safety concerns prevent it. The bill also allows up to 10 days to prepare for hearings if seeking legal counsel. These provisions directly affect parents, guardians, and the Department during emergency custody proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 2164 requires Oklahoma game wardens to obtain a property owner's consent before entering private land without a valid legal reason, and specifically states that hearing gunshots alone does not constitute sufficient cause for entry. This bill directly affects landowners and game wardens by changing entry procedures on private property. The key provision clarifies that game wardens must secure permission from the owner to investigate potential violations on private land, rather than relying on the sound of gunshots as justification. The bill amends existing law to explicitly define these requirements without altering other game warden duties.

Maddy summarySJR 33 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction is selected and governed. It would require the Governor to appoint the Superintendent (with Senate approval) for a four-year term that aligns with the Governor's term, rather than having the position elected. The amendment also removes the Superintendent from lists of offices with specific eligibility rules and from the state's eight-year term limit for certain state officials. If approved by voters, this would directly affect the Superintendent's appointment process and eligibility requirements.

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the Oklahoma Commissioner of Labor to be appointed by the Governor (with Senate approval) instead of elected. This change, effective if approved by voters, would shift the selection process for this position from a statewide election to a gubernatorial appointment for a four-year term. The amendment also aligns the Commissioner of Labor with the existing eight-year term limit for other statewide officials like the Attorney General and State Treasurer. This directly affects the Commissioner of Labor position and future appointees, altering how this role is filled under Oklahoma law.

Maddy summaryOklahoma's SJR 41 proposes a constitutional amendment recognizing parents' inherent right to raise their children without state interference. If approved, it would require the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that parental rights need interference - matching the evidentiary standard used in criminal cases - to remove a child from a parent. This would directly affect all Oklahoma parents and child welfare agencies, changing how courts handle custody disputes. The amendment would add Section 2A to Article II of the Oklahoma Constitution, shifting the burden of proof from the current "best interests" standard to a criminal trial level of evidence. The measure is now referred to committee for further review.

Maddy summarySB 2181 creates a new felony offense for knowingly removing, enticing, or withholding a child under 18 to interfere with lawful custody, affecting parents, guardians, or custodians. It classifies the primary offense as a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, while enticing a child to leave lawful custody (first two violations) becomes a misdemeanor with a $500 fine. Repeat offenses or taking a child out of state escalate to felony charges, and the bill establishes graduated civil fines starting at $500 for the first violation, doubling for each subsequent offense. The law repeals Oklahoma’s existing child-stealing statute (21 O.S. § 891) and takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates Oklahoma's public universities to create "Charlie Kirk Memorial Plazas" on campus by March 2028, featuring a specific statue design and signage honoring Charlie Kirk as described in the bill (a "martyr for truth" and free speech advocate). Each institution must submit a detailed plan to the legislature by March 2027 for approval, including location, size, and design elements. Failure to complete the plaza by the deadline incurs a monthly fine of 1% of the institution's budget, deposited into the General Revenue Fund. Private colleges may apply for state grants to establish similar memorials, but the bill applies directly to all public higher education institutions in Oklahoma.

Maddy summarySB 1188 designates October 14 each year as "Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day" in Oklahoma to commemorate the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who the bill describes as a free speech advocate and founder of Turning Point USA. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging Oklahomans to observe the day through educational events and ceremonies honoring Kirk's legacy. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or regulations but formally recognizes Kirk's contributions to free speech advocacy as stated in the bill's findings. The measure takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration.