Maddy summarySB 655, the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, requires most Oklahoma employers to verify all new employees' work authorization using the federal E-Verify system within three business days of hiring. Employers must maintain verification records for at least three years, cannot hire individuals whose verification fails, and face penalties for violations - including $2,500 fines for second offenses and $5,000 for third offenses. The Oklahoma Attorney General enforces the law through investigations, warnings, fines, and a database that bars violators from state contracts for one year. The bill explicitly states it does not replace federal immigration requirements and allows employers to terminate staff for compliance without facing wrongful termination claims.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SJR 10) proposes expanding Oklahoma's property tax exemptions for veterans. It would allow all honorably discharged veterans and their unremarried surviving spouses - regardless of disability status - to claim full exemptions on both household personal property and homesteads (primary residences) from ad valorem taxes. The bill removes the current requirement that veterans must have a 100% disability certification to qualify. To qualify, applicants must prove Oklahoma residency and meet existing homestead exemption criteria. If approved by voters, this change would apply to tax years beginning in 2026.
Maddy summarySB 557 expands Oklahoma's state preemption law to include firearm and ammunition components (like magazines or parts), meaning local governments cannot pass rules about these items. It prohibits cities or counties from adopting policies, ordinances, or resolutions that conflict with state firearms law, including restrictions on components. The bill clarifies legal procedures for challenging local rules that violate preemption, allowing affected individuals to sue for damages or court costs and requiring local entities to give 90 days to fix violations before legal action. It also defines "reasonable expenses" to cover attorney fees in such cases. This law directly affects local governments and residents by preventing municipal regulations on firearm components.
Maddy summarySB 323 amends Oklahoma's individual income tax code to establish new tax rates for tax years beginning January 1, 2024. It directly affects Oklahoma residents and nonresidents filing individual income tax returns. The bill creates a tiered rate structure: for single filers and married filing separately, it sets rates from 0.25% on the first $1,000 up to 4.75% on income above $6,200. This replaces prior rates (which had a top rate of 5.50% for 2008-2008), reducing the highest marginal tax rate for most filers.
Maddy summarySB 953, the "Election Integrity Enforcement Act," authorizes Oklahoma district attorneys to file civil lawsuits on behalf of voters to investigate and address alleged election fraud, such as voter fraud, ballot tampering, or security breaches. It requires district attorneys to obtain court approval before initiating such actions, mandates confidentiality for investigation records, and requires annual reports to the State Election Board. The bill also prohibits frivolous lawsuits and establishes penalties for misuse of this authority. It becomes effective July 1, 2025, and directly affects district attorneys, voters, and election officials in Oklahoma.
Maddy summarySB 558 modifies Oklahoma's concealed carry laws by expanding where permit holders may carry firearms. It removes the requirement for written consent in certain locations, allows concealed carry in designated school parking areas (for private schools with adopted policies), and permits concealed carry in municipal parks/zoo properties owned by public trusts or nonprofits. The bill also clarifies that public schools may authorize staff with specific licenses to carry, while defining "minimum-security" event properties for temporary firearm access. These changes directly affect Oklahoma residents with concealed carry permits seeking access to schools, government buildings, parks, and event venues.
Maddy summarySB 571, the "Ethan Haim Act," prohibits federal agents or entities from engaging in actions within Oklahoma that infringe on constitutional rights (such as free speech, gun rights, or due process) or exceed federal authority. It declares such actions unlawful, imposing penalties including $35,000 per day fines for individuals, $500,000 per day for entities, deportation for federal agents, and civil liability for harmed residents. The law allows Oklahomans to sue for damages and authorizes the Attorney General to enforce penalties, while explicitly exempting actions authorized by the U.S. Constitution and upheld by courts. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and is declared an emergency.
Maddy summarySB 326 creates an income tax credit for Oklahoma taxpayers who pay state-mandated fees to obtain or renew occupational licenses (e.g., for professions like nursing, contracting, or cosmetology). The credit covers fees paid to state agencies or approved third parties for licensing, certification, or required continuing education. To claim it, taxpayers must provide documentation to the Oklahoma Tax Commission and not have had their license suspended during the tax year. The credit applies to tax years starting in 2026 and cannot reduce tax liability below zero, with the bill taking effect November 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 247 creates the "Fund Students, Not Systems Education Savings Account Program" in Oklahoma, allowing eligible students (ages 5-18, including some with disabilities) to receive state education funds for qualified expenses. The State Department of Education calculates ESA amounts based on each student’s school district’s state aid factors, then transfers funds quarterly to cover approved costs like tuition, textbooks, therapy, and field trips. Families apply annually by April 1 to choose participating schools (public, private, charter, or homeschool), with funds restricted to specific educational services listed in the bill. The program aims to provide parental choice while requiring no new oversight for private schools or homeschools, though it does not change public school funding levels.
Maddy summarySB 317 creates a framework for private certification of professionals in Oklahoma, allowing private organizations to certify individuals in lawful occupations without government licensing. It requires participating private certifying organizations to register with the Secretary of State, publish certification criteria and practitioner details online, and verify qualifications annually. The bill prohibits government penalties, fines, or fees against privately certified individuals who comply with the law, while mandating clear signage stating they are "privately certified" (not government-licensed) and listing their certifying organization. This applies directly to private certification organizations and practitioners in occupations like coaching, consulting, or wellness services where government licensing currently exists.