Sen. Brent Howard

Maddy summarySB 1561 updates Oklahoma's enforcement rules for ambulance services that violate emergency medical regulations. It expands the State Commissioner of Health's disciplinary options to include requiring free public service or mandatory training programs, in addition to fines, license suspensions, or probation. The bill clarifies that out-of-state ambulance services responding to emergencies in Oklahoma must comply with state rules and submit documentation of their response. These changes strengthen oversight of ambulance services operating within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1937 requires Oklahoma public and charter school staff to include a student's parent or legal guardian in all electronic or digital communications (like emails, texts, or social media) with that student, unless the communication occurs on a school-approved platform for academic purposes. Exceptions allow staff to communicate without parental inclusion during emergencies, as determined by the school board, with mandatory follow-up notification to parents. The bill mandates training for school personnel on these requirements and outlines procedures for investigating alleged violations, which may include administrative leave during investigations. It directly affects students, parents/guardians, and school staff, taking effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1621 requires Oklahoma county law libraries, their boards, and employees to receive free legal representation from the local district attorney for matters related to their official duties. If a district attorney cannot serve due to a conflict of interest, the state Attorney General's office must provide that representation instead. The bill mandates this free legal assistance for all county law libraries and codifies the requirement in Oklahoma law. It takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends, merges, consolidates, and repeals multiple existing Oklahoma statutes to resolve conflicts between different versions of the law. It directly affects state agencies, courts, and individuals subject to the affected statutes by clarifying which legal provisions are currently in effect. The bill uses emergency procedures to take immediate effect, updating specific sections across various titles of the Oklahoma Statutes to ensure consistency and eliminate outdated or conflicting language.

Maddy summaryHB 4317 updates Oklahoma's education requirements for individuals seeking Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. Starting November 1, 2026, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher and complete either: (1) 24 accounting credit hours above introductory level (including one auditing course) plus 9 credit hours in business/economics subjects, or (2) 24 accounting hours plus 24 business/economics credit hours. This bill directly affects future CPA candidates in Oklahoma by raising educational standards for entry into the profession. The changes apply to those applying for certification after the 2026 effective date, with the current 120-hour requirement phasing out.

Maddy summarySB 625 requires parties in Oklahoma civil lawsuits to disclose commercial litigation funding agreements (where third parties fund lawsuits) upon request. It mandates a sworn certification confirming whether foreign governments or entities control the funding source, including specific details about foreign state involvement. The bill prohibits such funding agreements or related information from being used as evidence in court, while exempting consumer-focused litigation funding agreements. This directly affects parties in civil litigation and courts handling discovery requests.

Maddy summaryHB 3499, the Oklahoma Courts Reform Act of 2026, expands the types of cases special judges can handle while adding specific restrictions. It allows special judges to hear small money claims (up to $10,000), uncontested matters (with a $1,000 limit for non-lawyer judges), and certain civil cases like replevin or probate matters, but explicitly prohibits non-lawyer special judges from handling cases exceeding $1,000 in value, felony DUI cases, or property disputes. The bill also permits special judges to serve as referees in district court matters and perform magistrate duties in criminal cases. These changes apply to Oklahoma county courts and take effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3177 sets a base annual salary of $53,000 for court reporters regularly employed by Oklahoma's Corporation Commission. It also establishes additional pay based on certifications: $2,000 per year for each qualifying certification (like RPR, RMR, or CRR) up to a maximum $8,000 annually, plus a $3,000 equipment allowance and $400 per year in longevity pay (capped at $8,000 total). These provisions apply specifically to court reporters working for the Corporation Commission, with salary adjustments tied to certification levels and years of service. The bill directly affects court reporters employed by the Corporation Commission, detailing concrete pay structures rather than broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3278 amends Oklahoma's Open Meeting Act to give the Attorney General new enforcement powers over public bodies, agencies, or officers that violate the law. The bill allows the Attorney General to enter consent orders requiring compliance training for first-time violations or impose civil penalties up to $150 per violation, and issue findings of violation requiring compliance, training, or penalties up to $300 per violation. Public bodies must provide proof of compliance, and the Attorney General can seek court enforcement if violations continue. The law, effective January 1, 2027, creates a structured process for resolving violations without requiring criminal charges or civil lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHB 3645 amends Oklahoma's hospice care requirements to expand eligibility determination options when patients lack legal representatives. It allows hospice admission decisions by a licensed long-term care administrator (with 6 months oversight and two physician approvals), two physicians reviewing medical history, or a primary care physician managing care for six months. The bill maintains existing standards like 24/7 care, bereavement programs, and prohibitions on improper patient solicitation. It directly affects hospice providers and patients without appointed guardians, ensuring timely access to hospice services under defined criteria.