Sen. Shane Jett

Maddy summarySB 1694 removes outdated references to specific weapons (such as "blackjack," "loaded cane," "hand chain," and "metal knuckles") from Oklahoma's unlawful carry statute (Section 1272) and its felony firearm statute (Section 1287). It updates the legal language of these statutes without changing existing prohibitions or penalties related to weapon possession. The bill affects how these laws are written but does not alter the current restrictions on weapon types or enforcement. It becomes effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1801 requires Oklahoma judicial retention ballots to include the name of the appointing governor and the date of appointment for justices and judges, while maintaining nonpartisan ballots without party designations. This directly affects voters in judicial retention elections and the judges up for retention. The bill amends Oklahoma Statutes Section 11-108 to mandate these specific additions to ballot information. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1699 amends Oklahoma law to clarify restrictions on carrying firearms while under the influence of alcohol or certain substances. It makes it unlawful to carry shotguns, rifles, or pistols when intoxicated (blood alcohol concentration over 0.08), using hallucinogens, illegal drugs, or unprescribed drugs, or when a prescribed drug impairs mental, emotional, or physical functioning to the point of abnormal behavior. For individuals holding a handgun license under Oklahoma's Self-Defense Act, a violation results in a six-month license suspension and a $50 fine following an administrative hearing by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The law takes effect November 1, 2026, and does not create new prohibitions but specifies enforcement details for license holders.

Maddy summarySB 1882 requires any party seeking foster care placement or termination of parental rights in Oklahoma to prove to the court that active efforts were made to provide services (like counseling or parenting programs) to prevent family separation, and that these efforts failed. This applies to all cases regardless of race or political status, directly affecting parents, children, and child welfare agencies involved in such legal proceedings. The bill mandates this specific showing before courts can approve foster care or termination decisions, adding a new requirement to Oklahoma law. It becomes effective on November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1909 requires a blind, randomized selection process for medical evaluators in Oklahoma child abuse and neglect cases to prevent bias or "doctor shopping" by the Department of Human Services. It mandates the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts to implement a statewide system for assigning qualified evaluators (including pediatricians and child abuse specialists), maintain an audit trail of all interactions, and enforce annual certification for evaluators on parental rights and evidence-based practices. The bill also amends the standard for declaring a child deprived to require that allegations be supported by a preponderance of the evidence, and provides civil/criminal enforcement for violations. It takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2120 limits settlement amounts for wrongful termination claims by employees of Oklahoma's public institutions of higher education. It caps total settlements at two years of the employee's base salary, including back pay and compensatory damages, but excludes accrued unpaid wages and retirement contributions already earned. The bill applies only to claims under Oklahoma state law, not federal claims, and takes effect on November 1, 2026. This change directly affects public university employees who pursue wrongful termination lawsuits in state court.

Maddy summarySB 1750 allows Oklahoma state agencies to report cost savings from efficiency measures that do not reduce essential services, compromise health/safety, or cut staff in ways that harm service delivery. If the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) confirms these savings, agencies receive 10% of the savings as an appropriation. This 10% can be used exclusively for employee bonuses or deposits into employees' pretax retirement accounts. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to savings achieved in the 2028 fiscal year and beyond.

Maddy summarySB 1817 exempts individuals breeding quail for personal consumption, hobbies, education, science, or private property releases from needing a wildlife breeder's license in Oklahoma. The bill amends Oklahoma law to remove license requirements specifically for quail breeding under these defined purposes, while maintaining other licensing rules for wildlife. This change directly affects Oklahomans who raise quail for these noncommercial uses without requiring state permits. The exemption takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1731 (Oklahoma, 2026) gives property owners the right to choose their electricity provider when their land crosses boundaries between multiple electric service areas. It directly affects residents or businesses with properties split between different utility service territories. The bill requires providers to allow customers to contract with their preferred provider, regardless of property location. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1739 prohibits Oklahoma's Department of Human Services from placing social workers directly within public school districts or charter schools. It requires the immediate removal of any social workers already embedded in these school settings as of its effective date. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and is designated as an emergency measure to take effect upon passage. This legislation directly affects all public schools and charter schools in Oklahoma by eliminating a specific placement model for social workers.