Sen. David Bullard

Maddy summaryHB 4149, the Strong Readers Act, requires Oklahoma public schools to screen all kindergarten through third-grade students for reading proficiency three times yearly using state-approved tools. It prohibits the "three-cueing system" (meaning/structure/visual cues) in reading instruction and mandates evidence-based teaching methods focused on phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students who do not meet grade-level reading standards may be retained in third grade, with schools required to provide intensive reading instruction, notify parents, and establish acceleration classes for retained students. The law aims to ensure students achieve grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade through standardized assessments and targeted support.

Maddy summarySB 884, the "Oklahoma Right to Life Act," bans nearly all abortions in Oklahoma by prohibiting anyone from performing, attempting, or aiding in an abortion. It defines "abortion" broadly as any action to terminate a pregnancy (except for specific cases like preserving the life of the unborn person after live birth or removing a dead unborn person from a miscarriage or trauma), and defines "unborn person" as beginning at conception. The law imposes criminal penalties, including first-degree murder charges for violations, though it requires health care providers to attempt a live birth during life-threatening medical emergencies involving the pregnant person. It explicitly excludes contraceptives used before pregnancy is detectable. The bill is classified as an emergency measure.

Maddy summaryHB 1453 prohibits foreign governments or entities from certain countries (under U.S. export controls) from owning agricultural land in Oklahoma. It requires these "prohibited foreign parties" to sell their agricultural land within one year if they already own it, or face legal action by the Attorney General. The bill defines agricultural land broadly (including farming, ranching, and forestry land over 10 acres, excluding mineral rights) and exempts small farms with under $1,000 annual revenue. Violators face court-ordered forced sales, with proceeds going to lienholders. The law does not apply to non-agricultural property or exempt entities like resident aliens.

Maddy summarySB 1237 creates Oklahoma's "Teachers' Bill of Rights," granting specific protections to public school teachers, administrators, and support staff. It directly affords rights including free expression (like keeping religious materials in classrooms, wearing faith-based jewelry, and praying with students), protection from harassment or threats, classroom discipline authority (removing disruptive students), medical privacy (refusing vaccines/masks as employment condition), and guaranteed planning time (1 hour) and lunch (20 minutes). The bill also requires school districts to establish a due process plan for reporting rights violations, including anonymous reporting and timely investigations. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and declares an emergency.

Maddy summaryHB 3757 amends Oklahoma Statute 69 O.S. § 1705 to update the list of specific turnpike routes the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is authorized to construct, operate, and maintain. It explicitly lists 26 existing or planned turnpike segments (e.g., the Turner Turnpike between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the Muskogee Turnpike extension, and the Oklahoma City Outer Loop) that the Authority may develop using available funds. The bill clarifies which projects remain authorized under current law and specifies the effective date for these provisions. This affects the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority directly, ensuring legal clarity for its toll road projects without creating new policy or funding.

Maddy summarySB 172 allows specific oversight boards for six Oklahoma state retirement systems - including Firefighters, Police, Judges, Law Enforcement, Teachers, and Public Employees - to approve cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) under certain circumstances, shifting this authority from the legislature. The bill amends statutes governing each system to authorize their respective boards (e.g., Oklahoma Firefighters Pension Board, Teachers’ Retirement Board) to make COLA decisions independently. Key provisions require boards to act in the interest of participants and beneficiaries while following investment and administrative guidelines. This changes the process for adjusting retirement benefits but does not alter the actual COLA amounts or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 3758 increases compensation for Oklahoma property owners facing government eminent domain takings. It requires either 150% of the property's fair market value or the cost to purchase a comparable replacement property in the same community (defined by size, location, use, and other factors). The bill prohibits reducing compensation due to "project influence" or pre-taking activity, and bans agencies from requiring owners to waive these protections. These changes apply to all public use takings and become effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1864 removes Oklahoma's state-mandated minimum salary schedules for certified school personnel (including teachers) starting with the 2026-2027 school year. Instead, school districts will determine their own salary schedules for these employees, replacing the previous state-set pay tables. The bill also requires districts to provide written notice to teachers if retirement benefits would reduce their salary below the district's schedule, and allows districts to credit up to five years of out-of-state or military teaching experience toward salary. This change directly affects public school employees and districts across Oklahoma.

Maddy summarySB 2171 authorizes a new controlled hunt for "velvet bucks" (deer with growing antlers covered in velvet-like skin) during a specific nine-day period in August. It requires archery-only hunting, limits participants to one velvet buck per license annually, and counts harvested velvet bucks toward a hunter’s overall annual deer bag limit. The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission must issue at least 100 tags annually (with 90% reserved for residents), enforce rules on antler size and hunting methods, and may cancel the hunt without refunds due to population or health concerns. This directly affects residents and nonresidents holding valid deer licenses who wish to participate in this seasonal hunt, effective January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 26 removes earnings limits for retired Oklahoma teachers who return to classroom teaching in public schools under specific conditions. It allows eligible retirees (who have not worked for public schools in the past year) to earn full salary for three years without income restrictions, starting July 1, 2025. This applies to teachers retiring after July 2025 who return to active classroom roles in common or career tech school districts. The change modifies existing rules that previously limited postretirement earnings for 36 months, with exceptions based on retirement date. The bill affects current and future retirees in Oklahoma’s public school system who rejoin teaching roles.