Sen. Aaron Reinhardt

Maddy summaryHB 1084 bans insurance companies or contractors from soliciting or accepting assignments of post-loss benefits (like repair costs) for auto, home, or business property insurance claims. It declares such agreements void and unenforceable, except for mortgagees, federally insured lenders, or liability coverage. Violating this law is treated as an unfair trade practice under Oklahoma law, subjecting violators to standard penalties. The bill explicitly allows attorneys to collect fees for claim-related work and permits insureds to directly pay for covered services or materials.

Maddy summaryHB 1273 adds an alternative batterers' intervention program option for domestic violence offenders in Oklahoma. It requires courts to order convicted domestic violence offenders (those found guilty under Section 644C) to complete either a standard 52-week program or a shorter 26-week certified alternative program. The alternative programs, approved by the Attorney General, must prioritize victim safety and include specific strategies to stop violence and promote accountability. Defendants who miss three consecutive or seven total sessions in either program face potential probation revocation.

Maddy summaryHB 1084 prohibits insurance companies from requiring policyholders to assign their benefits to contractors for certain services, such as property repairs after a claim. This directly affects homeowners and renters who use insurance for property damage, as well as contractors who previously relied on these assignments. The bill bans specific practices where insurers demand that policyholders transfer their claim payments to contractors before repairs are completed. It becomes effective immediately upon enactment (May 29, 2025), clarifying that such assignments are not permitted under the law.

Maddy summaryHB 1160 amends Oklahoma's insurance guaranty association law to clarify its purpose, scope, and operations. It updates the association's role in paying covered claims when property/casualty insurers become insolvent, explicitly excluding life, health, government-backed, and certain other insurance types from coverage. The bill allows the association to join specified organizations and clarifies that some operational records are not public (with limited exceptions). These changes directly affect Oklahoma insurers required to join the association and policyholders whose claims might be covered under the guaranty system.

Maddy summarySB 988 transfers the administrative responsibility for filing certain secured transactions (like business loans secured by property) from the Oklahoma Secretary of State to the Oklahoma County Clerk. This change directly affects businesses and lenders in Oklahoma County that use the Uniform Commercial Code for financing agreements. The bill amends specific sections of the law to replace "Secretary of State" with "Oklahoma County Clerk" in the relevant statutes. The change took effect without the Governor's signature on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 527 modifies the time limit for creditors to formally record their claim (called "perfecting a security interest") on certificates of title for vehicles or equipment in Oklahoma. It directly affects lenders, banks, and businesses that secure loans against titled property, such as cars, trucks, or machinery. The bill changes the existing deadline, extending the timeframe to allow more time for creditors to properly register their claims after a loan is issued. This adjustment prevents claims from becoming invalid due to timing issues, providing clarity for financial transactions involving titled assets.

Maddy summaryHB 1160 amends Oklahoma's Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association Act to clarify how the Association handles claims when insurers become insolvent. It defines "covered claims" (including property damage claims in Oklahoma or resident policyholders), specifies exclusions (like punitive damages or reinsurance), and allows the Association to join certain organizations. The bill also clarifies that Association records are not public and modifies the Association's powers and duties under Sections 2002, 2003, and 2004 of the Oklahoma Insurance Code. This law, enacted without the Governor's signature on May 28, 2025, directly affects Oklahoma property/casualty insurance policyholders whose insurer fails.

Maddy summarySB 527 shortens the deadline for lenders to secure their legal claim on vehicles and other titled property from 10 to 5 days after purchase. This affects banks, dealerships, and businesses that use security interests on assets like cars or equipment. The bill modifies the timeframe for "perfecting" these claims to provide faster legal protection for lenders. It became law on May 28, 2025, without the Governor's signature.

Maddy summarySB 988 transfers the responsibility for handling certain secured transaction filings under Oklahoma's Uniform Commercial Code from the Oklahoma Secretary of State to the Oklahoma County Clerk. This change directly affects businesses and individuals who file security interests in personal property, requiring them to submit these documents to the county clerk's office instead of the state office. The bill amends specific sections of the law to update references from the Secretary of State to the Oklahoma County Clerk. It became law without the Governor's signature on May 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1955 supports Oklahoma teachers seeking National Board certification by expanding financial assistance and recognition. It provides up to $1,800 per teacher annually (covering $1,300 in fees plus a $500 scholarship) for application costs and certification expenses, with repayment required if certification isn’t completed within three years. The bill also establishes a $5,000 annual bonus for 10 years for teachers certified before June 30, 2013, or those who applied before that date, while clarifying that bonus eligibility excludes certain salary increments. Additionally, it mandates free mentorship and training support for participating teachers through university partnerships. The law took effect November 1, 2025.