Sen. Nikki Nice

Maddy summarySB 1989 expands contribution options for Oklahoma's 529 College Savings Plan by explicitly permitting digital payments through peer-to-peer apps and digital networks, in addition to cash. This change directly affects anyone contributing to the plan, including parents, students, or others saving for qualified higher education expenses. The bill updates the statute (70 O.S. 2021, Section 3970.7) to clarify that contributions may now be made via these digital methods. The amendment does not alter savings limits, tax treatment, or other program rules, focusing solely on expanding how funds can be deposited.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Oklahoma hospitals to provide patients experiencing fetal death or miscarriage with a form explaining how to request official certificates (fetal death or stillbirth birth certificates) before discharge. Hospitals must also verbally inform patients about these certificate options. The State Department of Health must create and publish this standardized form online, including clear instructions and contact details for vital records. The law takes effect November 1, 2026, directly affecting hospitals and patients in Oklahoma facing these medical circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution encourages Oklahoma residents, businesses, and institutions to reduce light pollution by turning off exterior lights and shielding interior lights during peak bird migration months. The bill specifically targets April, May, September, and October to help prevent birds from becoming disoriented and colliding with buildings or other structures. By supporting the Lights Out Oklahoma campaign, the legislature aims to protect migratory species that pass through the state while also promoting energy savings. This measure is non-binding and serves to express official support for voluntary actions rather than imposing new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally recognizes the harm that artificial light pollution causes to migrating birds and encourages Oklahomans to turn off exterior lights during specific months. It directly addresses businesses, state agencies, organizations, and residents by asking them to switch off outdoor lighting in April, May, September, and October to help birds navigate safely. The measure highlights that many birds migrate at night and can become disoriented by bright lights, leading to exhaustion and deadly collisions with structures. By adopting this resolution, the legislature expresses support for the Lights Out Oklahoma campaign without imposing mandatory regulations or penalties.

Maddy summarySB 2061 creates the Oklahoma Food Policy Council within the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to coordinate food systems and connect stakeholders. The council will advise on promoting sustainable locally grown food, farm-to-school programs, farmers markets, and community gardens, while assessing economic impacts on local food distribution. It must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing findings and recommendations, with no compensation for members but travel reimbursement allowed. The bill directly affects farmers, food banks, community gardens, and local food organizations by fostering collaboration across these groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Oklahoma's definition of "coercive control" within the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act. It adds specific examples to the definition, including isolating a victim from support networks, depriving basic needs, controlling finances or movements, threatening based on immigration status, forcing sex acts, and using animal cruelty to intimidate. These changes clarify what constitutes coercive control in domestic abuse cases, directly affecting victims and legal proceedings under Oklahoma's domestic abuse laws. The bill does not create new penalties or procedures - it solely refines the statutory definition to better capture non-physical abuse tactics.

Maddy summarySB 1295 creates a special fund within Oklahoma's State Treasury, managed by the Attorney General's Office, to develop a state and local database tracking domestic violence deaths. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2027 to support this database, which must be created within 24 months of the law's effective date (July 1, 2026). The database will be developed to meet requirements under existing law (Section 1601 of Title 22) for reviewing domestic violence fatalities. This funding directly supports the Attorney General's Office and local agencies involved in collecting and analyzing data on domestic violence-related deaths.

Maddy summarySR 29 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing February as Black History Month in Oklahoma. It formally honors the contributions of Black Oklahomans throughout state history, including their roles in the Civil Rights Movement and achievements in politics, education, and culture. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves to acknowledge these historical contributions. The resolution references key milestones like the 100th anniversary of Black History Month recognition and Oklahoma's historical figures and communities.

Maddy summarySB 1355 requires Oklahoma's Department of Veterans Affairs to create a program providing headstones or markers for eligible Oklahoma National Guard veterans who died in-state with an honorable discharge. Veterans meeting specific criteria (6+ years service, in-state residency, honorable separation, and not covered by federal law) can receive either a standard headstone/marker or a $200 reimbursement. The program is funded through a new "National Guard Veteran Burial Revolving Fund" in the state treasury, which can use legislative appropriations and donations to cover costs. This law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1498 prohibits Oklahoma employers (both public and private) from asking about an applicant's criminal history or obtaining criminal record information before making a conditional job offer. Employers may only ask about criminal convictions that would legally disqualify someone for a specific job under federal, state, or local law. The law does not apply to "sensitive positions" (like school staff, law enforcement, or roles involving vulnerable adults) or jobs where law requires criminal record checks. It takes effect November 1, 2026.