Sen. Casey Murdock

Maddy summaryHB 2096 creates a state wildlife habitat program allowing private landowners to enter contracts with Oklahoma’s Wildlife Conservation Department for habitat development projects. Landowners must cover all project costs, and their enrolled land is protected from government seizure (eminent domain) during the contract term and for five years after completion. Landowners may cancel contracts at any time but must repay all state funds used for habitat improvements before cancellation. The program explicitly states the state bears no liability for damages, and the Department may charge participation fees.

Maddy summaryHB 2096 establishes a voluntary program allowing Oklahoma landowners to enter contracts with the Department of Wildlife Conservation to develop wildlife habitats on private property. Landowners must cover all project costs, and enrolled lands become exempt from eminent domain during the contract term plus an additional five years. Landowners may cancel contracts at any time but must repay the state for habitat improvements made before cancellation. The Department may also charge a fee for program participation.

Maddy summaryHB 2402 would create tax breaks and grants to attract manufacturers of low-temperature waste heat electrification technology (recovering heat below 200°C) to Oklahoma. Companies investing $10 million+ with 50+ new jobs would get up to 30% corporate tax breaks for five years (renewable), while larger investments ($20 million+ with 100+ jobs) qualify for 50% breaks. The state would cap annual spending at $8 million, with unused funds rolling over, and prioritize grants for facilities in economic development zones or energy-sector projects. Manufacturers must meet specific technology standards, submit job/investment plans, and report annually on progress to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Maddy summaryHB 2402 creates a tax incentive program to attract manufacturers of low-grade waste heat electrification technology (which recovers heat below 200°C for energy use) to Oklahoma. Eligible manufacturers investing $10 million+ with 50+ jobs receive up to 30% corporate tax abatement for 5 years (Tier 1), or $20 million+ with 100+ jobs for up to 50% (Tier 2), both renewable for another 5 years. The program also provides up to $20 million in direct grants over 5 years, prioritizing projects in federal New Markets Tax Credit areas or existing manufacturing hubs, with annual spending capped at $8 million. Manufacturers must submit business plans, job commitments, and report annually on investments and job creation, while the state must collaborate with educational institutions to develop workforce training. The program expires on July 1, 2030.

Maddy summarySB 237 requires Oklahoma's Commissioners of the Land Office to pay counties a yearly property tax equivalent when they own more than 10% of a county's land (by acreage) and are starting or renewing a lease on that land. The payment equals the county's current agricultural property tax rate per acre, as determined by the county assessor. County assessors must share this rate with the Land Office by September 1 each year, and the Land Office must pay the county by December 31. This payment is included in the minimum bid requirement for new or renewed leases. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2838 creates a program to incentivize meat processing facilities in Oklahoma through a revolving fund. It requires eligible businesses to have U.S. citizen majority ownership, source at least 50% of facility inputs from Oklahoma residents or local entities, and undergo audits to verify compliance. The Oklahoma Certified Meat Processing Facility Incentive Approval Board will oversee applications and enforce rules, with violations treated as tax debt requiring repayment to the state. Funds will be provided by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry for facility acquisition or operation. The program takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2838 creates an incentive program for Oklahoma meat processing facilities to boost local economic development. To qualify, facilities must be U.S.-organized, restrict majority foreign ownership (non-U.S. citizens or entities), and source at least 50% of inputs from Oklahoma residents or locally controlled businesses. The bill establishes a revolving fund in the state treasury to provide financial incentives, with strict enforcement requiring state audits of recipient facilities and repayment obligations if eligibility rules are violated. This program directly affects meat processors seeking state funding for facility operations or expansion within Oklahoma.

Maddy summarySB 1074 creates a new "commercial harvesting facility license" required for businesses that raise and harvest deer, elk, or similar animals (like hybrids or exotic species) for profit. It directly affects commercial facilities operating on a business basis for harvesting legally acquired cervidae, requiring them to obtain this license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, pay a $300 annual fee, and provide proof their animals weren’t sourced from wild populations. The bill amends existing laws to replace previous commercial hunting area licenses with this new requirement, mandates inspections by the Department, and sets license expiration dates. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1346 changes Oklahoma law by replacing the term "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material" in all relevant statutes. It requires commercial entities (like websites or platforms) to implement "reasonable age verification methods" to prevent minors from accessing harmful online content, and holds these entities liable for civil damages if they knowingly publish or distribute such material. The bill directly affects online platforms and commercial entities hosting content, adding new civil liability standards without creating new criminal penalties. Key provisions define terms like "age verification methods" and "harmful to minors" to clarify enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 1346 changes Oklahoma's legal terminology by replacing "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse material" across multiple statutes (including Sections 791, 791.1, and 1024.1 of Title 21). It creates liability for commercial entities that knowingly publish or distribute such material online, allowing affected individuals to seek damages, court costs, and attorney fees. The bill also establishes new definitions for terms like "reasonable age verification methods" (e.g., digital ID verification or third-party services) and "transactional data" to support enforcement. These changes apply directly to online platforms and commercial operators hosting material deemed harmful to minors. The bill was passed unanimously on March 25, 2025, with an emergency effective date.