Sen. Brent Howard

Maddy summaryHB 3322 clarifies Oklahoma's rules for interpreting state statutes, particularly when multiple versions of the same law exist due to repeated amendments. It specifies that laws enacted after July 1, 1989, are presumed severable (meaning invalid parts don't void the entire law) unless a court finds the remaining parts are inseparable. For older laws, it presumes severability unless a court determines the remaining parts depend on the invalid section. Additionally, when conflicting versions arise from different amendments, the most recently enacted version (with exact enactment time) is presumed to reflect the Legislature's current intent.

Maddy summaryHB 4236 creates Oklahoma's "Uniform Commercial Receivership Act," establishing standardized procedures for court-appointed receivers managing property in debt or dispute cases. It directly affects creditors, debtors, courts, and receivers by defining key terms (like "receivership property" and "secured party"), requiring courts to provide notice and hearing before appointing a receiver, and clarifying that government property is excluded from the act. Key mechanisms include setting rules for receivers to operate (e.g., needing court approval for selling property or entering contracts), outlining how proceeds from receivership must be distributed to creditors, and ensuring receivers have the same legal standing as lienholders. The bill aims to create uniformity in receivership cases across Oklahoma, replacing inconsistent local practices with a clear statutory framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4352, the Oklahoma Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, establishes clear rules for modifying residential mortgages in Oklahoma. It defines key terms like "mortgage modification" and specifies that changes to interest rates, payment schedules, or loan terms (such as extending due dates or switching to fixed rates) must follow this framework. Crucially, the law ensures these modifications do not change a mortgage's priority or require recording in county records, keeping the original mortgage terms intact. The act applies to modifications made on or after its effective date, regardless of when the original mortgage was created, and affects homeowners seeking loan adjustments and lenders processing those changes. It excludes certain changes like adding/removing property or borrowers from this uniform process.

Maddy summarySB 2178 requires organizations applying for special event alcohol licenses (such as nonprofits hosting fundraisers or festivals) to hold general liability insurance with at least $1 million per incident and $2 million aggregate coverage for liquor-related incidents. It applies to all special event license applicants, except economic development chambers using licensed caterers for non-fundraising events. The bill updates existing rules to enforce this insurance requirement as a condition for license issuance, aligning special event sales rules with those for permanent liquor licenses. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3845 allows Oklahoma courts to revoke or suspend a parent's driver's license, hunting/fishing permits, or vessel registrations if they fail to pay child support for 90+ days or avoid related legal requirements. The bill specifically authorizes courts to suspend licenses for noncompliance with child support orders, including missed payments, failure to follow payment plans, or refusal to undergo paternity testing. Instead of immediate license loss, courts may offer probation: parents can keep licenses by agreeing to pay back child support through a court-approved plan, with probation lasting up to three years. This directly affects parents who owe child support, not the children or custodial parents, and expands enforcement beyond previous recreational license restrictions to include driver's licenses.

Maddy summarySB 1716 amends Oklahoma's Security Breach Notification Act to limit class action lawsuits against private entities following cybersecurity breaches. It prohibits class action liability unless a breach results from the entity's "willful and wanton conduct or gross negligence." The bill also clarifies that private entities using reasonable safeguards and providing required breach notices cannot be held liable for civil penalties, while those failing to use reasonable safeguards face reduced penalties ($75,000) but not class actions. This directly affects businesses and organizations handling personal data in Oklahoma, shifting enforcement exclusively to the Attorney General or district attorneys for most cases.

Maddy summaryHB 3697 extends the deadline for defendants to file an answer in civil lawsuits from 20 to 30 days after being served. It allows defendants to reserve additional time (20-30 days beyond the original deadline) but waives certain legal arguments if they use this option. The bill clarifies when specific defenses - like lack of jurisdiction or failure to state a claim - must be raised via motion rather than in a formal response. This directly affects defendants in Oklahoma civil cases by changing procedural timelines and defense strategies.

Maddy summarySB 2066 modifies Oklahoma's requirements for property-related documents submitted to county clerks for recording. It mandates specific margins (2 inches top, 1 inch elsewhere), requires documents to be legible in English with xerographically reproducible ink, and adds a $1 fee for each legal description exceeding 25 per page. The bill also clarifies that stray markings in margins won't void documents, allows electronic submissions via the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act, and ensures documents filed before 1997 comply with current standards. This affects property owners, real estate professionals, and county clerks handling deeds, mortgages, and leases.

Maddy summaryHB 3178 changes how farm equipment and tractors are valued for property tax in Oklahoma. It requires county assessors to apply a specific 25% annual depreciation schedule: 75% of original cost in year one, 50% in year two, 25% in year three, and zero value from year four onward. This applies to equipment used in agricultural production on farms owned, leased, or operated by the owner. The bill affects Oklahoma farmers who own qualifying equipment by reducing their property tax burden after three years. It takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 546 establishes data privacy rights for Oklahoma residents by requiring businesses that process personal data (referred to as "controllers") to honor consumer requests about their information. It mandates clear privacy notices, prohibits deceptive "dark patterns" for consent, and gives consumers rights to access, correct, or delete their data. The law excludes health data covered by HIPAA, certain nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. Businesses must respond to requests within specific timeframes and implement data protection measures, with enforcement by the Attorney General.