Sen. Randy Grellner

Maddy summarySB 1631 creates the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee to address free speech concerns on public university campuses. It requires public universities to provide students with written notification about reporting free speech violations during first-year orientation and at least once each semester. The committee, composed of 10 members (5 appointed by the Senate President Pro Tempore and 5 by the House Speaker), will develop complaint procedures and advise students of their rights. This bill directly affects Oklahoma's public universities and their students, mandating specific transparency about free speech resources.

Maddy summarySB 1787 prohibits Oklahoma state employees, appointees, and contractors from including their preferred pronouns in any official communication (such as emails, letters, or faxes). It defines "personal pronouns" to include terms like "he," "she," "they," and excludes titles like "Mr." or "Ms." unless misused (e.g., a male using "Ms."). Violations result in a warning for the first offense, with termination for subsequent violations. The law applies to all state agencies and political subdivisions, taking effect July 1, 2026. It directly affects state workers’ communication practices in official capacities.

Maddy summarySB 2017 prohibits healthcare providers in Oklahoma from administering gene-based vaccines for infectious diseases (using mRNA, modified mRNA, self-amplifying mRNA, or DNA technology) until June 1, 2030. This directly affects doctors, clinics, and hospitals that currently provide such vaccines, excluding those used for cancer or genetic disorders. Violations carry a misdemeanor fine of up to $500 per incident and potential licensing board action. The bill takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration.

Maddy summarySB 1977 prohibits Oklahoma state and local government agencies, school districts, public universities, and their contractors from requiring residents to get COVID-19 vaccinations or discriminating against them based on vaccination status. The bill directly affects all Oklahoma residents who interact with these covered entities, such as students, employees, or service users. Key provisions ban both mandatory vaccination requirements and discrimination due to vaccination status for residents. The law takes immediate effect upon approval as an emergency measure.

Maddy summarySB 1683, the Local Telecommunications Control and Siting Act of 2026, preserves local government authority over wireless tower permits in Oklahoma. It ensures cities and counties retain control over zoning, height restrictions, and permitting for tower installations, prohibiting state preemption except where federal law requires it. The bill explicitly protects local power to set design standards, collect reasonable administrative fees, and enforce building codes and safety rules related to tower siting. Local governments must follow Federal Communications Commission "shot clock" timelines for reviewing applications, but the law prevents state agencies from overriding local decisions.

Maddy summarySB 1548 makes vaccine manufacturers liable to individuals in Oklahoma if their paid advertisements (including digital, TV, or influencer promotions) cause harm from the advertised vaccine. It directly affects vaccine manufacturers who run such promotions within the state, excluding standard healthcare provider discussions with patients. The bill establishes a 3-year deadline for filing lawsuits after harm occurs and requires courts to award actual damages, court costs, and attorney fees to successful claimants. The law takes effect on November 1, 2026, and would be codified under Oklahoma Statutes.

Maddy summarySB 1568 changes Oklahoma's hepatitis B vaccination policy for newborns by removing the requirement for hospitals to administer a birth dose within 12 hours to all infants. It specifically allows parents of infants born to hepatitis B-negative mothers to delay or decline the birth dose through shared decision-making with healthcare providers, without penalty or impact on child welfare. Hospitals must now provide information about ACIP recommendations and obtain informed consent before administering any hepatitis B vaccine, while still requiring immediate vaccination for infants born to hepatitis B-positive mothers or those with unknown status. The bill aligns state law with current CDC guidelines and ensures hepatitis B vaccination can occur in any licensed clinical setting, not just hospitals.

Maddy summarySB 2128, the Food Emancipation and Sovereignty Act of 2026, exempts locally produced food sold entirely within Oklahoma from federal food safety oversight (like FDA or USDA rules), placing regulation under state authority. It directly affects Oklahoma producers (farmers, ranchers, bakeries) who sell food directly to consumers within the state, allowing them to operate without federal licensing or inspections. Key provisions include requiring simplified state safety labeling (origin, ingredients, basic sanitation), permitting producers to register as "Oklahoma Direct Food Sellers" for cooperative support (with a $75 one-time fee, $75 credential fee, and $75 annual renewal), and prohibiting state agencies from restricting direct sales. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies only to intrastate transactions not entering interstate commerce.

Maddy summarySB 1972, the Oklahoma Children's Internet Protection Act, requires online platforms (interactive computer service providers) to obtain parental or guardian consent before entering contracts with minors under 18. It prohibits platforms from sharing minors' personal information - including names, images, location data, or likeness - without this consent. Platforms must verify parental consent through specific methods like signed forms, video calls, or verified email. Violations can result in civil penalties enforced by the Oklahoma Attorney General.

Maddy summarySB 1556 requires courts to independently review (de novo) whether a government agency’s use of eminent domain serves a valid public purpose and is necessary, shifting the burden of proof to the government. It mandates that condemning authorities must prove necessity by preponderance of evidence for each parcel, show all feasible alternatives were considered, and disclose all project studies 60 days before hearings. Property owners gain the right to discovery and can recover attorney fees if the government fails to meet its burden. This bill directly affects property owners facing condemnation and government agencies seeking to acquire private land.