Sen. Shane Jett

Maddy summarySB 384 requires blind voters in Oklahoma to provide physician documentation confirming blindness (as defined in state law) to receive an accessible absentee ballot. The bill mandates that these ballots be delivered electronically or by mail, with voters marking them privately on their own devices and returning them with a signed affidavit. It also imposes felony penalties for people who falsely claim eligibility for this special ballot process. This bill directly affects blind voters seeking accessible absentee voting and changes how election officials verify and process these ballots.

Maddy summarySB 411 requires law enforcement to notify school districts and boards when a school employee is investigated, arrested, or charged with "offenses against students" (specifically defined as sexual offenses against students under Oklahoma law). Upon receiving this notice, school boards must immediately suspend the employee without a hearing, while preserving their pay and benefits, and prohibit them from being on school grounds during the suspension. The superintendent must also notify parents that the employee is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and mandates the State Board of Education to create implementing rules.

Maddy summarySB 665, the "Medical Ethics Defense Act," protects medical practitioners, healthcare institutions, and payers from discrimination when refusing to provide services based on conscience. It grants the right to decline any medical procedure or service (including abortion, as referenced in the title) that conflicts with their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. The bill prohibits adverse actions like termination, loss of licensure, or denial of contracts for such refusals, while explicitly stating this protection does not override duties to provide other non-conflicting care. It applies broadly to all healthcare workers - from doctors and nurses to pharmacists and researchers - and defines "discrimination" to include any retaliatory penalty tied to conscience-based decisions.

Maddy summarySB 290 modifies Oklahoma's individual income tax rates for tax years beginning in 2024 and later. It sets new tax brackets: for single filers, 0.25% on the first $1,000, rising to 4.75% on income over $6,250; for joint filers, 0.25% on the first $2,000, rising to 4.75% on income over $10,650. The bill directly affects all Oklahoma residents and nonresidents who file state income tax returns. These rate changes replace previous brackets and take effect starting with the 2024 tax year.

Maddy summarySB 288 creates a state income tax credit for Oklahoma National Guard members who buy a home in Oklahoma. It allows eligible members to claim a credit equal to their down payment and closing costs, up to $4,000, for tax years 2026 and later. The credit is refundable (meaning it can be paid even if the member owes no state tax) and limited to one claim per person. To claim the credit, members must submit proof of purchase costs using a form provided by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. This policy directly affects Oklahoma National Guard members purchasing residential property within the state.

Maddy summarySB 782 modifies Oklahoma's firearm carry laws by creating new exceptions for certain locations while maintaining prohibitions in others. It specifically allows concealed carry on fairgrounds during the Oklahoma State Fair or Tulsa State Fair (with event organizers permitted to authorize open carry), and permits concealed firearms in school parking lots when stored hidden in locked vehicles. The bill also updates security requirements for venues seeking to prohibit firearms, defining minimum-security provisions like 8-foot fences and metal detectors. It further amends school-related rules to allow private schools to adopt policies permitting weapon carry on their property, with limited liability protection for adopting such policies. The law maintains existing bans on carrying firearms in courthouses, schools (except as modified), gambling venues, and public meeting spaces without authorization.

Maddy summarySB 825 requires the Oklahoma Tax Commission to reduce all fees, fines, penalties, and interest charged to taxpayers by 20% starting January 1, 2026. It mandates that the Commission focus on helping taxpayers comply with tax laws rather than generating revenue, and directs the return of incorrectly collected amounts plus double the interest that would have been charged. Taxpayers who were overcharged or wrongly assessed due to errors will receive refunds with interest added at twice the standard rate. This bill directly affects all Oklahomans who pay state taxes, altering how the Commission collects and handles financial penalties.

Maddy summarySB 486 allows Oklahoma school districts to hire chaplains - defined as ordained religious leaders - to perform school counselor duties, bypassing standard counselor certification requirements. It exempts chaplains from Oklahoma’s counselor certification rules (Section 6-122.3 or 6-187 of Title 70) and clarifies they are not considered "teachers." Chaplains hired under this bill must undergo a national criminal history check as required by law. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and is designated as an emergency measure.

Maddy summarySB 427 requires all Oklahoma hospitals, medical facilities, and long-term care facilities (licensed by the State Department of Health) to publish their full policies and procedures on their public websites, keeping them updated. It also grants patients (or their legal guardians for minors or incapacitated patients) the right to request detailed records of any changes made to their medical records. The State Health Commissioner must create rules to implement these requirements, and the law takes effect on November 1, 2025. This bill directly affects health care providers by increasing transparency and gives patients greater access to their medical record history.

Maddy summarySB 312 modifies Oklahoma's income tax structure by adjusting the personal exemption amount and standard deduction for specific taxpayers during certain tax years. It directly affects eligible individuals, including women claiming a certain number of dependents and taxpayers meeting age requirements, by providing additional tax relief through these adjusted exemptions. The bill updates existing tax code provisions to align with current tax year requirements without changing tax rates or creating new tax brackets. These changes aim to reduce the taxable income burden for qualifying residents during the specified tax years.