Sen. David Bullard

Maddy summarySJR 23 proposes moving Oklahoma's property tax rules from the state constitution to statutes while introducing alternatives for local taxation. It would fully exempt the primary residence value of Oklahomans aged 65+ from property taxes, allow temporary freezes on property values for other residents, and authorize counties to replace property taxes with voter-approved consumption taxes (like a sales tax) for local funding. The bill modifies how homestead property values are calculated and sets new caps on value increases for qualifying homes. This would directly affect homeowners (especially seniors), counties (which could propose new tax structures), and voters (who must approve tax changes).

Maddy summarySB 1278 exempts firearm purchases from Oklahoma's sales tax during the month of July each year. It directly affects individuals buying guns, rifles, pistols, or shotguns in Oklahoma during that month. The bill defines "firearm" broadly to include common types of guns and creates a temporary sales tax holiday for these items. The exemption will take effect on November 1, 2026, after the bill's passage.

Maddy summarySB 1298 requires Oklahoma's State Board of Education to issue requests for proposals seeking at least three alternative assessments for high school students (grades 9-12) that measure college and career readiness. These assessments must be adopted by the Board and made available to school districts starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill allows parents to opt their child out of standard assessments with written consent, but requires students to take an alternative assessment instead. It directly affects high school students and school districts by expanding assessment options beyond current requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1406 creates the "Health Care Sharing Ministries Tax Parity Act" in Oklahoma, providing tax benefits for residents participating in health care sharing ministries (HCSMs). It allows eligible Oklahoma residents (qualified individuals) to deduct membership fees and medical sharing costs paid to HCSMs from their taxable income, and exempts payments received from HCSMs from taxable income for tax years 2027 and later. The bill defines HCSMs as tax-exempt organizations operating under specific ethical/religious guidelines without insurance-like guarantees, requiring quarterly financial statements and public disclaimers. These tax provisions apply only to residents actively enrolled in an HCSM for at least one month during the tax year, with claims filed using forms prescribed by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryOklahoma's HB 1178 clarifies rules for service animals in public places, directly affecting businesses and individuals with disabilities. The bill defines "service animal" strictly as one trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities (excluding emotional support or therapy animals), requires businesses to post clear signage about animal policies, and creates misdemeanor penalties for falsely claiming a service animal to gain access or benefits. It aligns with federal standards but explicitly prohibits misrepresenting emotional support or therapy animals as service animals. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 877 requires Oklahoma real estate licensees (brokers and sales associates) to complete continuing education on "deed theft" prevention by November 1, 2028. It defines "deed theft" as fraudulently altering property documents, misrepresenting ownership, or stealing property through deception. The bill also mandates that brokers provide written notification about deed theft risks to buyers at closing, requiring buyers to sign a confirmation of receipt. This law, effective November 1, 2025, directly affects real estate professionals and homebuyers by adding education requirements and transparency measures to combat property fraud.

Maddy summarySB 877 requires Oklahoma real estate licensees (including brokers and sales associates) to complete a continuing education course on "deed theft" by November 1, 2028, as part of license renewal. The bill defines "deed theft" as fraudulently altering property documents, misrepresenting ownership, or stealing property through deceptive practices. It also mandates that real estate brokers provide buyers with a written notice about deed theft risks at closing, which buyers must sign to confirm receipt. These requirements take effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1178 clarifies Oklahoma's service animal laws by defining "service animal" narrowly to exclude emotional support and therapy animals, which must be trained to assist individuals with disabilities. It requires businesses to post clear signage about animal policies and prohibits businesses from questioning a service animal's legitimacy beyond federal guidelines. The bill makes it a misdemeanor to falsely claim an animal is a service animal to access public spaces or benefits, targeting misuse of service animal privileges. This directly affects businesses (public accommodations) and individuals making false claims, aligning Oklahoma law with federal definitions while strengthening enforcement against deceptive practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1965 amends Oklahoma's Children's Code by clarifying key definitions relevant to child welfare cases. It specifically defines terms like "abandonment" (including failure to maintain parental contact), "abuse" (explicitly allowing ordinary parental discipline like spanking), and "behavioral health" to guide court and agency decisions. The bill also establishes standards for "age-appropriate" activities and requires the Office of Juvenile Affairs to conduct assessments in certain cases. These changes directly affect courts, child welfare agencies, and parents involved in dependency or termination proceedings under Oklahoma law. The bill became effective May 28, 2025, without the Governor's signature.

Maddy summaryHB 1965 amends Oklahoma's Children's Code to clarify key definitions and procedures affecting child welfare cases. It defines terms like "abandonment" (including failure to maintain parental contact) and "abuse" (specifying nonaccidental harm, while allowing ordinary discipline like spanking), and requires courts to consider specific circumstances when reviewing petitions to terminate parental rights. The bill also mandates that the Office of Juvenile Affairs conduct assessments following child abuse referrals and establishes procedures for informal adjustments in certain cases. These changes directly impact children in foster care, parents facing termination proceedings, courts, and child welfare agencies across Oklahoma. The law became effective May 28, 2025, after being signed without the Governor's approval.