Maddy summarySB 118 requires Oklahoma's Supreme Court to create the Judicial Performance Evaluation Council (JPEC) and an Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation (OJPE) within the Administrative Office of the Courts. The bill establishes a process where judges are evaluated annually through surveys (including self-evaluations), with results reviewed by JPEC and a final determination made by the Supreme Court on whether judges meet performance standards. This system aims to provide public information on judicial performance, identify areas for improvement, and support judicial education, while maintaining judicial independence. The Supreme Court must adopt rules for the evaluation process and publicly share annual reports on judge performance, including details on how judges met standards. The bill directly affects all intermediate appellate and district court judges in Oklahoma.
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Maddy summarySB 259 requires groundwater permit holders to annually report their water usage by January 31, including specific details about swine operations using liquid waste systems and whether they are licensed under Oklahoma's Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Act. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board must investigate waste complaints, notify landowners before inspections, and implement a phased metering system for groundwater monitoring. The bill also prohibits water waste (like unpermitted use or inefficient practices), imposes fines for noncompliance, and appropriates funds to the Board for data collection and rulemaking. These changes directly affect groundwater users, especially agricultural operations, and expand the Board's oversight role.
Maddy summaryHB 2219 creates a rebate program for music production companies in Oklahoma, providing cash refunds for costs incurred at qualifying music studios. It offers tiered rebates (10% for expenses under $20,000, 25% for $20,000+), with additional rebates (up to 7%) for using Oklahoma-based crew, completing work locally, or hosting qualifying concerts in the state. The program is capped at $500,000 per production and $10 million annually, funded by a new "Crossroads Sound and Screen Revolving Fund." Eligible producers must meet requirements like paying local crews, providing insurance, and participating in state-promoted events.
Maddy summarySB 914 creates the "Oklahoma Regional Water District Act," requiring the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to designate geographic water districts by July 1, 2026. Each district must develop a regional water plan by 2026 addressing drought scenarios (at 75% and 50% normal flow), water conservation, infrastructure needs, and equitable adjustment of water rights. The plan must include specific strategies for managing supply during droughts, protecting existing water rights, and exploring regional water-sharing options like water banks. This directly affects counties, municipalities, agricultural interests, water utilities, and environmental groups within designated districts, with oversight by the Board and public hearings required for plan approval.
Maddy summarySB 914 creates the "Oklahoma Regional Water District Act," requiring the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to designate geographic regions as water districts by July 1, 2026. These districts must develop regional water plans by July 2026, including specific strategies for droughts at 50% and 75% water flow, and address water conservation, supply development, and fair adjustments to water rights. The plans must be reviewed by the Board, include public hearings, and be updated every five years, with conflict resolution mechanisms for disputes between districts. The bill directly affects counties, municipalities, agricultural interests, water utilities, and regional planning groups across Oklahoma.
Maddy summarySB 221 doubles the annual state tax credit limit under Oklahoma's Rural Jobs Act, raising it from $15 million to $30 million for applications approved on or after July 1, 2025. It allows rural investment funds certified before this date to reapply for certification for subsequent projects, ensuring continuity for existing applicants. The bill requires rural funds to secure cash investments within 95 days of certification, with at least 10% coming from local sources like employees or affiliates, and mandates the Department to provide eligibility opinions within 15 business days. This directly affects rural investment funds and businesses in Oklahoma’s rural areas seeking tax credit-funded capital.
Maddy summarySB 221 increases the annual state tax credit limit under Oklahoma's Rural Jobs Act from $15 million to $30 million for applications approved on or after its effective date (July 1, 2025). It directly affects rural funds seeking tax credits to support capital investments in eligible rural businesses, allowing those certified before the effective date to reapply for certification afterward. Key provisions require rural funds to secure investments within 90 days of certification, with at least 10% of capital coming from the investor's own sources (e.g., employees or directors), and mandate documentation within 95 days. The bill also updates statutory references and declares an emergency to expedite implementation.
Maddy summaryHB 1012, the Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act, establishes new rights for Oklahoma consumers regarding their personal data collected by businesses. It directly affects for-profit businesses (excluding ISPs acting as such) that gather consumer information, requiring them to provide clear privacy disclosures, allow consumers to request access or deletion of their data, and enable opting out of data sales. Key mechanisms include mandating businesses to verify consumer requests, disclose data practices online, prohibit discrimination for exercising privacy rights, and impose civil penalties for violations. The law empowers the Oklahoma Attorney General to enforce these provisions and collect penalties into a dedicated state fund. It aligns with federal privacy laws but prioritizes the strongest consumer protections when conflicts arise.
Maddy summaryHB 1012 creates the Oklahoma Computer Data Privacy Act, giving consumers new rights over their personal data collected by businesses. It requires businesses (for-profit entities, excluding ISPs acting as such) to provide clear privacy policies, allow consumers to request disclosure or deletion of their data, and opt out of data sales. The law prohibits businesses from discriminating against consumers who exercise these rights and mandates specific disclosure requirements. Violations could result in civil penalties enforced by the Oklahoma Attorney General.
Maddy summarySB 622 creates a Public Access Counselor Unit within Oklahoma's Attorney General's office to resolve disputes over denied public records requests. Requesters denied access by public bodies (excluding the Legislature and its committees) can file a review within 30 days, prompting the Counselor to issue a binding advisement within 60 days. The bill requires public bodies to respond to the Counselor's requests for records within 7 business days and grants immunity to bodies that comply with the advisement. It prohibits review requests made for commercial purposes and allows the Attorney General to issue advisory opinions to help public bodies avoid future violations.