Sen. Dana Prieto

Maddy summaryHB 1184 raises the minimum ACT score requirement for Oklahoma students seeking state financial aid through the Higher Learning Access Program from 19 to 22. It directly affects Oklahoma high school graduates (within three years) applying for tuition assistance, requiring a 22 ACT composite score alongside a 2.5 GPA for eligibility. The bill amends existing eligibility criteria (Section 2603) to strengthen academic standards for the program, applying to students from both accredited and non-accredited high schools, as well as alternative education programs. This change is pending final legislative approval after committee recommendation.

Maddy summarySB 759 updates Oklahoma's Parents' Bill of Rights to require written parental consent before students receive sex education, instruction about sexuality, or lessons on sexual orientation/gender identity. It mandates schools to notify parents and obtain written consent for students to participate in clubs or activities, access certain materials, or have photographs taken. The bill also expands parental access to medical records, requires annual staff training on these policies, and shortens timelines for schools to respond to parental requests. It directly affects all public school parents and districts in Oklahoma by imposing new consent and notification procedures for educational content and student information.

Maddy summarySB 590 allows Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools to hire or accept as volunteers ordained religious leaders (like pastors or ministers) as chaplains to provide support for students and staff, without requiring state education certification. Schools must obtain a national criminal history check via the OSBI for chaplains before they begin work and cannot employ anyone required to register as a sex offender. The bill explicitly prohibits requiring students or staff to seek services from a chaplain and defines "chaplain" as an ordained religious leader from any faith. It applies directly to all Oklahoma public schools and charter schools, effective July 2025.

Maddy summarySB 759 amends Oklahoma's Parents' Bill of Rights to require written parental permission before students receive sex education, LGBTQ+-related instruction, or participate in clubs/activities related to sexual orientation or gender identity. It expands parental access to medical records and school materials, mandates annual staff training on these rights, and requires schools to notify parents and obtain written consent for certain educational content. The bill directly affects parents of K-12 students, school staff, and school districts, which must adopt new procedures for consent and notification. Key provisions include prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation/gender identity without consent and reducing response times for parental record requests. The bill also updates definitions and adds specific requirements for school board policies.

Maddy summarySB 590 allows Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools to hire or accept as volunteers religious leaders (chaplains) to provide support to students and staff, without requiring state certification. Schools must conduct criminal background checks through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for all chaplains and cannot employ individuals who are sex offenders or required to register as such. The bill explicitly prohibits students or school employees from being forced to seek services from a chaplain. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all Oklahoma public schools and charter schools.

Maddy summarySB 451 requires state agencies to include a written request statement with any legislation they propose. The statement must name the requesting agency, identify a primary contact person, and briefly explain the need for the bill. This requirement applies only to legislation requested by state agencies, not to bills proposed by individuals, lobbyists, or representatives without agency involvement. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1113 requires Oklahoma courts in child welfare cases (deprived proceedings) to mandate full disclosure of most case-related records to all parties, including parents, children, and guardians ad litem. Key records covered include Department of Human Services assessments, medical evaluations, law enforcement reports, interview recordings, safety plans, and digital communications (like emails and KIDS system entries), with mandatory redaction of reporter identities. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that full disclosure serves the child's best interests, requiring courts to order disclosure unless proven otherwise by a preponderance of evidence. All disclosed information remains confidential under court protective orders, prohibiting third-party sharing except as permitted by law.

Maddy summarySB 298 creates two new exemptions from Oklahoma's gross production tax for oil and gas producers. It exempts production from secondary/tertiary recovery projects approved after July 1, 2022 (for up to 5 years) and production from wells completed using recycled water (for up to 24 months, proportional to recycled water use). Producers must claim refunds through the Oklahoma Tax Commission, with annual spending limits of $15 million for recovery projects and $10 million for recycled water projects. The bill updates existing tax language and requires refunds for exempted production, directly affecting oil and gas operators implementing these specific production methods.

Maddy summarySB 1069 amends Oklahoma's Governmental Tort Claims Act to change how legal costs and fees are handled in lawsuits against state or local government entities. It requires courts to award certain costs and attorney fees to plaintiffs who win their cases, while also allowing courts to award fees to defendants in specific situations. The bill modifies definitions of terms like "claimant" and "employee" to clarify who can file claims and who qualifies as a government employee. These changes directly affect individuals or groups suing government agencies (e.g., for accidents or negligence) and the government entities defending those lawsuits. The bill does not alter the basic grounds for suing government but shifts the financial burden of legal costs based on case outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 446 modifies Oklahoma's firearm carry laws by allowing concealed handgun carry on fairgrounds during the Oklahoma State Fair or Tulsa State Fair, and authorizes event holders to permit open carry of lawful firearms at these events. It updates school policies, permitting private schools to adopt written policies allowing weapon carry on property (with liability protection for the school) and enabling school districts to authorize designated staff with security licenses to carry on school grounds. The bill also clarifies that certain public property used for events without minimum-security measures (like metal detectors and officer-staffed entry) may allow concealed handgun carry, while maintaining existing prohibitions in places like courthouses, schools (except under specific policies), and gambling venues. These changes take effect upon passage.