Sen. David Bullard

Maddy summaryHB 1146 authorizes Oklahoma counties to levy a severance tax on surface-mined materials (excluding coal) at a maximum rate of $0.10 per ton, requiring voter approval through a special election or initiative petition. The tax revenue must be split equally: 50% for county road and bridge improvements, and 50% for municipal infrastructure projects based on population. Exemptions include limestone used for agriculture, materials sold for hydraulic fracturing, and personal extraction not for profit. Counties must notify taxpayers 60 days before rate changes and cannot impose additional fees on mining operations. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 883 prohibits providing abortion-inducing drugs (like mifepristone or misoprostol) with the intent to terminate a pregnancy in Oklahoma, directly affecting healthcare providers and anyone distributing such drugs. It defines "abortion-inducing drugs" as medicines prescribed specifically to cause abortion, excluding those used for other medical purposes. Violators face felony charges and potential revocation of medical licenses, while existing related statutes (63 O.S. Sections 1-729a through 1-757.16) are repealed. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Oklahoma constitutional amendment (SJR 15) proposes eliminating all property taxes by January 1, 2030, and replacing them with county-level consumption taxes on final goods and services sold within the county. It requires counties to develop voter-approved plans by 2028 to fund services (including schools) previously supported by property taxes, using a new Section 20A added to the state constitution. Counties must hold special elections for voter approval of any consumption tax levy or rate changes, with no tax exemptions allowed, and must revise proposals if rejected. The bill directly affects all Oklahoma counties, residents (through potential tax shifts), and school districts (which would rely on consumption tax revenue).

Maddy summarySB 193 changes Oklahoma's Medicaid program from a managed care model to a direct fee-for-service system. It requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to transition all Medicaid members from contracted managed care organizations back to direct coverage, terminate existing managed care contracts, and directly reimburse healthcare providers. The bill repeals numerous existing laws related to managed care delivery (including Sections 4002.1 through 4002.15 and related provisions) and mandates the Authority to seek federal approval for this transition. The change takes effect November 1, 2025, affecting Medicaid recipients and healthcare providers currently covered under managed care contracts.

Maddy summarySJR 11 proposes a constitutional amendment to Oklahoma's Article II, Section 26, adding language that states "a well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms... shall never be prohibited." This would require voter approval via a statewide referendum, as specified in the ballot title describing it as a change to the state constitution regarding militia and gun rights. The measure does not create new laws but seeks to modify the constitutional text governing firearm rights.

Maddy summarySB 114 clarifies land ownership rights for foreign nationals in Oklahoma. It defines "bona fide resident" as a lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), allowing them to buy and hold land under the same terms as Oklahoma citizens while residing in the state. Existing alien landowners retain their property, and new alien residents must maintain residency; if they leave, they have five years to sell their land. The bill updates outdated language and makes statutory terms gender-neutral, with no new restrictions on land ownership.

Maddy summarySB 859 modifies how the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Commission members are appointed. It establishes a seven-member commission with specific appointment sources: one chief of police (appointed by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police), one sheriff (by the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association), one district attorney (by the District Attorneys Council), and three others appointed by the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and House Speaker. Members serve seven-year terms with staggered initial terms, and police/sheriff members must be current officers who completed required peace officer training. The bill ensures appointments align with congressional district boundaries after redistricting and clarifies that lay members receive a $30 daily stipend.

Maddy summaryHB 1964 establishes Oklahoma's "Parents' Bill of Rights," granting parents specific control over their children's education in public schools. It requires schools to provide written notice and allow parents to withdraw students from instruction or materials related to sex, gender identity, race, religion, or "social and emotional learning" programs, and to obtain written parental consent before involving students in activities promoting "ideological, philosophical, or political beliefs" (like diversity initiatives). Schools must also share details about curriculum, DEI plans, and student data collection policies, with parents able to request this information in writing within 10 days. Parents harmed by school violations can sue for damages under this bill, directly affecting public school parents, students, and school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1239 would make chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin available over-the-counter without prescriptions in Oklahoma. Pharmacists and pharmacies would be prohibited from requiring prescriptions for these drugs. Violations would result in immediate license revocation and a $100,000 fine per occurrence. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1258 creates a new defined contribution retirement plan for Oklahoma teachers hired on or after November 1, 2024. Teachers must make a one-time irrevocable election to join this plan, which replaces the existing defined benefit system for them; those who don’t elect it default to the current retirement system. Employees contribute a mandatory minimum of 4.5% of salary, with employers matching 6% (increasing to 7% if employees contribute more), all managed in tax-qualified retirement accounts. The plan prevents accrual of service credits under the old system, and participation is binding for all future service with participating employers.