Sen. Julia Kirt

Maddy summarySB 1487 requires Oklahoma's Corporation Commission to create rules allowing public utilities to set customer rates based on actual usage (e.g., electricity or water consumption) rather than flat fees. This directly affects public utilities that set rates and their customers, particularly those in specific customer classes. The bill mandates the Commission to promulgate these rules by November 1, 2026, and states it amends constitutional provisions governing utility regulation. The law aims to modernize rate structures without changing existing constitutional requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1545, the "Yes In God’s Backyard Act," allows religious organizations (like churches and mosques) to develop affordable housing on their owned properties without discretionary municipal approval. It requires 60% of mixed-use projects to be residential, with 80% of units designated as affordable housing (capped at 40% non-affordable units for staff housing). The bill preempts local zoning rules that would block such projects, mandates municipalities to approve applications within a set timeframe, and requires compliance with building codes and fair housing laws. This directly affects faith-based groups seeking to use underutilized land for housing, aiming to address housing shortages by streamlining development.

Maddy summarySJR 42 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would transfer Oklahoma's redistricting power from the legislature to a new Citizens' Independent Redistricting Commission. The commission would consist of nine members (three representing each of the state's two largest political parties and three unaffiliated members) with strict qualifications to prevent partisan influence, such as requiring no recent partisan office-holding or lobbying experience. This change would apply to both state legislative districts and federal congressional districts, with the commission required to follow specific guidelines for creating fair maps and publish all meeting details publicly. The amendment, if approved by voters, would replace current legislative redistricting procedures under Oklahoma's constitution.

Maddy summarySB 1368 appropriates $70.5 million from Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for the 2025 fiscal year. It allocates $20 million to cover remaining Medicaid (Title XIX) costs, $18.5 million to fund provider payments through an Enhanced Tier Payment System, and $32 million to renew contracts with existing service providers. These funds are designated to supplement, not replace, current resources and programs. The bill declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation of these funding measures.

Maddy summarySB 1404 allows Oklahoma to withdraw funds from its Revenue Stabilization Fund during federal government shutdowns exceeding 15 days. Specifically, it authorizes using up to one-quarter of the fund's balance to cover state employee salaries affected by federal furloughs and replace lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Withdrawals are capped at the actual cost incurred and cannot exceed the fund's available balance. This directly affects state workers unable to work due to federal shutdowns and SNAP recipients whose benefits are reduced during such events.

Maddy summarySB 1394 creates a refundable income tax credit for Oklahoma residents who receive down payment or closing cost assistance through the Oklahoma Increased Housing Program (OHFA). The credit equals the exact amount of assistance received each tax year, directly benefiting first-time homebuyers using OHFA support. If the credit exceeds a taxpayer's income tax liability, the excess amount is refunded to them. This credit applies to tax years starting in 2027, effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1833 creates a task force to study Oklahoma's current system of paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities under special certificates. The task force will directly affect disabled workers currently earning less than the state minimum wage through these certificates. Key provisions require the task force to include specific stakeholders (like disability advocates and employers), complete its work by November 2027, and submit recommendations to the legislature. The bill mandates a formal review of whether the subminimum wage system remains appropriate or needs reform.

Maddy summaryHB 1833 establishes the "Rethinking Paying Subminimal Wage to Persons with Disabilities Task Force." This task force is created to examine current labor practices and wages specifically for individuals with disabilities. The bill outlines the task force's purpose, details its required membership, and mandates reporting requirements. An amendment to the bill extended the deadline for the task force's work or reporting to November 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 300 dissolves Oklahoma's Capital Investment Board and transfers all its contracts, investment management responsibilities, and related assets to the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board. This administrative change takes effect on May 12, 2025, as the bill became law without the Governor's signature. The transfer applies to all existing agreements and investment funds managed by the dissolved board. This reorganization streamlines oversight under a single entity without altering the underlying investment programs or tax credit mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 300 dissolves the Oklahoma Capital Investment Board on its effective date and transfers its contracts and management of investments to the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board. The bill also updates statutory references and makes language gender-neutral without altering the underlying Capital Formation Act policies. This reorganization directly affects the dissolved board and the receiving board by ending the former's operations and assigning its duties to the latter. The change focuses solely on administrative structure, not policy substance.