Sen. Roland Pederson

Maddy summaryHB 3405 designates poison hemlock and kudzu as noxious weeds in Oklahoma, requiring all landowners (public and private) to treat or remove these plants annually to prevent seeding. It mandates county entities and the Department of Transportation to manage infestations in rights-of-way, with landowners facing fines up to $1,000 per day for noncompliance. The bill requires the State Department of Agriculture to conduct annual surveys of infestations, report results to Oklahoma State University, and publish public notices in newspapers about landowner responsibilities. The law takes effect November 1, 2026, and includes provisions for landowners to request assistance with weed removal.

Maddy summarySB 392 extends the expiration date of Oklahoma's Long-Term Care Facility Advisory Council from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. The council, which advises on standards for nursing homes, residential care facilities, and adult day care services, continues with its existing structure of 13 members including healthcare professionals and public representatives over age 65. This extension ensures uninterrupted review of care quality, facility regulations, and enforcement under the Nursing Home Care, Residential Care, and Adult Day Care Acts. The bill does not alter the council's duties or membership requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Oklahoma bill streamlines how state agencies hire construction managers and consultants by giving the Office of Management and Enterprise Services more authority to negotiate contracts when bids exceed budget due to unexpected economic conditions. It allows the office to award contracts to the lowest responsible bidder even after scope reductions, provided the project was properly planned and delaying it would harm the agency's mission. The law also permits the office to issue statewide contracts for construction services and offer facility management to underperforming agencies on a cost-recovery basis, while exempting the Oklahoma Water Resources Board from these rules when hiring engineers for non-construction programs.

Maddy summarySB 1829 exempts manufactured home owners in Oklahoma from paying the state's excise tax if they provide proof of current year property tax payment. It directly affects individuals purchasing or owning manufactured homes who already pay ad valorem (property) tax, requiring them to submit a Manufactured Home Certificate (OTC Form 936) or equivalent proof. The bill amends tax law to replace the standard excise tax calculation (based on 50% of retail price for new homes) with this exemption for qualifying homeowners. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2172 bans owning, selling, transferring, or breeding primates in Oklahoma, except for research facilities, licensed primate sanctuaries (with strict no-commercial-use rules), zoos with federal licenses, temporary sheltering by animal shelters, or veterinary care. Existing owners must register with local authorities by May 2027, pay a $20 annual fee, carry $250,000 insurance, and follow safety plans to avoid penalties. Violations allow law enforcement to seize primates and place them in sanctuaries or approved facilities, with courts reviewing cases within 10 business days. The bill directly affects private primate owners, breeders, and facilities handling primates, while prioritizing enforcement through local animal control and state officers.

Maddy summarySB 2105 authorizes the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) to sublease property at the Greer Center Facility in Enid to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits. This allows nonprofits to build and operate facilities specifically serving at-risk youth on the property, with a right of first refusal if the facility continues after DHS gains full ownership. The bill amends statutes to enable this subleasing mechanism while authorizing $16 million in financing through bonds issued by the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority. It declares an emergency to expedite implementation, directly affecting DHS, nonprofits serving youth, and the Greer Center property.

Maddy summarySB 1412 requires the Oklahoma Tax Commission to pay income tax refunds by check instead of digital payment methods. It removes the existing authorization for the Commission to use card-based disbursement systems for issuing refunds. The bill amends tax code sections (2373 and 2385.16) to mandate check payments for all refunds, while updating related statutory language. This change affects all Oklahoma taxpayers who receive income tax refunds, effective November 1, 2026. The bill does not alter refund eligibility, amounts, or interest calculations.

Maddy summarySB 2163, "Kenny’s Law," requires all gates used to contain livestock on private or public property to remain closed at all times, except during reasonable ingress/egress, maintenance, livestock movement, or authorized access by owners or agencies. Violating this rule - such as leaving a gate open or causing livestock to escape - triggers misdemeanor penalties, including fines up to $2,500 or up to one year in jail for repeat offenses. The law directly affects livestock property owners, ranchers, and anyone accessing enclosed areas, aiming to prevent escapes through mandatory gate closure. The Oklahoma State Board of Agriculture must create implementing rules, and the law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 209 creates the Taiwan Regional Trade Office within Oklahoma's Department of Commerce to facilitate business relationships between Oklahoma companies and Taiwan-based entities (excluding entities under authoritarian governments). The office will promote trade opportunities, organize business travel to Taiwan, provide market information, and coordinate with federal efforts to support Oklahoma businesses. It requires a physical office in Taipei, Taiwan, and mandates a cost/benefit analysis by January 2029 to determine if the office should continue operating. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2025, with no Governor's signature required.

Maddy summarySB 209 creates a "Taiwan Regional Trade Office" within the state's economic development agency to facilitate trade, investment, and business relations between the state and Taiwan. It directly affects state businesses, economic development officials, and agencies involved in international commerce by establishing a dedicated entity for these purposes. The bill defines the office's specific duties, including promoting bilateral economic partnerships and coordinating with relevant state departments. The legislation became law on May 29, 2025, without requiring the governor's signature.