Sen. Jo Anna Dossett

Maddy summaryOklahoma Senate Bill 948 adopts a non-binding definition of anti-Semitism for use in state discrimination contexts. The bill defines anti-Semitism as "a certain perception of Jewish people, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jewish people," including threats or violence targeting Jewish individuals, property, or community institutions. It codifies this definition in Oklahoma law, effective July 1, 2025, and declares an emergency to accelerate implementation. The bill does not create new legal penalties or alter existing anti-discrimination laws but provides a reference standard for interpreting discrimination cases involving anti-Semitism.

Maddy summarySB 764 allows foster parents who are lactating females to breastfeed children under two years old in foster care, but only with authorization from Oklahoma's Department of Human Services (DHS) and written permission from the child's biological parent (if possible). The bill requires DHS to create specific rules for implementing this policy. It directly affects foster parents, children under two in foster care, and DHS staff managing foster placements. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 567 allows patients in Oklahoma to request restrictions on how their protected health information (like medical records) and certain personal details (such as Social Security numbers, bank account info, or contact data) are shared by healthcare providers or other covered entities. It specifically lets patients limit disclosures for treatment, payment, health operations, communication with family, or sharing with other healthcare organizations. The bill codifies these patient rights under Oklahoma law, aligning with federal HIPAA definitions, and takes effect November 1, 2025. This directly affects patients seeking control over their health data and healthcare providers handling that information.

Maddy summarySB 277 creates Oklahoma's first state-run paid family and medical leave insurance program. It requires most employers to contribute to a fund that provides eligible workers with up to 26 weeks of paid leave (12 weeks for family care, 26 for medical needs) based on their recent earnings history. Covered employees must have earned a minimum wage amount during their base period, and self-employed individuals can opt into the program. The law mandates employer notices about benefits, protects workers from retaliation for using leave, and sets benefit amounts at one-thirteenth of the employee's highest-earning quarter.

Maddy summarySB 75 requires railroad companies in Oklahoma to have at least two certified crew members (such as engineers or conductors) aboard freight trains while they are moving. This applies to all freight operations except for passenger trains, tourist rides, slow-moving trains (under 30 mph), helper service, hostler service, or loading/unloading movements (under 10 mph). Violations carry fines starting at $250 for a first offense, increasing to $10,000 for repeat violations within three years. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and directly affects freight railroad operators in Oklahoma.

Maddy summarySB 361 protects indigenous traditional healing practitioners in Oklahoma who lack medical licenses from being penalized under health care laws. It allows them to practice without violating licensing rules, provided they do not perform medical procedures (like surgery or prescribing drugs), falsely claim medical credentials, diagnose illnesses, or interfere with prescribed treatments. The law explicitly prohibits specific actions while safeguarding cultural healing practices. It takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 379 allows individuals whose arrest booking photographs are published or shared online to request removal by sending a written request with ID proof via registered mail. The business or person who published the photo must remove it within 10 days and cannot republish it afterward, with penalties of $1,000 per day for initial noncompliance or $5,000 per day for repeat violations. The law bans charging fees for removal and prohibits commercial entities whose primary business is selling arrest photos from accepting payment to remove them. It applies to most online publishers but excludes businesses that routinely profit from distributing such photos.

Maddy summarySB 605 prohibits counties and municipalities in Oklahoma from requiring small distilleries (those producing 2,500 cases or fewer annually and not open to the public) to maintain specific driveway widths. This bill directly affects small-scale distilleries operating under the specified production limits. The key provision removes a local government requirement that could have restricted these businesses' operations. The law takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1751 requires individuals appointed as guardians for certain persons in Oklahoma to complete specific training before assuming their role. The bill mandates that applicants submit proof of this training to the court and gives judges the authority to waive these requirements in specific cases. It also directs the Department of Human Services to maintain a list related to these training requirements and updates the legal framework for how courts manage guardianship cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing law to clarify that health benefit plans are not required to cover contraceptive drugs intended for non-routine use. The change specifically adds a provision stating that coverage is only mandatory for contraceptives used regularly or routinely. This amendment directly affects health insurance plans and their policies regarding contraception coverage. By adding this exception, the bill ensures that plans do not have to pay for contraceptives used for purposes other than regular birth control.