Maddy summarySB 799 requires Oklahoma schools to include a student's parent, legal guardian, or designated alternate adult (like a shelter worker) in electronic communications about the student, unless the communication is on a school-approved platform for academic purposes. It mandates that schools must first send a 15-day notice to parents/guardians about designating an alternate adult for homeless students, obtain written verification of no objection, and update the student's status if circumstances change. Schools must train staff on these rules and use approved communication platforms to automatically include parents or designated adults. The bill applies directly to public and charter schools, their staff, and homeless students who lack a parent or guardian involved in their education. Exceptions only allow direct communication during emergencies, with schools required to notify parents or guardians afterward.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 799 requires Oklahoma public and charter schools to include a student's parent, legal guardian, or designated "alternate adult" in electronic communications (like emails or texts) with school staff, unless the communication is on a school-approved platform for academic purposes. It specifically creates a process for designating an alternate adult (e.g., from a homeless shelter) for students verified as homeless, after schools send 15 days' notice to parents with no objection. The bill mandates staff training, use of approved communication platforms, and outlines consequences for violations, including administrative leave during investigations. The bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 22, 2025, and did not become law.
Maddy summarySB 147 requires Oklahoma's Secretary of the State Election Board to mandate all counties to conduct post-election audits for specific elections, directly affecting county election officials. The bill establishes that audits - defined as limited manual or electronic ballot reviews - must be conducted following elections listed in state law, with the Secretary setting audit methods, timing, and procedures. County election boards must report findings publicly, and the law takes effect November 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 147 requires Oklahoma's Secretary of the State Election Board to direct all county election boards to conduct post-election audits for specific elections, including statewide and federal races. The bill mandates that counties manually or electronically examine a limited number of ballots following these elections to verify voting systems tabulated votes correctly. The Secretary determines audit timing, methods, and procedures, and counties must report findings publicly. This law directly affects county election officials and aims to strengthen election security through standardized, mandatory audits.
Maddy summaryHB 2157, also known as the "Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Act," aims to encourage renewable energy development in Oklahoma in a way that supports agriculture, ranching, and forestry. The bill establishes the Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Advisory Committee, composed of 17 members from various state agencies, universities, and relevant industries. This Committee is tasked with identifying tools, developing policy options, and encouraging educational materials for siting renewable energy projects while minimizing their impact on agricultural lands. The bill also requires the Corporation Commission, in consultation with the Committee, to submit a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2026, detailing existing initiatives, policy recommendations, and research needs. Finally, it creates the Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Cash Revolving Fund to support these efforts.
Maddy summarySB 208 requires hunting guides in Oklahoma to obtain a license from the Department of Wildlife Conservation if they assist, accompany, or guide others for compensation. It sets fees ($1,000 annually for residents, $2,000 for nonresidents) and mandates requirements including age (18+), first aid/CPR certification, $1 million liability insurance, and landowner permission. The bill exempts landowners guiding on their own property, commercial hunting areas, and agricultural land lessees. Violations could result in fines (5-10x license fee) or license revocation for 1-10 years. This bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 14, 2025, and did not become law.
Maddy summarySB 208 requires anyone guiding hunters for pay in Oklahoma to obtain a license from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Applicants must be at least 18, provide first aid/CPR certification, carry $1 million liability insurance, and secure landowner permission. Residents pay $1,000 annually for the license, nonresidents $2,000. The bill exempts landowners guiding on their own property and commercial hunting operations, while violations can result in fines up to 10 times the license fee or license revocation.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a simplified process for Oklahoma's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help elderly or disabled residents. It allows individuals aged 60+ or with disabilities who have no earned income and live in a household of similar members to stay on SNAP for 36 months without annual recertification, using a shortened application and reduced verification. The bill also increases SNAP medical deductions, permitting households with elderly or disabled members to deduct up to $175 per person (or $350 total) for qualifying expenses like prescriptions and doctor visits. These changes aim to reduce administrative barriers for vulnerable Oklahomans while maintaining federal SNAP requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 1547 updates Oklahoma's rules for county agricultural fairs and funding. It allows fair associations to spend funds on digital communication tools (like internet and email) and clarifies that officers must attend at least 50% of meetings to retain their positions. The bill also adds a 12-hour voting window for electing fair association leaders and expands allowable expenses to include transporting exhibits between local and state fairs. Counties can now levy up to 1 mill per $1,000 in property value (or 0.25 mills in larger counties) to fund fair operations, premiums, maintenance, and advertising. These changes directly affect county fair associations, county excise boards, and local governments managing agricultural fairs across Oklahoma.
Maddy summarySB 190 simplifies SNAP (food stamp) eligibility for Oklahomans aged 60+ or with disabilities who have no earned income and live in a household of similarly qualified individuals. It creates a 36-month eligibility period without full recertification, requires only annual income reporting, and allows simplified application forms. The bill also increases the medical expense deduction for SNAP households: up to $175 per eligible member (or $350 total per household) for costs like prescriptions and doctor visits. These changes aim to reduce administrative burdens for seniors and disabled Oklahomans while complying with federal SNAP requirements, effective July 2025.