Maddy summarySB 782 modifies Oklahoma's firearm carry laws by allowing concealed carry of handguns on fairgrounds during the Oklahoma State Fair and Tulsa State Fair, and authorizing event holders to permit open carry of lawful firearms at these events. It creates exceptions for private schools that adopt written policies permitting firearm possession by licensed individuals, and permits school personnel with specific security licenses to carry handguns on public school property under designated policies. The bill also updates definitions for "minimum-security" areas (like fenced properties with metal detectors) to clarify where concealed carry is permitted, while maintaining prohibitions in courthouses, schools (except under specific policies), and gambling venues. These changes directly affect licensed gun owners, schools, event organizers, and government facilities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1726 prohibits the land application, spreading, sale, or distribution of biosolids (treated wastewater solids) and related materials like sewage sludge or septage-derived compost in Oklahoma, except for specific exemptions including food-processing byproducts (e.g., apple or blueberry waste) and animal manure. It holds violators civilly liable for PFAS contamination costs and directs the Department of Environmental Quality to enforce the ban while the Agriculture Department oversees agricultural impacts. The bill requires both agencies to develop long-term plans for safe biosolids management and remediation funding by December 2025, with a report to legislators. This directly affects wastewater treatment facilities, agricultural businesses using biosolids-based products, and landowners who previously applied such materials.
Maddy summarySB 886, the Firearm Preservation Act, requires Oklahoma law enforcement agencies to auction seized or forfeited firearms (e.g., from court orders or estates) instead of destroying them. It mandates that auctions be open only to eligible buyers who pass required state and federal background checks, with proceeds funding agency operations. The law prohibits liability for agencies if auctioned firearms are later used in incidents, and requires agencies to maintain records of sales for five years. This directly affects all Oklahoma state and local law enforcement agencies handling seized firearms.
Maddy summarySB 899 modifies Oklahoma's Protection from Domestic Abuse Act to improve safety for victims. It requires courts to consider a defendant's criminal history when issuing protective orders and mandates that victims file a law enforcement complaint before seeking a protective order if they are not family/household members. The bill also adds provisions allowing courts to order defendants to have no contact with animals owned by the household and adjusts penalties for violating protective orders. These changes directly affect domestic abuse victims seeking protection, courts issuing orders, and defendants facing restrictions.
Maddy summarySB 788 creates a "Students' Bill of Rights" for students in Oklahoma public school districts and public charter schools, directly affecting students, parents, and school administrators. It guarantees specific rights including a safe learning environment free from bullying, an unbiased education that avoids promoting socialism or anti-American sentiment, classroom neutrality regarding political symbols, freedom of religious expression (including prayer and silence), and protection from punishment for lawful activities. The bill requires schools to respond in writing within seven business days to written complaints about rights violations and allows students or parents to pursue legal action with potential attorney fee awards if they win. It also sets conditions for lawsuits, such as requiring prior notification about bullying before filing suit and limiting claims to repeated incidents within a year.
Maddy summarySB 1103 protects citizens who intervene during violent crimes by prohibiting legal prosecution for reasonable actions taken to defend a victim. It applies to anyone witnessing a violent crime (defined as per Oklahoma law), covering actions to stop the crime and ensure the victim's safety until police arrive. The bill explicitly states that "reasonable actions" include both stopping the crime and safeguarding the victim. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, and codifies these protections in Oklahoma Statutes. The law does not apply to officials acting in their official capacity.
Maddy summarySB 803, the Parental Rights Protection Act, establishes specific rights for parents involved in child welfare cases in Oklahoma. It guarantees parents the right to written notice of allegations, access to all evidence, fair investigations, timely appeals, and family reunification efforts before foster care placement. State agencies or officials who violate these rights face monetary fines, civil liability, disciplinary action, or mandatory training. The bill also creates a Parental Rights Review Board to handle complaints and monitor compliance, with annual public reporting. This directly affects parents navigating child welfare proceedings and state officials like DHS employees or judges.
Maddy summarySB 1002 prohibits state and local government entities from using public funds - such as state appropriations, fees, or agency revenue - to provide or refer for gender transition procedures. It bans state/local health facilities and government-employed health care providers from offering these procedures and requires disciplinary action, including termination or fines up to $10,000, for violations. The bill directly affects state/local health agencies, their employees, and any providers receiving public funds for such care. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and is classified as an emergency measure.
Maddy summarySB 828 extends Oklahoma's statute of limitations for prosecuting certain serious crimes. It allows prosecution for sexual crimes against children (including rape, child pornography, and abuse) until the victim's 45th birthday, regardless of when the crime occurred. For similar crimes against adults, prosecutions must begin within 20 years of discovery. A key provision permits prosecution at any time if DNA evidence is preserved and matches the suspect, affecting victims of child sexual abuse and vulnerable adult exploitation. The bill also clarifies time limits for public corruption, Medicaid fraud, and other offenses.
Maddy summaryHB 2707 allows Oklahoma courts to order extra visitation time for a parent when court-ordered access to a child was denied due to a Department of Human Services (DHS) investigation that found no abuse or neglect. The additional time must match the denied schedule (e.g., weekends, holidays, or summer), occur within two years, and be chosen by the parent affected. It specifically prevents creating lawsuits against DHS or waiving the state’s legal immunity. This bill directly affects parents whose access was blocked by non-finding DHS investigations, aiming to compensate for lost time without altering DHS’s role.