Sen. Kendal Sacchieri

Maddy summarySB 97 prohibits Oklahoma state agencies from contracting with lobbyists or hiring legislative liaisons for lobbying purposes without written approval from the relevant cabinet secretary. The bill defines key terms like "lobbyist" (including executive and legislative lobbyists) and excludes individuals who lobby without compensation (such as those exercising constitutional petition rights or appearing without payment beyond expense reimbursement). This law aims to limit direct lobbying by state agencies by requiring higher-level oversight for such activities. It becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1167 allows active-duty U.S. military members temporarily stationed in Oklahoma (on temporary duty assignments) and their spouses to serve as poll workers in any Oklahoma county, regardless of their home military base. The bill amends Oklahoma election law to remove residency restrictions for these individuals, making it easier for military personnel and their families to participate in local elections during temporary assignments. The change takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1167 allows active-duty members of the U.S. uniformed services temporarily assigned to Oklahoma and their spouses to serve as poll workers (precinct officials) in any Oklahoma county, regardless of their home of record. This removes a residency requirement that previously restricted military personnel stationed in the state from working at local polling places. The bill directly affects military service members on temporary duty in Oklahoma and their spouses who wish to assist with election administration. It becomes effective November 1, 2025, and codifies this change in Oklahoma law.

Maddy summaryHB 1198 adds a $1,000 property tax break for Oklahoma homeowners with household income under $30,000 annually. It directly affects low-income primary homeowners (defined as those maintaining a home and providing for household necessities) by exempting $1,000 of their property's assessed value from taxes. Homeowners must apply yearly by March 15 (or within 30 days of a valuation notice) and certify income, which includes most earnings like Social Security but excludes veterans' benefits and pandemic relief payments. Seniors aged 65+ who previously qualified do not need annual applications but must report income exceeding $30,000 to maintain the exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 1198 adds a $1,000 homestead exemption for Oklahoma homeowners who are heads of household and have gross household income under $30,000 annually. It defines "gross household income" broadly to include most income types (like Social Security and pensions) while excluding veterans' benefits and certain COVID-19 relief payments. Homeowners must apply yearly by March 15 (or within 30 days of a valuation notice) to claim the exemption, but seniors 65+ who already qualify do not need to reapply annually unless their income exceeds $30,000. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1820 requires Oklahoma's Medicaid program to verify specific eligibility information (like income, residency, employment, and immigration status) before approving benefits, excluding TEFRA-eligible applicants and individuals with intellectual disabilities in Home and Community Based Waivers. It mandates quarterly reviews of enrolled Medicaid recipients for changes in circumstances and establishes a 10-business-day window for applicants to respond to discrepancies. The law directs the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to contract with independent vendors that demonstrate cost savings and to use data-sharing agreements with state agencies. This bill directly affects Medicaid applicants and recipients in Oklahoma by tightening eligibility verification processes, while exempting certain vulnerable groups from these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1820, known as the "HOPE Act," requires Oklahoma's Medicaid program to verify detailed eligibility information for applicants - including income, employment, residency, financial resources, and immigration status - while excluding TEFRA-eligible individuals and those with intellectual disabilities in specific Home and Community-Based Medicaid waiver programs. The bill mandates quarterly reviews of enrolled Medicaid recipients' circumstances and establishes a 10-day response period for individuals to address discrepancies, with written notice required before any benefit discontinuation. It also requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to contract with independent vendors only if annual savings exceed costs and to share data with other agencies via memoranda of understanding. Effective November 1, 2025, the law updates verification procedures but does not change Medicaid benefit eligibility or coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 1448 requires non-government campaign or election mailers (such as those encouraging absentee ballot applications or election dates) sent to voters to include a specific disclaimer in 14-point font: "This piece of mail is not an official government document from the State of Oklahoma or any subdivision of this state." It directly affects political campaigns, advocacy groups, and organizations sending such mailers, excluding official government documents from election boards. Violations incur a $100 fine per mailer campaign (not per piece) for the first offense, rising to $300 for a third offense, with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission enforcing the law. The bill aims to clarify the origin of election-related mailers to voters.

Maddy summaryHB 1448 requires non-official campaign or election mailings (like voter registration reminders or absentee ballot solicitations) sent via mail to include a clear disclaimer in 14-point font stating, "This piece of mail is not an official government document from the State of Oklahoma or any subdivision of this state." It imposes fines of $100 per mailing campaign for the first violation, increasing to $300 for a third offense, and directs the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to enforce the rule. The bill directly affects political campaigns, nonprofits, and organizations distributing such mailings to voters. It becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 588 requires Oklahoma school districts and technology centers to request written verification from a job candidate's previous employer about any raised allegations of inappropriate behavior involving students. This verification must use state-prescribed forms and confirm whether allegations or pending investigations existed. Failure to request or provide this verification results in the superintendent's dismissal, board positions becoming vacant for five years, and the school covering 50% of any related civil settlement costs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.