Sen. Julia Kirt

Maddy summarySB 171 requires Oklahoma's Department of Public Safety to create and update a security plan for the State Capitol Building and grounds every three years, to be submitted to the State Capitol Preservation Commission. It restructures oversight by disestablishing the Capitol Improvement Authority and modifying the Capitol Preservation Commission's duties, membership, and approval process for all Capitol renovation proposals. The bill also establishes a new legislative liaison position to coordinate Capitol projects and sets a $120 million funding cap for Capitol Building renovations, exempting certain maintenance projects from competitive bidding requirements. These changes directly affect Capitol staff, preservation oversight bodies, and contractors working on Capitol maintenance and security.

Maddy summarySB 670 requires health care providers to complete specific continuing education on mental health screening as part of their ongoing training. This applies directly to licensed health care professionals who provide patient care, such as doctors, nurses, and counselors. The bill mandates that this training include standardized mental health screening protocols to be integrated into routine patient evaluations. It does not create new funding or insurance requirements, but instead sets a professional development standard for current providers. The bill is currently pending in committee after passing a committee review with amendments.

Maddy summarySB 670 requires certain health care providers to complete specific continuing education, including mandated mental health screening training. This bill directly affects licensed health care professionals who must fulfill this education requirement as part of their ongoing professional development. The key provision establishes a new continuing education component focused on identifying and addressing mental health concerns, integrated into existing provider training standards. The bill is currently under consideration in the Health and Human Services committee.

Maddy summarySB 275 would create the Oklahoma Workforce Housing Commission to develop strategies for expanding affordable housing options. It authorizes the existing Oklahoma Workforce Commission to implement specific reports and housing plans focused on increasing affordable housing access. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate income residents and housing providers by establishing a dedicated commission to coordinate housing initiatives. This proposal aims to increase housing availability through structured planning and implementation, rather than through new funding or regulations.

Maddy summarySB 275 creates the Oklahoma Workforce Housing Commission to expand affordable housing options. The commission, composed of 15 members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker, will develop plans targeting households earning 30-160% of the area median income (as defined by HUD). It requires the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency to implement specific reports and plans for affordable housing growth and submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. The bill also establishes a revolving fund to support these efforts, focusing on low- and moderate-income residents across urban and rural areas.

Maddy summarySB 72 updates Oklahoma's Sales Tax Relief Act to adjust income thresholds and refund amounts for low-income residents filing for sales tax refunds. For 2025 and beyond, single filers without dependents or special circumstances may claim up to $200 annually if their household income is under $35,000 (or $100 under $40,000). Individuals with dependents, disabilities, or who are 65+ may claim up to $200 under $45,000 (or $150 under $50,000). The bill directly affects Oklahoma residents meeting these income criteria who file annual sales tax relief claims.

Maddy summarySB 72 updates Oklahoma's Sales Tax Relief Act for tax years 2025 and later. It raises income limits for qualifying residents: individuals without additional exemptions can claim relief if household income is ≤$35,000 (receiving $200 per exemption) or ≤$40,000 ($100 per exemption). For those with exemptions, disabilities, or age 65+, the limits are $45,000 ($200) or $50,000 ($150) per exemption. The bill replaces the previous fixed $40 relief amount with these tiered, higher payments. This directly affects low-income Oklahoma residents filing for sales tax relief under the Act.

Maddy summarySB 165 designates the bridge crossing Interstate 40 over Interstate 240 in Oklahoma County as the "Donald Ray Ward Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to install permanent markers with this name on the bridge. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes, directly affecting the specific bridge location and honoring Donald Ray Ward.

Maddy summarySB 165 designates a bridge crossing Interstate 40 in Oklahoma County as the "Donald Ray Ward Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to install permanent markers bearing this name on the bridge. It has no policy impact beyond the memorial naming and takes effect November 1, 2025. This is a procedural bill with no substantive legislative changes.

Maddy summarySB 815 requires courts to automatically seal all records in eviction cases (forcible entry and detainer proceedings) under specific conditions. If a case is dismissed or the defendant wins, records must be sealed immediately; if the plaintiff wins, records must be sealed two years after the judgment. Sealed records cannot appear in public databases, be sold, or shared with third parties, and are only accessible to the person involved, their attorney, or the court. This applies to all case documents, including complaints, pleadings, and court orders, ensuring privacy for individuals involved in these housing-related legal matters.