Sen. Jack Stewart

Maddy summarySB 385 increases penalties for filing fraudulent real estate documents in Oklahoma. It raises the maximum fine for this offense from $100 to $500 and increases the maximum jail term from 30 to 90 days. The bill directly affects individuals, businesses, or agents who file deeds or property instruments claiming ownership they do not legally hold (without "color of title"). The key change updates existing law to allow combined fines and imprisonment for this specific violation, effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 767, the "Fair Chance Hiring Practices by Public Employers Act," prohibits Oklahoma state and local government employers (like schools, agencies, and municipalities) from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before making a conditional job offer. It allows employers to ask only about convictions that would disqualify someone under existing law and permits checking criminal history after a conditional offer is made. The law excludes sensitive roles - such as law enforcement, school staff, correctional officers, and positions involving vulnerable populations - from its requirements. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, applying only to job applications submitted on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 649 allows Oklahoma driver's license and ID card applicants to voluntarily indicate they wish to donate durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or walkers) after death to a non-profit selected by Service Oklahoma. Applicants can select this option during license application or renewal. Service Oklahoma will create rules for how this designation appears on licenses, like a symbol or mark. The bill affects anyone applying for or renewing an Oklahoma driver license or ID card.

Maddy summarySB 826 creates Oklahoma income tax credits for donations to specific charitable organizations. Taxpayers can claim a credit of up to $400 (single/head of household) or $800 (married filing jointly) for contributions to organizations serving low-income households, people with chronic illnesses/disabilities, or up to $500/$1,000 for foster care-focused organizations. Credits cannot reduce tax liability below zero, must be claimed on a state form, and cannot be used if federal deductions for the same donations are claimed. Organizations must provide written certification to the Tax Commission verifying they meet eligibility requirements, including spending at least 50% of their budget on qualifying services. The credit is non-refundable but can be carried forward for up to five years if unused in a tax year.

Maddy summarySB 383 amends Oklahoma's tax code to update how businesses calculate taxable income, specifically adjusting rules for net operating loss deductions and income allocation. It clarifies how income from sources like real property rentals, intangible assets (e.g., interest, royalties), and business operations across state lines should be allocated for tax purposes. The bill updates statutory language to align with current federal tax rules, particularly for businesses with multi-state operations. It directly affects businesses operating in Oklahoma and other states, as it changes how their Oklahoma tax liability is calculated based on income sourced within the state. The changes aim to modernize tax administration without creating new tax exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Oklahoma's personnel laws to allow low job performance evaluations to be considered when deciding which state employees to lay off during workforce reductions. It also clarifies that these layoffs cannot be used as disciplinary actions and requires agencies to provide outplacement assistance and employment counseling to affected workers. Additionally, the legislation updates rules for mandatory furloughs and cost-saving measures during legislative recesses, while repealing previous statutes related to voluntary buyout benefits.