Sen. Dusty Deevers

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 8 (SCR 8) is a legislative resolution from the Oklahoma Legislature that formally recognizes marriage as exclusively between one man and one woman. The resolution calls on the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn its 2015 decision in *Obergefell v. Hodges*, which established the right to same-sex marriage nationwide, or to return full authority over marriage policy to the states. Additionally, it reaffirms existing Oklahoma constitutional and statutory provisions defining marriage. This resolution expresses the Oklahoma Legislature's stance on marriage and its desire for a change in federal judicial precedent.

Maddy summarySB 538 modifies Oklahoma law to allow cities and school districts to schedule bond elections on state or federal election days in November (regardless of whether the year is odd or even). This change applies to municipal bond elections (under 11 O.S. §16-112) and school bond elections (under 70 O.S. §15-102), removing previous restrictions on timing. The bill directly affects local governments and school boards by enabling them to hold these elections concurrently with regular November elections, potentially increasing voter participation. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, with no new funding or program changes.

Maddy summarySB 538 modifies Oklahoma law to allow municipalities and school districts to hold special elections for bond issues or taxes on any November state or federal election day (in either odd- or even-numbered years), replacing previous restrictions on election timing. This directly affects local governments and school boards, which can now schedule these votes alongside regular elections without needing to follow specific date rules. The bill updates statutes (11 O.S. §16-112 for municipalities and 70 O.S. §15-102 for education) to align with this change and specifies an effective date of July 1, 2025. It does not alter bond amounts, voter requirements, or election administration procedures beyond the timing flexibility.

Maddy summarySB 753 creates a program requiring lessees of Oklahoma state-leased lands (such as ranchers or farmers renting public land) to manage invasive woody species - like non-native trees and shrubs that harm ecosystems - through state-approved stewardship plans. The bill mandates that lessees follow specific management practices to control these plants, with the state overseeing implementation and providing technical guidance. It directly affects private entities leasing state land, focusing on protecting ecological health on those properties. The legislation does not alter land ownership or impose new fees but establishes a structured approach for invasive species control on leased grounds. This is a substantive policy measure, not a procedural or commemorative resolution.

Maddy summarySB 753 creates the Oklahoma Invasive Woody Species Stewardship program for state-leased lands. It requires state agencies managing leased lands (like parks or conservation areas) to develop and implement plans for controlling invasive woody plants, such as tree species that disrupt ecosystems. The bill directly affects state land management agencies and their lessees by mandating specific invasive species management practices on leased properties.

Maddy summarySB 478 removes the permit requirement for daytime feral swine removal on private or public property, but requires landowner or lessee permission for such removals. It repeals a previous special permit for private property owners to kill feral swine and modifies related statutes to make language gender-neutral. The bill maintains that nighttime removal still requires a permit from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. This directly affects landowners (who must consent) and individuals removing feral swine, streamlining daytime management while preserving oversight for nighttime activity.

Maddy summarySB 478 removes the requirement for a permit or license to remove or take feral swine from private or public property during daylight hours, provided the person has the landowner's or lessee's permission. It directly affects landowners (who must grant permission), hunters, and wildlife managers by simplifying daytime control of feral swine. The bill amends Oklahoma statutes (2 O.S. §6-604 and 29 O.S. §§4-107.2, 4-135) to eliminate prior permit needs, updates language to be gender-neutral, and repeals an outdated section about special permits for property owners. Nighttime removal still requires a permit from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, maintaining that restriction.

Maddy summarySB 1125 allows Oklahoma counties and municipalities to impose an excise tax on medical marijuana sales within their boundaries, but only after voter approval. Local governments must secure a majority vote in a special election (either called by the council or via a 5% voter petition) and cannot hold another vote for six months if rejected. The tax applies only to sales within the local jurisdiction, takes effect the first day of the next calendar quarter after approval, and must clearly state its duration to voters. Revenue must fund specific local purposes (like public safety or health) and cannot be redirected without another voter vote, with counties required to create dedicated revolving funds for these purposes.

Maddy summarySB 481 bans strikes and organized work stoppages by public employees in Oklahoma, including state workers, local government staff, and school district employees (such as teachers, administrators, and support personnel). Violators automatically lose their jobs, retirement benefits, civil service rights, and other employment privileges. Teachers, school administrators, and support staff who strike would also have their teaching certificates revoked. The bill also prohibits school employee unions from striking, stating that any strike would end the union's official recognition and the school district’s obligation to negotiate with it.

Maddy summarySB 1121 creates a 10-member Joint Interim Committee (5 from each chamber) to study how to replace local property taxes (ad valorem taxes) if they were eliminated. The committee must examine alternative tax methods, assess revenue impacts on local governments, determine necessary tax rates, and evaluate redistribution mechanisms to address funding gaps. It will report findings and recommendations to the Legislature by July 2028, with the committee dissolving in 2030. This bill directly affects Oklahoma counties, cities, and other local governments that currently rely on property tax revenue.