Sen. Julie Daniels

Maddy summarySB 1013 expands workers' compensation rights in Oklahoma by clarifying when injured workers can pursue lawsuits against employers instead of relying solely on workers' compensation. It specifically allows lawsuits if an employer fails to pay required compensation or commits an intentional tort (defined as a deliberate act to cause injury, not just reckless conduct). The bill also clarifies contractor liability, specifying that general contractors providing workers' compensation insurance to subcontractors may be treated as employers, but this does not cover negligence in design work. These changes directly affect injured workers, their families, and construction employers who fail to secure proper coverage.

Maddy summarySB 992 prohibits lawsuits against individuals or entities for bodily injury or property damage caused by another person's criminal act (like assault or theft), regardless of whether the criminal is caught or convicted. It applies broadly to protect businesses, property owners, or others who didn't commit the crime but are sued for harm caused by a third party's illegal actions. The law does not shield defendants from liability if they were an accomplice to the crime or committed willful, malicious, or grossly negligent acts themselves. This bill aims to clarify immunity from civil liability for ordinary negligence in such scenarios and takes effect immediately due to an emergency declaration.

Maddy summarySB 954 prohibits discrimination against students or employees in Oklahoma public schools and colleges based on race, religion, sex, disability, or other protected characteristics. It specifically defines antisemitism (including criticism of Israel as not antisemitic) and requires schools to treat antisemitic harassment like racial discrimination, banning activities like campus protests targeting Jewish students or boycotts of Israeli companies. The bill mandates schools to integrate antisemitism training for staff and incorporate Jewish American heritage curriculum, while requiring education boards to monitor and address antisemitic incidents. It directly affects all Oklahoma public schools and colleges by changing conduct policies, disciplinary actions for antisemitic behavior, and student support services.

Maddy summarySB 811 requires Oklahoma's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to implement a community-based pilot program for restoring competency to defendants found incompetent to stand trial but capable of treatment. This directly affects individuals in the criminal justice system deemed incompetent due to mental health needs, as well as county jails and the mental health department. The bill mandates courts to suspend trials, transfer custody to the department (or a designated provider) for treatment, and hold periodic court reviews of competency progress. It specifically ties the pilot program to a court-ordered settlement (Briggs V. Friesen) and outlines clear steps for resuming trials or handling cases where competency is not restored. The program becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1037 amends Oklahoma's pharmacy board appointment rules by removing a requirement that the Governor must appoint pharmacists from a list submitted annually by the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association (OPA). The bill allows the Governor to consider recommendations from any statewide pharmacist organization, state chapter of a national organization, or other groups, rather than being limited to the OPA's submitted list. This change directly affects how Oklahoma's State Board of Pharmacy members are selected, streamlining the appointment process for the five pharmacist seats. The bill does not alter the board's composition (five pharmacists + one public member), required qualifications (e.g., five years practicing in Oklahoma), or term limits. It becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1038 amends Oklahoma law to remove a requirement that the Governor appoint podiatry board members solely from a list provided by the Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association. The bill allows the Governor to consider recommendations from that association, other podiatric organizations, or individuals when selecting appointees, without being bound by the previous mandatory list. This change affects the Governor’s appointment process for the Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, which regulates podiatry practice in Oklahoma. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1041 modifies Oklahoma's State Board of Osteopathic Examiners by removing a restriction that previously required the Governor to appoint osteopathic physician members solely from a list submitted annually by the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association. The bill allows the Governor to instead consider recommendations from other statewide or national osteopathic physician organizations or groups, while maintaining the board's composition (eight members, including two laypersons and six licensed osteopathic physicians with five+ years of experience). This change affects how the Governor appoints board members and streamlines the selection process for osteopathic medical oversight. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 960 creates Oklahoma's Foreign Agents Registration Act, requiring individuals or organizations acting on behalf of foreign governments or entities to register with the state. It directly affects "agents of a foreign principal" engaging in political activities within Oklahoma, such as lobbying state officials or soliciting funds for foreign interests. Key provisions mandate registration, detailed filing of statements, proper labeling of materials, and record maintenance, while exempting bona fide news organizations meeting specific U.S. ownership requirements. The law aims to increase public transparency about foreign influence in state political activities.

Maddy summarySB 812 amends Oklahoma law to clarify when law enforcement officers fulfill their duty to transport individuals needing mental health assessment or treatment. The bill creates a specific exception: officers no longer need to stay at a facility after transferring custody to staff, provided the facility staff confirms the individual poses no immediate safety threat and the person is not an unaccompanied minor. This change directly affects sheriffs, peace officers, and mental health facilities by streamlining the transportation process. The key provision allows officers to complete their responsibility once they contact facility staff and the staff determines the person is not an immediate danger, rather than waiting for initial assessment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Secure Telecommunications Act of 2025, requires telecommunications providers operating in Oklahoma to remove and replace certain critical infrastructure equipment that is banned at the federal level or manufactured by companies from countries designated as foreign adversaries. The law defines critical telecommunications infrastructure as broadband systems that connect users to public networks and prohibits the use of equipment from federally banned corporations or those produced in hostile foreign nations. To enforce these requirements, the bill mandates that providers register with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission by September 1, 2025, and submit annual certifications confirming compliance, while also paying a registration fee capped at $50. Noncompliance with registration or equipment removal requirements could result in administrative fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per day, and the bill includes provisions to streamline the replacement process by eliminating additional permit requirements for providers who notify state agencies of their changes.