Sen. Julie Daniels

Maddy summaryHB 2364 requires Oklahoma's Department of Corrections to assist inmates without a current state-issued driver license or identification card in obtaining a REAL ID Noncompliant Driver License before release, or a REAL ID Noncompliant Identification Card if the license is unattainable. The department must begin this process at least nine months prior to release and provide employment-related documentation, including vocational records, birth certificates, and Social Security cards. Inmates over 65, those on medical parole, or in mental health units are exempt from preparing resumes or practicing job interviews. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1458 modifies Oklahoma's public employees retirement system death benefits by increasing the payout to $5,000 for retirees who died on or after July 1, 1999 (up from $4,000). It establishes a new process allowing the system to pay up to $25,000 directly to heirs without probate court involvement, requiring documents like heirship affidavits, beneficiary releases, and proof debts are settled. The bill also adds a provision enabling beneficiaries to disclaim death benefits in writing, transferring funds directly to licensed funeral providers within nine months, without requiring probate. These changes apply to retirees and active members' beneficiaries, effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2364 requires the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC) to assist inmates in obtaining a REAL ID Noncompliant Driver License or Identification Card before their release, prioritizing a driver's license. This initiative aims to help inmates, whose intended residence is in Oklahoma, secure post-release employment. The DOC must begin this process nine months before an inmate's release and is also tasked with providing them with essential documents like vocational records, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and resumes. Certain inmate categories, such as those over 65 or with medical conditions, are exempt from the resume and practice job interview requirements. The bill allows the DOC to use various funds, including inmate trust funds and donations, to cover associated costs, and it will become effective on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1393, as amended, modifies language within special education provisions, specifically concerning Individual Education Programs (IEPs). The bill clarifies the definition of instruction for students who are assessed by alternate achievement standards. It specifies that this instruction must now promote access to and progress in the general education curriculum. This change directly affects students with special needs, their parents, and educators involved in developing and implementing IEPs.

Maddy summaryHB 1458 modifies the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) rules for death benefits, affecting beneficiaries, heirs, and funeral service providers. It allows OPERS to pay death benefits, unpaid contributions, or other unpaid benefits up to $25,000 directly to a deceased member's heirs without requiring probate court intervention, provided specific documentation is submitted. Additionally, the bill permits a designated beneficiary to disclaim their death benefit. If disclaimed, those funds can be transferred to a licensed funeral director or funeral service business for the deceased member's services. These provisions aim to streamline the distribution of benefits and provide options for covering funeral expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 2376 requires Oklahoma's District Attorneys Council to annually provide a report to the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker by November 30 each year. The report must include all applications for early termination of suspended sentences (under specific eligibility rules) and copies of any objections or responses from district attorneys. This applies to individuals with suspended sentences exceeding five years who meet probation and rehabilitation requirements, or who qualify for an earlier review through education, certification, or consistent employment. The bill creates a transparent reporting mechanism to track these requests and objections, without altering the existing early hearing eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2376 amends existing criminal procedure law concerning early termination of suspended or split sentences. The bill directs the District Attorneys Council to annually provide a list of early termination applications, along with any objections, to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and the Governor upon request. This new provision applies to individuals who have requested an early evaluation hearing to potentially modify the length of their suspended or split sentences. The aim is to provide state leaders with an annual overview of these applications and the responses to them.

Maddy summaryHB 2084 updates continuing education requirements for electrical license holders in Oklahoma. Starting January 1, 2026, contractors and journeyman licensees must complete 12 hours of approved continuing education every three years (including six hours on building codes and six hours on electrical topics like safety and circuit theory). Apprentices must complete three hours annually for re-registration, with exemptions for those in approved training programs. The bill requires the Committee of Electrical Examiners to approve courses and takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 890 transfers campaign finance and financial disclosure reporting duties from local officials (municipal clerks, county election boards, and school district clerks) to Oklahoma's Ethics Commission. It affects all municipalities, counties, and school districts by requiring them to file campaign committee registrations, contribution reports, and financial disclosures with the Ethics Commission instead of local offices. The bill updates statutory references and clarifies that the Ethics Commission will enforce these requirements, including handling complaints about late filings. This change centralizes oversight of local campaign finance compliance under the Ethics Commission, streamlining the process for all local governments.

Maddy summarySB 76 clarifies Oklahoma's parole revocation process by explicitly authorizing both the Governor and the Pardon and Parole Board to revoke parole for violations, rather than relying solely on the Department of Corrections. It requires parolees arrested for violations to be jailed immediately, halting parole time and earned credits until a revocation decision is made. The bill also creates a new option: parolees may be placed in specialized correctional programs (intermediate sanctions facilities) instead of facing full revocation for minor violations, at the Department's discretion. This law, effective November 1, 2025, directly affects people on parole in Oklahoma who violate terms, and the state agencies managing parole.