Sen. Nikki Nice

Maddy summarySB 763 requires Oklahoma's Ethics Commission to create rules mandating disclosure of spending on local ballot initiatives and referendums (like city-level proposals), similar to existing state-level reporting rules. This directly affects municipalities, local campaign groups, and voters involved in local ballot measures. The bill defines "municipal ballot measure" as initiatives or referendums under Oklahoma law and sets an effective date of November 1, 2025. The key change is standardizing financial transparency for local ballot campaigns under the Ethics Commission's oversight.

Maddy summarySB 261 amends Oklahoma's Heritage Preservation Grant Program to allow grants to cover capital improvements and repairs, which were previously excluded. This change directly affects eligible entities like museums, historical societies, and cultural organizations that preserve Oklahoma heritage. The bill updates Section 415 of 53 O.S. 2021 to clarify that grants may now fund these eligible expenses, alongside existing uses for operating costs, collections, educational programs, and strategic planning. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 262 creates the Oklahoma Rental Assistance Grant Program, administered by the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, to provide rental subsidies to individuals evicted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded through legislative appropriations, federal funds, and private donations deposited into a new Oklahoma Rental Assistance Revolving Fund. This fund operates as a continuing account in the state treasury, allowing the agency to use these resources for the program without annual budget constraints. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and declares an emergency to expedite implementation.

Maddy summarySB 390 prohibits sentencing juveniles (individuals under 18 at the time of the offense) to life imprisonment without parole or mandatory minimum sentences exceeding 20 years. This bill directly affects youth convicted of crimes who would otherwise face these severe penalties under Oklahoma law. The key provision amends Section 2-5-204 of Title 10A O.S. to explicitly ban such sentences for juveniles. The law applies to all cases where a juvenile is certified to stand trial as an adult or sentenced as a youthful offender.

Maddy summarySB 570 requires Oklahoma hospitals to provide patients experiencing fetal death or miscarriage with a form explaining how to request official certificates (fetal death or stillbirth) before discharge. The form, created by the State Department of Health and published online, details the process for obtaining these certificates under existing Oklahoma law and includes contact information for vital records. This bill directly affects patients who experience pregnancy loss and hospitals treating them, ensuring clear access to certificate procedures without changing medical care or adding new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 362 creates the Oklahoma Community Health Worker Act, establishing a voluntary state certification system for community health workers. The bill defines "community health worker" as trusted frontline public health workers serving their communities, and sets up a certificate issued by the State Department of Health. Certified workers may serve as liaisons between communities and health services, identify resource gaps, and support community health through education and advocacy. The law requires the Department of Health to set standards, exams, and fees for certification, effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 94 creates the Oklahoma Commission on Race and Equality to address racial discrimination and bias in state policy. The Commission, appointed with representation from the Governor, legislature, and Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, advises state agencies, monitors legislation for discriminatory impacts, and serves as a research resource on racial bias. It will conduct meetings, provide diversity guidance for state appointments, and submit annual reports to leadership. Funding comes through a revolving fund supported by donations, effective November 1, 2025. The bill directly affects state agencies, businesses, and communities seeking guidance on racial equity issues.

Maddy summarySB 173 creates the Municipal Improvements for Roads and Bridges Fund to redirect excess road and bridge funding that previously went to the General Revenue Fund. It modifies Oklahoma's apportionment system for vehicle license and registration fees, shifting any funds exceeding the 2015 school district allocation limit (36.20%) to this new municipal fund instead. The bill directly affects Oklahoma municipalities by providing dedicated funding for local road and bridge maintenance and improvements. Key provisions require the Transportation Commission to establish rules for distributing these funds, with the fund becoming operational starting July 1, 2019, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summarySB 219 requires all Oklahoma public school districts and public charter schools to provide free tampons and sanitary napkins in restrooms designated for female use and single-occupancy restrooms. The law directly affects students and staff in these schools by ensuring access to menstrual products without cost. Key provisions mandate that schools stock these products in specified restrooms, with "menstrual products" defined as tampons and sanitary napkins. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and was declared an emergency to allow immediate implementation.

Maddy summarySB 55 increases Oklahoma's minimum wage to $13.00 per hour, effective November 1, 2025, with annual increases of $0.50 per hour over five years, reaching $15.50 per hour by 2030. Employers must pay the higher of the state minimum wage or the federal minimum wage for all hours worked. The bill amends Oklahoma's Minimum Wage Act (40 O.S. 2021, Section 197.2) to implement these changes and updates statutory language. It applies to most workers covered under Oklahoma's minimum wage law.