Sen. Avery Frix

Maddy summarySB 431 prevents utilities from holding landlords financially responsible for utility bills accrued by tenants during their occupancy of residential or nonresidential properties. The bill specifically prohibits utilities from applying liability to landlords for charges related to gas, electricity, heat, or water services used by tenants. This shifts responsibility for these bills directly to the tenant, rather than the property owner or manager. The law applies to all landlords covered under Oklahoma Statutes and takes effect on November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1834 creates the "Inhofe Disaster Savings Account Act" in Oklahoma, allowing homeowners to set up tax-advantaged savings accounts specifically for covering insurance deductibles or self-insured losses related to qualifying disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc.) at their primary residence. Homeowners can deduct contributions from state taxable income (with limits based on their insurance deductible: $2,000 max for deductibles ≤$1,000, up to $15,000 or twice the deductible for higher deductibles, or $350,000 for self-insured), and all interest earned in the account is exempt from state income tax. Withdrawals are tax-free if used for qualified disaster expenses (declared by federal/state authorities), but otherwise become taxable income with a 2.5% penalty, and accounts pass tax-free to surviving spouses upon death. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, targeting Oklahoma homeowners seeking disaster financial preparedness.

Maddy summaryHB 1834 creates the "Inhofe Disaster Savings Account Act" in Oklahoma, allowing homeowners to establish tax-advantaged savings accounts specifically for covering hurricane, flood, tornado, or hail-related insurance deductibles and proactive home protection costs for their primary residence. Taxpayers can deduct contributions up to specified limits (e.g., $2,000 for low deductibles, up to $15,000 or twice the deductible for higher amounts, or $350,000 for self-insured homeowners) and earn tax-exempt interest on these accounts. Distributions used for qualified disaster expenses (declared by federal or state authorities) are not taxed, but other withdrawals incur a 2.5% penalty. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and directly affects Oklahoma homeowners with primary residences in high-risk weather zones.

Maddy summaryHB 2646 eliminates a limitation on taxpayers deducting wagering income when calculating Oklahoma taxable income, directly affecting individuals and businesses claiming such deductions. The bill amends Oklahoma Statute 68 O.S. § 2358 to allow full itemization of wagering income without prior restrictions. It also updates statutory references and adjusts tax year calculations for net operating losses. The bill was referred to the Governor but received a pocket veto on June 15, 2025, meaning it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 2646 amends Oklahoma's tax code to adjust how taxable income is calculated for corporations and individuals, primarily affecting businesses and residents filing state tax returns. Key provisions update rules for net operating loss carryforwards/carrybacks, clarify treatment of interest income from state obligations, and specify allocation methods for income from property (real, intangible) and business activities. The bill aligns some Oklahoma tax calculations with federal Internal Revenue Code rules while maintaining state-specific adjustments. This bill was vetoed by the governor on May 30, 2025, with the veto taking effect June 15, 2025, so these changes never took effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1138 creates a State Employee Dispute Resolution Program for Oklahoma state employees, requiring the Human Capital Management and Civil Service Divisions to handle complaints about disciplinary actions like terminations, suspensions, or written reprimands. It mandates mediation for most disputes before hearings, establishes an Office of Veterans Placement, and creates a confidential whistleblower program for reporting mismanagement or fraud involving state funds. The bill sets strict timelines (10 days to file complaints, 30 days for hearings) and requires quarterly reports on case volumes to state leadership. It directly affects most state employees but excludes elected officials, judges, certain political appointees, and employees in specific categories like temporary or seasonal roles. The law also shifts all state employee positions to be administered by the Human Capital Management Division without prior classified/unclassified distinctions.

Maddy summaryHB 1487 creates new special license plate designs for specific organizations and causes in Oklahoma, including plates for the NAACP, National Rifle Association, Masonic Fraternity, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and others. It requires organizations to secure 100 pre-paid applications within 180 days before plates can be issued, with unused payments refunded if the threshold isn’t met. The bill also updates renewal procedures, allowing annual renewals and requiring Service Oklahoma to develop a system for licensed operators to process applications and collect fees. This procedural bill directly affects Oklahomans who wish to display these special plates by defining eligibility and application requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1138, the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act, modifies the duties of Oklahoma's Human Capital Management and Civil Service Divisions to create new programs for most state employees. It establishes a State Employee Dispute Resolution Program (including mandatory mediation for disciplinary actions like punitive transfers before hearings), a confidential whistleblower program for reporting mismanagement or misuse of state funds, and an Office of Veterans Placement to assist veterans seeking state jobs. The bill requires quarterly reports on case volumes to the Governor and legislature, sets strict timelines for filing and resolving complaints (10 business days to file, 30 days for hearings), and excludes certain groups like elected officials, judges, temporary workers, and executive management from these provisions. These changes aim to standardize how state employment disputes and grievances are handled across Oklahoma's executive branch agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1487 creates new special license plate designs in Oklahoma for specific organizations and causes, including the Tulsa Air and Space, Church Studio, and Star Ellison Foundation plates. It requires 100 prepaid applications within 180 days for any new plate type before issuance can begin, and mandates that plates be designed with input from the sponsoring organization (e.g., including the Masonic emblem). The bill directly affects Oklahoma residents who wish to display these plates to show support for organizations like the NAACP, NRA, Shriners Hospitals, or Masonic Fraternities. Existing plate rules for renewal, fees, and eligibility (e.g., membership proof for group-specific plates) remain unchanged.

Maddy summarySB 647 would require Oklahoma cities and towns to exclude non-objective or irrelevant public input during land use application proceedings, such as zoning or development permits. The bill directly affects local governments handling these applications by mandating that only relevant, factual information can influence decisions. Key provisions clarify that public comments lacking objectivity or relevance cannot determine outcomes, modifying how municipalities must evaluate public feedback. The bill does not change other procedural requirements but specifically targets the weight given to public input in land use cases. This is a substantive policy change focused on procedural fairness in municipal decision-making.