Sen. David Bullard

Maddy summaryHB 1267 reduces Oklahoma's top individual income tax rate for 2024 and beyond, lowering it to 4.75% for income above specific thresholds (e.g., $6,350 for single filers, $12,700 for married couples filing jointly). It also eliminates the deduction for federal income taxes when calculating Oklahoma taxable income. This change directly affects all Oklahoma residents and nonresidents filing individual income tax returns. The bill amends existing tax brackets to reflect these rate adjustments, effective for tax years beginning in 2024.

Maddy summarySB 977 prohibits public displays of lewd acts (such as indecent exposure, sexual behavior imitating sex, or sexually touching oneself) or obscene material in places where minors could witness them, including parades, concerts, or public events. It makes intentionally displaying such material in front of a minor a felony offense and allows victims (or their guardians) to file civil lawsuits for exposure. The law applies to both individuals and political subdivisions (like cities or counties), though subdivisions acting in good faith aren’t liable for violations by others. It defines "lewd acts" broadly but references existing legal definitions for "obscene material" under Oklahoma law. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 851 requires Oklahoma school districts to provide statewide educator associations (like teachers' unions) equal access to school employees for communication and materials, mirroring access granted to other educator groups. It prohibits districts from conditioning access on free meals, donations, or fees, and allows associations to distribute membership materials in school mailboxes or via email. The bill mandates that districts notify the State Board of Education if access is denied without resolution within 15 days. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies directly to school districts and educator associations.

Maddy summarySB 834 prohibits Oklahoma's state, county, and municipal elections from using open primaries (where voters can choose any candidate regardless of party affiliation). It declares any existing local ordinances allowing open primaries or elections held under them void, affecting all voters and election officials in the state. The Secretary of the State Election Board can sue to enforce this prohibition. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryOklahoma's SB 847 prohibits public school districts and charter schools from requiring staff or volunteers to use pronouns that do not match a student's gender listed on their birth certificate. It also bans school materials (including books and digital resources) from using names or pronouns inconsistent with a student's birth certificate gender. Schools found noncompliant face a 5% reduction in state funding the following fiscal year, and parents can sue for violations. The law applies directly to schools, staff, and students whose birth certificates list a gender different from their gender identity.

Maddy summarySB 851 requires Oklahoma school districts to grant statewide professional educators' associations equal access to school employees for activities like setting up informational tables, distributing materials in school mailboxes, and using meeting rooms. It prohibits districts from conditioning this access on fees, meals, donations, or other services and bans requiring payments for promotional materials or distribution. The bill also mandates that districts notify the school board if access is denied, and if unresolved within 15 days, the association must inform the State Board of Education. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all school districts in Oklahoma.

Maddy summarySB 834 bans open primaries statewide, requiring voters to select candidates only from their own political party in primary elections for all state, county, and local offices. It directly affects all Oklahoma elections by prohibiting voting systems that allow cross-party participation in primaries. The bill voids any existing or future local ordinances permitting open primaries and declares any election held under such a system invalid. The State Election Board can enforce this through legal action, effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 977 prohibits the intentional public display of lewd acts (such as indecent exposure, sexual touching, or simulated sex) or obscene material in places where minors could witness them, including public events like parades or concerts. It defines "lewd acts" broadly to cover sexual behaviors, exposure, or forced sexual observation, and "obscene material" per existing Oklahoma law. The bill makes intentionally displaying such content to a minor a felony offense and allows civil lawsuits for exposure to minors or unwilling viewers. The law takes effect November 1, 2025, and applies to all public spaces where minors might be present.

Maddy summarySB 847 prohibits Oklahoma public school districts and charter schools from requiring staff or volunteers to use pronouns that do not match a student’s biological sex, as defined by the student’s original birth certificate. It also bans school materials from using names or pronouns inconsistent with this definition. The law requires the State Board of Education to monitor compliance, imposes a 5% state funding reduction for noncompliant schools, and allows parents to sue schools for violations. This bill directly affects all public schools, staff, students, and parents in Oklahoma.

Maddy summaryHB 1100 amends Oklahoma's Children's Code to require courts to immediately release children from custody if they are in imminent danger of harm. It establishes that failure to comply with such court orders constitutes a felony offense. The bill specifically clarifies that parents or caregivers may use ordinary discipline like spanking, while defining terms such as "abuse" and "imminent danger" to guide court decisions. These changes directly affect children in crisis, courts issuing orders, and caregivers who must follow court directives.