Sen. Darrell Weaver

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes April 6-12, 2025, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and April 9, 2025, as Victims’ Rights Day in Oklahoma. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of victims' rights within the justice system. The Oklahoma Senate directs copies of this resolution to the Victims Services Division of the District Attorneys Council for distribution. This is a symbolic gesture, not a substantive legislative change, aligning with nationwide observances.

Maddy summaryHB 1598 modifies the number of vehicles an owner may tag with Disabled Veterans License Plates in Oklahoma. This change directly affects disabled veterans who hold or apply for these special license plates. The bill amends existing law to adjust the vehicle count limit for this plate type, though the specific new number is not detailed in the provided text. The bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee on April 7, 2025, after being reported out of the Aeronautics and Transportation Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1598 proposes to modify the number of vehicles an owner may tag with Purple Heart Recipient License Plates in Oklahoma. Currently, Purple Heart recipients may apply for these plates on vehicles with a rated carrying capacity of one ton or less, but the bill aims to adjust the specific vehicle limit. The legislation would amend Section 1135.2 of Oklahoma law, which governs special license plates, to clarify eligibility and usage rules for this specific plate type. As a proposed bill (withdrawn from committee in April 2025), it has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2169 increases fees for money transmission businesses (like Western Union or MoneyGram) operating in Oklahoma. It requires a $5-$10 fee per transaction under $500, plus 1-2% on amounts over $500, with quarterly payments to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The fees fund a Drug Money Laundering Revolving Fund, and businesses must notify customers they can claim a tax credit for the fee when filing income taxes. The law takes effect November 1, 2025, and includes enforcement measures like license suspensions for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 2606 creates a five-year pilot program in Oklahoma counties with over 100,000 residents to provide free domestic violence forensic exams for victims. The program, funded through a state victim compensation fund, covers up to $200 per exam for medical evaluations conducted by trained health professionals (like nurses or physicians who completed a 40-hour course). It directly affects domestic violence victims in qualifying counties who would otherwise pay for these exams, while defining domestic violence broadly to include dating relationships and household members. The bill requires counties to participate and sets clear standards for exam qualifications and fund disbursement.

Maddy summaryHB 1934, the "Jamie Lea Pearl Act," establishes rules for small medical transportation providers in Oklahoma. It requires these "medical needs motor carriers" to be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, operate vehicles with a maximum weight of 5,000 pounds and capacity for five passengers (including the driver), and provide non-emergency medical transport (like dialysis or cancer treatment) at little or no cost. Key provisions include mandating $100,000 insurance per person for bodily injury, quarterly vehicle safety inspections, a 10-hour daily driving limit for drivers, and retention of background checks and drug test records for two years. The law directly affects small companies transporting patients for non-emergency medical needs, excluding regular taxis, school buses, or commercial carriers.

Maddy summaryHB 2603 transfers enforcement authority for Oklahoma's motor carrier safety regulations - from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to the Department of Public Safety - effective July 2026. This change affects commercial trucking companies and drivers by shifting oversight of safety rules, weigh station inspections, and permit enforcement to the Department of Public Safety. The bill creates a 12-month transition period (July 2026-June 2027) with a task force to coordinate the transfer of personnel, property, and responsibilities. Key provisions include requiring the Department of Public Safety to assume full enforcement authority over specific statutes related to motor carrier operations, permits, and safety compliance. The goal is to create a more unified enforcement approach for public safety in the commercial transportation sector.

Maddy summaryHB 1593 prevents prosecutors from disqualifying peace officers as witnesses based on unproven misconduct allegations. It allows officers who are placed on a "Do Not Call" list for alleged misconduct to dispute the claim by filing a petition with the Attorney General. An administrative law judge will hold a hearing to review the allegations, and if the misconduct claim isn't proven by a preponderance of evidence, the officer must be reinstated as credible. Courts must then consider the judge's findings when evaluating the officer's testimony. This bill directly affects peace officers and changes how misconduct allegations impact their ability to testify in criminal cases.

Maddy summaryHB 2603 transfers enforcement authority for Oklahoma's motor carrier regulations from the Corporation Commission to the Department of Public Safety. It affects commercial trucking companies, enforcement officers, and state agencies by shifting responsibility for roadside inspections, weigh stations, and compliance checks under specific statutes (including the Weigh Station Act and Trucking One-Stop Shop Act) to the Department of Public Safety by June 2027. The bill creates a transitional task force to oversee the shift, requiring cooperation between agencies and setting a two-year transition period from July 2026 to June 2027. Key provisions include mandating the Department of Public Safety assume full enforcement authority, requiring interagency agreements during transition, and modifying rules for vehicle seizures and permit compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 2268 clarifies that Oklahoma Medicaid must reimburse providers for "cognitive assessment and care planning services" (defined using standard medical billing code 99483) delivered to Medicaid enrollees. The bill directly affects Medicaid providers who offer these specific cognitive care services by establishing a clear reimbursement requirement. It defines key terms like "contracted entity" and "Oklahoma Medicaid Program" to ensure consistent implementation. The law takes effect on November 1, 2025, requiring Medicaid to cover these services under the specified billing code.