Maddy summaryHB 3119 extends the deadline for filing health care liability claims (like malpractice or negligence cases) in Oklahoma when a claimant or their attorney reasonably believed a federal law (specifically the PREP Act) blocked filing. It allows claims to be filed up to one year after that "good faith belief" ends, applying only to claims arising on or after February 1, 2020. The bill clarifies that the deadline pause doesn’t revive claims already barred before the law took effect and requires courts to interpret it broadly to preserve access to justice when federal rules were mistakenly thought to apply. This directly affects patients or their attorneys who delayed filing due to a reasonable, but later incorrect, belief that federal immunity prevented their case.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1707 prohibits the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) from conducting ballistic testing on firearms unless there is reasonable suspicion the firearm was used in a crime. This law directly affects the OSBI's evidence-handling procedures and limits testing to cases tied to active criminal investigations. The key provision requires that any firearm testing must be connected to a specific crime, preventing general or routine testing without probable cause. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 1843 changes Oklahoma law to protect State Regents members from personal liability for negligent or wrongful acts by employees of public universities within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education or by other Regents members. It explicitly excludes intentional harm or grossly negligent actions from this protection. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and was declared an emergency to allow immediate implementation.
Maddy summarySB 1815 expands homestead exemption eligibility for manufactured home owners in Oklahoma who do not own the land their home sits on. It allows these residents to apply for the exemption if the home is their actual primary residence and they meet other standard requirements. The bill amends statutes to clarify that manufactured homes qualify for homestead exemption regardless of land ownership status, increasing the exemption for qualifying owners. This change directly affects manufactured home residents living on rented land who previously could not access this property tax benefit.
Maddy summarySB 1819 creates the "Citizen Access to County Facilities Act," protecting Oklahoma counties from liability for injuries occurring at public facilities like parks, senior centers, and fairgrounds. It exempts counties from lawsuits related to "inherent risks" of activities (such as natural hazards or participant negligence) if counties post a specific warning notice at facility entrances. The law requires a clear sign stating: "WARNING: Under Oklahoma law, there is no liability for injury... Inherent risks include... potential for you to act negligently." Counties remain liable for willful negligence or known, unaddressed hazards. This affects all participants using county facilities but excludes county employees from the "participant" definition.
Maddy summarySB 1761 allows Oklahoma churches to host temporary overnight religious retreats, ministry events, or shelter for displaced persons without violating building codes, as long as they follow specific safety rules. The bill removes the previous exception for emergencies (keeping a 75-day annual limit on stays) and prohibits local governments from enforcing building codes against churches offering these services - provided they don’t charge fees or operate like hotels. Churches must install fire safety measures (sprinklers or alarms) in overnight areas and cannot convert religious use to commercial lodging. This directly affects churches using existing facilities for religious purposes and local governments enforcing building codes. (SB 1761, effective November 1, 2026)
Maddy summarySB 1762, the "Oklahoma Protection of Fundamental Rights and Public Policy Act," prohibits female genital mutilation (FGM) as a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $20,000 fine, while banning corporal punishments like stoning, flogging, or amputation as legal sanctions. It extends the statute of limitations for civil claims involving sexual assault or coercive medical procedures (including those related to gender identity) until the victim's 45th birthday and invalidates marriages entered under coercion, force, or for minors under 18. The bill also prohibits discrimination based on gender or religion in family law matters, such as inheritance or custody, and invalidates arbitration agreements that would enforce discriminatory rules. Male circumcision for religious, cultural, or medical reasons remains permitted under the law.
Maddy summarySB 2083 makes Oklahoma Bar Association membership voluntary for attorneys, allowing them to choose whether to pay annual dues to remain active. Attorneys opting for "inactive" status pay only 20% of dues, are exempt from continuing legal education requirements, and cannot practice law while inactive. The bill also grants the Oklahoma Legislature authority to request disciplinary information from the bar and requires disciplinary committees to include at least one non-lawyer member for transparency. It takes effect November 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 1747 requires Oklahoma state agencies to demonstrate a 10% cost savings when requesting increased funding for fiscal years beginning with 2028, compared to the previous year's appropriation. This applies directly to agencies seeking higher budgets than they received in the prior fiscal year. The bill amends existing budget reporting rules to mandate this savings analysis as part of their funding requests. It does not affect agencies maintaining or reducing their current funding levels.
Maddy summarySB 1693 lowers the fine for violating firearm prohibition signs from $250 to $25 under Oklahoma's Self-Defense Act. It applies to individuals who carry firearms on private property where signs prohibit them and refuse to leave after being asked by a property owner or manager. The bill affects all locations covered by existing law, including businesses, event spaces, and public venues with posted restrictions. The amendment to Section 1290.22 of state law reduces penalties for minor violations while maintaining property owners' rights to restrict firearms.