Sen. Julia Kirt

Maddy summarySB 1444 updates Oklahoma’s insurance rate review rules. It clarifies that rates in competitive markets cannot be deemed "excessive," while non-competitive market rates must meet stricter standards to avoid being labeled excessive (e.g., unreasonably high profits or service costs). Insurers must file rates 30 days before effective date in competitive markets (up from 60 days), with the Insurance Commissioner allowed to request additional time or disapprove rates. The bill also extends deadlines for advisory organizations to submit data and updates statutory references. It directly affects all insurers filing rates in Oklahoma, aiming to streamline reviews while maintaining rate fairness standards.

Maddy summarySB 1435 prohibits Oklahoma insurers from using credit information to underwrite or rate personal insurance policies (like auto or homeowners coverage). It bans factors such as zip code, marital status, gender, or income in insurance scoring, and prevents denial/cancellation based solely on credit data. Insurers must use current credit reports within 90 days for new policies and update them every 36 months, with consumers able to request annual reevaluation. The law takes effect November 1, 2026, and repeals prior credit-related insurance provisions.

Maddy summarySB 1218 removes the requirement for a personal use permit for Oklahomans making small batches of beer, cider, or wine for their own consumption. The bill amends Oklahoma's alcoholic beverage laws to eliminate the need for a permit to produce up to 200 gallons annually, while still requiring excise tax payment on such beverages. It updates statutory references and repeals Section 2-140, which previously governed personal use permits. This change directly affects residents who homebrew, simplifying the process without altering tax obligations. The law becomes effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates two administrative requirements for Oklahoma's tax system. It removes the State Board of Equalization's duty to certify average revenue amounts for oil, natural gas, and corporate income tax (Section 34.103), and ends the automatic rule requiring tax rate reductions when corporate income tax revenue exceeds historical averages (Section 2355). The changes simplify tax administration by deleting these certification and rate-reduction triggers. The bill directly affects state tax officials and the Oklahoma Tax Commission's reporting processes, not individual taxpayers or actual tax rates.

Maddy summaryHB 4295 changes how Oklahoma courts calculate deadlines for civil legal actions. It removes an exemption that previously excluded holidays and non-business days from short time periods (under 11 days), meaning these days will now count toward deadlines. This affects anyone involved in civil court cases in Oklahoma, including plaintiffs, defendants, and attorneys, for actions filed after November 1, 2026. The bill standardizes time computation to align with standard business days, reducing ambiguity in court schedules. It is a procedural change focused on clarity in court deadlines, not substantive policy.

Maddy summarySB 1393, the RESTORE Act, creates a 50% tax credit for developers converting old, vacant commercial buildings (over 50 years old, vacant for 3+ years, and not eligible for historic tax credits) into residential housing. It directly affects property owners or developers who undertake "adaptive reuse" projects, covering extra renovation costs like environmental cleanup, code compliance, and infrastructure upgrades. The credit is capped at $5 million annually (2027-2037), requires 20% of units to be affordable for 10 years, and allows unused credit to carry forward to future tax years. Projects must meet specific affordability and location criteria, with annual reports tracking housing units and economic impact.

Maddy summarySB 1583 creates the Oklahoma Voting Rights Act to prohibit voting discrimination against protected classes, including racial, language minority groups, and Tribal communities. It bans election practices like at-large voting systems that dilute minority voting power and requires local governments to avoid policies creating unequal voting barriers. The bill mandates courts to interpret election rules in favor of voting access and defines "protected class" to include Tribal members. It directly affects all Oklahoma counties, cities, towns, and school districts governing election methods.

Maddy summarySB 1575 modifies Oklahoma's Quality Jobs Program, which provides tax incentives to businesses creating new jobs. It limits the maximum incentive payment rate companies can receive, updates the minimum wage requirement for qualifying jobs, and shortens the timeframe for filing rebate claims. The bill also clarifies which industries qualify as "basic industry" for incentives, including specific manufacturing, energy, transportation, and support service sectors that meet out-of-state sales thresholds. These changes apply directly to businesses seeking program benefits under Oklahoma Statutes § 3603, § 3604, and related sections. The bill updates statutory language and references to reflect these modifications.

Maddy summarySB 1600 creates the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency Board, consisting of five members appointed by the Governor (with specific housing finance experience requirements), the Senate President Pro Tempore, and the House Speaker. The bill establishes the board's structure, including requiring at least quarterly meetings, authorizing the election of a chair and officers, and outlining vacancy procedures. It takes effect November 1, 2026. This is a procedural bill focused solely on board organization, not housing policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 1478 creates the "Oklahoma Land Bank Act," allowing cities, towns, and counties (municipalities) to establish land banks - entities that acquire, hold, and transfer vacant or underused land for redevelopment. Municipalities must create land banks via local ordinance, establishing boards of 5-11 members (with specific rules for appointments, terms, and conflicts of interest), and land banks gain tax exemptions on properties they hold. The bill outlines how land banks can acquire property (including through tax foreclosure), sell it under defined procedures, and operate under Oklahoma Open Meeting and Records Acts, while enabling school districts to participate via agreements. It directly affects municipalities seeking to revitalize blighted areas and landowners facing tax delinquency or foreclosure.