Sen. Brian Guthrie

Maddy summaryHB 2980 amends Oklahoma's vehicle insurance verification requirements for motor vehicle registration. It allows licensed registration operators (like DMV agents) to accept physical proof of insurance or verification from an insurance producer via email if the online system is unavailable or they determine the physical proof appears valid. This directly affects vehicle owners registering or renewing registration in Oklahoma, as it provides flexibility in submitting proof of insurance beyond the current online system. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3722 requires Oklahoma voter registration applicants to explicitly select a recognized political party or "Independent" status on their form. Previously, voters who skipped this step were automatically registered as Independents; this bill changes that by mandating applicants choose a party affiliation or Independent designation to complete registration. The bill does not alter which parties are recognized but ensures all applicants actively affirm their political preference during registration. It takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to all new and updated voter registrations.

Maddy summaryThis Oklahoma bill (SB 1582) clarifies land ownership rules for foreign nationals who are permanent U.S. residents. It defines "bona fide resident" as a lawful permanent U.S. resident and states current alien landowners may keep their property, while new alien residents gain equal rights to purchase land as Oklahoma citizens. If an alien resident leaves the state, they have five years to sell their land. The bill takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration, updating outdated language to be gender-neutral.

Maddy summarySB 1985, the Strategic Pension Protection Act, allows Oklahoma state retirement systems to invest in approved digital asset funds (like Bitcoin ETFs) through U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or Commodity Futures Trading Commission-registered products. It limits such investments to no more than 5% of any retirement account's total funds, specifically targeting Bitcoin, large digital assets (over $500 billion market cap), and stablecoins. The bill directly affects public employee retirement systems by expanding eligible investment options while imposing strict caps to manage risk. It becomes effective November 1, 2026, and defines key terms like "digital asset" and "stablecoin" for clarity.

Maddy summaryHB 2140 changes how commercial buildings with unfinished interiors are taxed in Oklahoma. It requires county assessors to value such properties - those sold or leased for the new owner/tenant to complete interiors (e.g., flooring, ceilings) - based solely on the cost of construction materials before interior work, not the full building cost. This applies to commercial buildings constructed without final interior elements like finished walls or cabinetry, affecting property owners and contractors selling or leasing these spaces. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly impacting property tax assessments for these specific commercial properties.

Maddy summarySB 2054 creates Oklahoma's "Mother and Child Protection Act," which prohibits the manufacture, distribution, or provision of abortion-inducing drugs in the state (defined to include drugs like mifepristone used for medication abortion). The law allows private citizens - not the state - to file lawsuits (via "qui tam" actions) against violators, with exceptions for medical emergencies (e.g., life-threatening conditions, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage-related cases). It specifically exempts drugs prescribed for non-abortion medical purposes (like chemotherapy) and does not apply to actions taken under federal law. This bill directly affects healthcare providers, pharmacies, and anyone distributing such drugs in Oklahoma.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for trespassing on private land used for farming, ranching, or forestry, with fines up to $2,500 for repeat offenses. It specifically prohibits dogs from harassing wildlife on such land and clarifies exemptions for emergency personnel, utility workers, and land surveyors. Game wardens gain expanded authority to enforce wildlife protection rules and coordinate with other law enforcement. The law directly affects landowners, trespassers, and wildlife conservation efforts, while updating statutes to reflect current enforcement needs.

Maddy summarySB 1988 increases fees for money transfer businesses in Oklahoma, requiring a $20 fee per transaction under $500 plus 4% for amounts over $500. It also creates a tax credit for customers who pay these fees, allowing them to claim the fee amount against their income tax. The bill modifies rules for claiming the credit, specifying it can't reduce tax below zero and must be claimed in specific tax years (e.g., 2009-2010 fees claimed on 2010 returns). All fees collected will fund the Drug Money Laundering and Wire Transmitter Revolving Fund. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 1862 requires Oklahoma state agencies to include three specific details with any proposed legislation they request: the agency's name, a primary contact person, and a brief explanation of the agency's need for the bill. This applies only to bills formally requested by state agencies, not to legislation proposed by others like lobbyists or individual legislators. The bill does not change how laws are made but adds a transparency requirement for agency-driven legislation. It becomes effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1960 prohibits Oklahoma municipalities, counties, and state agencies from considering race, religion, sex, or other protected characteristics in hiring decisions. It bans government entities from hiring to achieve diversity goals or creating positions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The bill directly affects all public sector employers in Oklahoma by restricting how they structure hiring processes and workplace programs. It takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration, preventing government entities from implementing DEI-focused policies or practices in employment.