Sen. Dana Prieto

Maddy summarySB 183 updates Oklahoma's definitions for kratom products under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. It sets a 3.5% maximum alkaloid limit for raw kratom leaf, requires extracts to have mitragynine as the dominant chemical compound, and bans synthetic kratom compounds while limiting 7-hydroxymitragynine to under 1% in finished products. These changes directly affect businesses selling kratom (vendors), including stores, restaurants, and manufacturers, by establishing clear safety standards for products. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Oklahoma's Constitution that would narrow the current ban on public funds supporting religion. It would change the existing prohibition - which forbids public money from being used "directly or indirectly" for religious groups or institutions - to only prohibit *direct* financial support. This means the amendment would allow indirect funding (like grants to non-profits that may serve religious groups) that is currently restricted. The change would affect how state government allocates public funds, including potential impacts on education, social services, or community programs involving religious organizations.

Maddy summarySB 440 reduces the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth membership from 18 to 16 members. It updates the commission's composition by specifying appointments: 3 by the Senate President Pro Tempore, 3 by the House Speaker, 3 by the Governor, plus 3 ex-officio members (Health Care Authority Administrator, Rehabilitation Services Director, and SJR 13 Oversight Committee Chair), the Juvenile Affairs Executive Director, and 5 members appointed by the Governor from lists provided by specific child-serving organizations. The bill also requires appointed members to have experience in children's services and sets an effective date of November 1, 2025. This is a procedural change to the commission's structure, not a new policy.

Maddy summarySB 197 modifies Oklahoma's process for handling initiative and referendum votes. It grants the Legislature and Governor the authority to choose whether to hold a special election for these measures or to use a specific scheduled election date (the second Tuesday in November during odd-numbered years, or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years). If the Legislature and Governor set conflicting dates, the law specifies the November election dates as the default. This bill directly affects voters participating in initiatives or referendums and election officials managing the timing of these votes. The changes take effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1113 requires Oklahoma courts in child welfare cases (deprived proceedings) to disclose specified records to all parties involved, including parents, the child, and court-appointed guardians. It creates a strong rule that disclosure is generally required for the child's best interest, which can only be overridden if the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that disclosure would harm the child. The bill mandates disclosure of specific records like Department of Human Services assessments, law enforcement reports, medical evaluations, safety plans, and digital communications (including emails and texts within DHS), while requiring all information identifying abuse reporters to be redacted. All disclosed information must remain confidential under a court-ordered protective order, prohibiting unauthorized use or sharing.

Maddy summarySB 1069 amends Oklahoma's Governmental Tort Claims Act to change how legal costs and fees are awarded in lawsuits against state or local government entities. It requires courts to award certain costs and attorney fees to a plaintiff who wins a case, and allows courts to award fees to a government defendant under specific circumstances. The bill also modifies liability rules, stating that government entities may be held liable for certain actions previously exempted if a court makes specific findings. This directly affects plaintiffs who win tort cases against Oklahoma government bodies and government defendants facing such lawsuits. The changes aim to adjust the financial burden of litigation for both sides under the state's tort claims framework.

Maddy summarySB 451 requires state agencies to include a specific statement when proposing legislation they request. This statement must identify the requesting agency, the primary contact person, and a brief explanation of why the legislation is needed. The bill applies only to legislation formally requested by a state agency, not to bills drafted by legislators or others. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, aiming to improve transparency in how agency requests influence new laws.

Maddy summarySB 197 modifies Oklahoma's process for voting on citizen-initiated measures and referendum questions. It grants the Legislature or Governor the choice to call a special election for these votes instead of waiting for the next regular election, or to set a specific November date (odd or even year) for the vote. If the Legislature and Governor choose different dates, the election must be held on the second Tuesday of November in an odd-numbered year or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an even-numbered year. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 183 amends Oklahoma's Kratom Consumer Protection Act by updating key definitions for kratom products. It specifies that kratom leaf must not exceed 3.5% total alkaloids when dried, kratom leaf extract must have mitragynine as the dominant alkaloid (at least twice other alkaloids), and final kratom products must limit 7-hydroxymitragynine to no more than 1% of total alkaloids. These changes directly affect vendors - including stores, restaurants, and supermarkets - that sell or prepare kratom products. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, clarifying regulatory standards for legally marketed kratom items.

Maddy summarySB 446 modifies Oklahoma's firearms carry laws by expanding where concealed or open carry is permitted. It allows concealed carry in government buildings (like city/town halls) and school parking lots (with firearms locked in vehicles when unattended), and permits concealed carry at Oklahoma State Fair and Tulsa State Fair venues if they meet specific security standards (e.g., 8-foot fences, metal detectors, officer-staffed entry points). The bill also removes prohibitions on carrying firearms in certain public parks, recreational areas, and fairgrounds property, while maintaining bans in courthouses, schools (except parking), and facilities providing mental health/substance abuse services. It updates legal references and provides an effective date.