Sen. Brent Howard

Maddy summaryHB 1743 streamlines Oklahoma probate procedures by requiring a single "combined notice" for creditors, heirs, and hearings instead of separate notices. It mandates this notice be filed within 5 days of court approval, published weekly for two weeks, and mailed to creditors and interested parties within 10 days. The bill sets a minimum 45-day waiting period before the final court hearing on estate matters. This directly affects individuals handling probate estates (petitioners, creditors, heirs) by simplifying notice requirements and clarifying deadlines for estate administration.

Maddy summaryHB 2746 amends Oklahoma's Remote Quality Jobs Incentive Act to require proxy establishments (entities that attract remote workers to the state) to verify that included remote workers have basic health insurance meeting specific coverage standards. The insurance must cover hospital care, physician services, mental health, substance abuse treatment, prescription drugs, and prenatal care, with employees paying no more than 50% of the premium. The bill also clarifies key terms like "remote worker" (an employee working outside Oklahoma who hasn't lived there in the past year) and "new direct job" (a job created by an establishment other than the proxy that didn't exist before application approval). The law takes effect November 1, 2025, and became effective without the Governor's signature on May 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1743 amends Oklahoma's probate procedures for "summary administration" of estates. The bill changes the timeframe for filing a "combined notice" to within five days of the court granting the petition and order for combined notice. This notice informs creditors and interested parties about the estate, the final hearing, and how to file objections. The legislation adjusts the administrative timeline for this expedited probate process, directly affecting those involved in settling estates through summary administration.

Maddy summaryHB 2746 amends the Oklahoma Remote Quality Jobs Incentive Act, which offers incentives for attracting remote workers to the state. The bill modifies the eligibility requirements for "basic health benefits plans" that remote workers must possess for their employment to qualify. Specifically, it removes the previous list of required coverage areas like hospital or mental health care. The updated definition primarily mandates that employees pay no more than fifty percent of the premium, and clarifies that Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs) do not meet this requirement. This act will take effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1991 modifies criminal procedure concerning bail. It specifies that if a defendant is held in a jail in one county but has an additional request to be held from another jurisdiction within the state, they may post a bond in that other jurisdiction. Upon providing proof that the bond has been posted, the request to hold the defendant from the second jurisdiction will be released. This bill becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 1006 is a resolution from the Oklahoma Legislature urging the United States Congress to propose a specific constitutional amendment. This amendment would clarify that states and Congress have the authority to reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money in political campaigns, elections, and ballot measures. If adopted, this would allow legislative bodies to set limits on election spending, potentially affecting political campaigns, organizations, and individuals involved in influencing elections.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 546 establishes consumer rights concerning the processing of personal data for Oklahoma residents. It defines terms like "personal data" and "biometric data," and grants consumers the ability to make specific requests regarding their data. The bill outlines duties for entities that control personal data, requiring them to provide privacy notices and disclosures, and comply with certain contractual provisions. It also authorizes the Attorney General to enforce these provisions, including a cure period for violations and penalties for non-compliance, while exempting certain organizations like nonprofits and data covered by HIPAA.

Maddy summaryHB 1415 amends Oklahoma's antitrust law to strengthen enforcement against violations affecting consumers and businesses. It allows injured parties to recover triple damages plus attorney fees (Section 205), while permitting the state Attorney General to pursue civil penalties of up to $1 million per violation (Section 206), considering factors like the violation's severity and impact on consumers. The bill also establishes a 4-year statute of limitations for claims and classifies certain antitrust violations as a felony punishable by fines up to $10,000 per violation after November 1, 2025. It directly affects businesses violating antitrust rules, consumers harmed by such violations, and the state in enforcing these provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1367 requires Oklahoma alcohol-serving businesses (like bars and restaurants) to implement specific measures to prevent employee violations, such as selling to minors or intoxicated persons. Key provisions include mandating that employees obtain a valid seller-server training certificate within 14 days of hire and every two years thereafter, adopting written policies to prohibit prohibited sales, and providing an affidavit to the ABLE Commission within 10 days if claiming an employee’s violation wasn’t the business’s responsibility. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption that a business encouraged violations if an employee commits the same offense three times within 12 months, shifting the burden to the business to prove otherwise. The law, effective November 1, 2025, applies to all ABLE Commission-licensed establishments.

Maddy summarySB 978 modifies Oklahoma's requirements for formatting property-related documents submitted to county clerks for recording. It mandates minimum margins (2 inches top, 1 inch elsewhere), specifies document size (max 8.5x14 inches), and requires legibility using xerographically reproducible ink. The bill also adds a $1 fee per legal description exceeding 25 per page on a single document. It directly affects property owners, real estate professionals, and lenders who file deeds, mortgages, or leases. The changes apply to all documents filed after July 1, 2025, including existing records.