Sen. Adam Pugh

Maddy summaryHB 1086 updates Oklahoma's school funding rules by redefining how school districts manage their general funds. It requires districts to place capital project funds (like those for building repairs) into a separate building fund instead of the general fund, and eliminates the practice of carrying over general fund money to future years. The bill restricts general fund use for capital projects to only cases where a building is destroyed by disaster (fire, flood, etc.) and other funding sources (insurance, state aid) are insufficient. This directly affects all Oklahoma public school districts in how they track and spend state and local education funds.

Maddy summaryHB 1086 modifies how state aid for public schools is calculated by changing the formula used to determine per-pupil revenue for school districts. It allows certain districts to apply specific exceptions when computing this revenue, affecting how much state funding they receive. The bill directly impacts school districts and the state's funding distribution process, ensuring adjustments for unique district circumstances. It became law on May 22, 2025, without the Governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHB 1466 modifies Oklahoma's school accreditation process to provide school districts with clearer due process rights when facing potential accreditation loss. It requires the State Department of Education to notify districts within 10 working days if accreditation recommendations are made, giving them 10 days to request a formal hearing before the State Board of Education. The bill mandates that hearings must occur within 30 days of a request, with specific procedures for evidence presentation, legal representation, and written rulings. Districts failing to request a hearing or comply with accreditation standards within 90 days after a ruling risk losing accreditation. This directly affects public school districts in Oklahoma by establishing a more structured appeal process for accreditation decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1466 modifies the process for public school accreditation in Oklahoma, directly affecting school districts, the State Board of Education, and the State Department of Education. The bill specifies that accreditation standards will now include provisions for "deficiencies" in addition to warnings, probation, or nonaccredited status for schools not meeting standards. It establishes a formal due process hearing procedure, allowing school districts to request a hearing before the State Board of Education if the State Department of Education recommends an accreditation action. This process includes specific timelines for requests, allows for legal representation and evidence submission, and outlines the order of procedures for the hearing. If a district fails to comply with accreditation standards following a ruling from this hearing process, the Board can withdraw the school's accreditation.

Maddy summarySB 796 prohibits Oklahoma public universities from using state funds, property, or resources for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that grant preferential treatment based on race, ethnicity, sex, or national origin. It bans mandatory DEI training, pronoun disclosure requirements, and diversity statements in hiring, while allowing programs supporting first-generation students, low-income students, or underserved groups without race-based preferences. Universities must review and potentially restructure non-compliant DEI initiatives by July 2025 and submit annual compliance certificates starting July 2026. The bill exempts accreditation requirements, academic freedom, student organizations, and data collection from its restrictions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 796 prohibits Oklahoma's public higher education institutions from using state funds or resources for certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities. It bans programs that grant preferential treatment based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin, and prohibits mandating participation in related training or requiring DEI statements from job applicants. Institutions are also forbidden from mandating the disclosure of personal pronouns. The bill requires these institutions to review existing DEI functions and restructure or eliminate those not necessary for compliance, accreditation, or broad student support, with annual compliance certifications due to state leaders.

Maddy summarySB 806, the Food is Medicine Act, requires Medicaid contractors to expand nutrition services for enrollees, particularly those with diet-related health conditions like diabetes. It creates financial incentives for healthcare providers to offer medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling as part of Medicaid coverage. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and their healthcare providers by integrating food-based health interventions into standard care. The law took immediate effect after Governor approval on May 8, 2025, without a waiting period.

Maddy summarySB 553 amends Oklahoma law to add "knowingly and willfully failing to report suspected child abuse or neglect" as a specific reason for revoking teaching licenses or certifications. It directly affects school employees (including teachers, administrators, and support staff) who hold teaching credentials. The bill requires these employees to annually sign an attestation confirming they understand reporting obligations under Oklahoma law, and establishes that the State Board of Education must follow strict notice procedures (certified mail and email within 3 days) before revoking a license for this violation. This law strengthens accountability for mandatory child abuse reporting in schools by creating clear, enforceable consequences for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) designating May 5-9, 2025, as Teacher Appreciation Week in Oklahoma. It formally recognizes teachers' contributions to education and communities but does not create new policies, funding, or legal obligations. The resolution honors teachers' roles as educators, mentors, and community supporters without altering any existing laws or programs. It was adopted by the Oklahoma Senate on May 8, 2025, and referred to the Secretary of State for filing.

Maddy summaryHB 2111 updates Oklahoma's vehicle titling definitions and requirements. It clarifies terms like "salvage vehicle" and "rebuilt vehicle," while adding a new requirement for owners to declare vehicle damage (from collision, flood, or theft) when applying for a title. This affects anyone registering or titling a vehicle in Oklahoma, particularly those with damaged or recovered vehicles. The bill removes outdated language but does not change existing title classification rules, focusing instead on standardizing disclosure during the titling process.