Sen. Ally Seifried

Maddy summaryHB 2392 amends Oklahoma's custody laws to establish a rebuttable presumption that certain parents are "affirmatively unfit" if they have specific convictions or circumstances. The bill creates a presumption of unfitness for parents who are registered sex offenders, have been convicted of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, or certain other serious crimes (including crimes involving children), or reside with someone who has these convictions. This directly affects custody decisions in Oklahoma courts, making it harder for parents with these histories to retain custody unless they prove otherwise. The law requires courts to prioritize nonparent custody (like grandparents or foster parents) when this presumption applies, while allowing modifications only for significant, permanent changes affecting the child's welfare.

Maddy summarySB 813 updates Oklahoma's emergency protective order process for victims of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, rape, or related crimes. It requires peace officers to immediately provide victims with a petition form, assist in completing it, and contact a judge for emergency approval - then give victims a copy of the petition and a written statement confirming approval. The bill also mandates officers attempt to serve the order on the abuser, and if unable, file the petition with the court the next business day, with court clerks prioritizing service and assigning hearing dates. Additionally, it repeals a previous "Stalking Warning Letter" requirement and clarifies notice procedures to ensure victims receive timely information.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2392 amends Oklahoma law concerning child custody and guardianship decisions, directly affecting parents, nonparents, and children involved in such proceedings. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that a parent is "affirmatively unfit" if they are a registered sex offender, have certain criminal convictions (like domestic abuse within five years), or reside with someone who meets these criteria. It also explicitly prohibits awarding custody to any person convicted of specific severe crimes involving sexual abuse or exploitation of a child. This legislation modifies the legal standards courts apply when determining who can receive custody or guardianship of a child.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 813 modifies the process for obtaining emergency victim protective orders for individuals experiencing domestic violence, stalking, and other specified crimes. It requires peace officers to assist victims in filing these petitions, immediately notify a judge for approval, and attempt to serve the order on the subject. If service is not achieved, peace officers must file the petition with the court the next business day, and court clerks are mandated to receive it and ensure priority service by the county sheriff. The bill also establishes that emergency temporary ex parte orders must be heard within 14 days of issuance.

Maddy summarySB 95 updates key definitions in Oklahoma's workers' compensation law to clarify eligibility and claims processing. It directly affects injured workers (claimants), employers, insurance carriers, and medical providers by defining terms like "case manager" (requiring specific nursing licenses or certifications) and "carrier" (explicitly including self-insured employers). The bill also clarifies what constitutes a "compensable injury," excluding age-related conditions like arthritis and adding drug testing rules for claims involving intoxication. These changes aim to standardize claims administration and reduce disputes over coverage. The bill became effective after the governor signed it on May 6, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 95 amends Oklahoma's workers' compensation law by updating key definitions in Section 2 of 85A O.S. 2021. It clarifies terms like "actually dependent" (who qualifies for survivor benefits), "case manager" (requiring specific nursing licenses or certifications like CCM or CRRN), and "certified workplace medical plan" (requiring fee-for-service medical care). The bill directly affects workers, employers, insurance carriers, and healthcare providers involved in workers' compensation claims by standardizing terminology and requirements. It does not change benefit amounts or eligibility rules, only updating statutory language for clarity and consistency. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on definitional amendments with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2159 prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, or installation of counterfeit or nonfunctional supplemental restraint system components (like fake airbags) in Oklahoma vehicles. It specifically bans devices that mimic genuine manufacturer parts without authorization, deployed/damaged airbags, or misleading objects posing as functional airbags. This law directly affects auto repair shops and parts sellers who might use or sell these unsafe replacements. The bill aligns with federal safety standards (49 U.S.C. § 301209(j)) to prevent vehicles from being equipped with parts that fail during crashes, ensuring occupant safety. The law took effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2159 prohibits the knowing or intentional manufacture, import, distribution, sale, or installation of certain supplemental restraint system components in motor vehicles. This includes "counterfeit supplemental restraint system components" and "nonfunctional airbags," which are defined as previously deployed, damaged, faulty, or misleading airbags, or other unauthorized objects installed in place of proper components. The bill defines these terms to ensure that only genuine and functional safety devices are used. It affects individuals and businesses involved in the automotive parts and repair industry, establishing penalties for violations. The law became effective on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 139 requires Oklahoma public school district boards of education to adopt cell phone policies by the 2025-2026 school year. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, boards may choose to implement policies prohibiting students from using cell phones or personal electronic devices on school campuses "from bell to bell" during school hours. The bill directly affects school districts by setting a timeline for policy adoption and defining the scope of device restrictions during instructional time. This legislation, approved by the governor on May 3, 2025, provides a framework for district-level decisions without mandating specific enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 794 requires Oklahoma teacher preparation programs accredited by the state's Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability to provide either a minimum number of weeks of classroom practice or a job-embedded teacher apprenticeship program for teacher candidates. It directly affects all individuals training to become teachers in state-accredited programs. The law mandates the Commission to establish specific requirements through rules, with the policy taking effect July 1, 2025. The bill creates two concrete pathways for teacher candidates to gain practical experience before certification.