Sen. Kristen Thompson

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Oklahoma's minimum wage calculation by allowing employers to count up to 50% of tips, meals, or lodging toward meeting the state's minimum wage requirement, provided the base cash wage meets federal standards (29 C.F.R. § 531.50(a)(1)). It directly affects tipped workers (like restaurant staff) and their employers when Oklahoma's minimum wage exceeds the federal rate. The key provision updates how wages are computed, ensuring employers cannot reduce cash wages below federal thresholds while crediting qualifying non-cash compensation. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 250, the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act, allows employers to use an alternative method for calculating minimum wage for certain workers under specific circumstances, such as tipped employees or in designated industries. It directly affects employers and workers in these covered categories by providing flexibility in wage computation beyond the standard minimum wage rate. The bill establishes a clear process for this alternative calculation while ensuring compliance with state wage laws. It became effective on May 26, 2025, without requiring the Governor's signature.

Maddy summarySCR 9 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Dean Blevins, a longtime Oklahoma sports journalist and community leader, for his four-decade career in sports broadcasting, athletic achievements, and charitable work. It recognizes his service as Sports Director at NEWS 9, his Emmy awards, his time as an OU quarterback on national championship teams, and his community contributions. The resolution directs that a copy be presented to Blevins and his family as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. This is a non-binding tribute with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 9 (SCR 9) formally recognizes Dean Blevins for his decades of contributions to Oklahoma athletics, sports journalism, and community service. The resolution celebrates his lasting impact on the state and directs that a copy be distributed to Blevins and his family.

Maddy summarySB 644 amends Oklahoma's Massage Therapy Practice Act to clarify that state law supersedes local city or county regulations for massage therapists, effective November 1, 2025. It directly affects massage therapists, local governments, and businesses offering massage services by establishing state authority over practice rules. The bill includes key exceptions: it does not override local zoning requirements or occupational license fees for healthcare professions, nor does it affect business location licensing rules. This update streamlines regulations while preserving local control over specific non-practice-related requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 644 amends Oklahoma's Massage Therapy Practice Act by updating language related to preemption. It clarifies that state law generally supersedes local ordinances and regulations concerning massage therapists. However, the bill adds exceptions, allowing cities, counties, and other local subdivisions to maintain regulations related to zoning requirements, occupational license fees for health care professions, and licensing for business locations offering massage therapy. This bill affects massage therapists and local governments in Oklahoma and becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1376 amends Oklahoma law to restructure the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence (OAME), a nonprofit organization supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers. It establishes a new board with nine voting members (five elected by small/medium manufacturers, four by large corporations) plus ex-officio state representatives, while requiring OAME to prioritize assistance for minority-owned businesses. The bill authorizes OAME to provide direct services like technology support, workforce training, market planning, and certification programs to help manufacturers improve competitiveness. This law takes effect July 1, 2025, directly benefiting Oklahoma-based small and medium manufacturers, especially minority business enterprises.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1376 modifies the structure and governance of the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence (OAME), a private non-profit corporation that assists small and medium-sized manufacturing firms in Oklahoma, with a special emphasis on minority businesses. The bill increases the number of elected representatives on OAME's Board of Directors from member firms. It also adjusts the state governmental ex officio members, adding representation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, while removing the Chancellor of Higher Education. Additionally, the bill reduces the maximum number of associate members or unaffiliated persons who can serve on the Board.

Maddy summarySB 630 expands Oklahoma's legal definition of rape to include new scenarios involving vulnerable individuals. It specifically makes it rape when a person under 20 engages in sexual intercourse with a school employee (including contractors) while a student at an elementary, secondary, or vocational school. The bill also adds rape charges for sexual acts between a foster youth (19 or younger) and a foster parent or applicant, or between a victim in state custody and a foster parent or agency employee. These changes directly affect minors and individuals under legal custody or supervision who interact with authority figures in educational or care settings. The law becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 987 creates the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Board, replacing previous governance structures. The bill establishes specific qualifications for Board members, modifies the appointment process for the Department's Chief Executive Officer (requiring Senate approval and Board input), and updates requirements for the five-year economic development plan. It also clarifies the Board's responsibilities, including approving the strategic plan and governing procedures under open meeting and records laws. This bill directly affects the Department of Commerce, its leadership, and the state's economic development planning process. The law became effective May 9, 2025, after Governor approval.