Rep. Jim Olsen

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to remove the current state-level restrictions on Medicaid expansion from the Oklahoma Constitution. It directs the Secretary of State to place this change on the ballot for a public vote at the next general election. If approved, the specific rules governing Medicaid eligibility for low-income adults would be moved from the constitution to regular state statutes, allowing the Legislature to modify them in the future. The measure also defines key terms and requires the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to maximize available federal funding for these services.

Maddy summaryHB 2939 updates Oklahoma's absentee voting rules by amending election statutes to clarify procedures for damaged ballots and electronic applications. It allows county election boards to create substitute ballots when absentee ballots are damaged or unreadable (via fax or electronic submission), requiring two board members of different parties to document the process. The bill also tightens verification for electronic absentee applications, requiring voters to match their name, birth date, and ID number to their voter registration record and confirming their address before submitting. It repeals the specific provision about fax submissions (Section 14-118.1) while updating related sections to standardize these processes. This directly affects Oklahoma voters applying for absentee ballots electronically or by fax.

Maddy summarySB 1258 amends Oklahoma law to explicitly permit carrying firearms on water vessels, such as boats or kayaks, for individuals legally allowed to possess firearms under state or federal law. It defines "vessel" as any watercraft (excluding seaplanes) used for transportation and clarifies this exception applies only when the person is not disqualified from firearm possession. The bill does not change where firearms may be carried elsewhere, and it maintains existing prohibitions for those convicted of certain violent offenses. This change directly affects Oklahomans transporting firearms on watercraft for lawful purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that formally declares "Christ is King" to honor the spiritual heritage and faith of many Oklahomans. It does not change any laws or alter government operations, but instead serves as a symbolic statement acknowledging the role of religion in the state's culture. The resolution includes instructions to distribute copies of the text to the Governor, the Senate President Pro Tempore, and the general public. By stating it does not establish a religion, the bill aims to celebrate voluntary expressions of belief without infringing on individual rights.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution is a symbolic proclamation that declares "Christ is King" to acknowledge the spiritual heritage and faith traditions of Oklahoma. It directs the distribution of copies of the resolution to state officials and the public without establishing any new laws or policies. The text explicitly states that the measure is not intended to infringe upon individual rights or establish a state religion.

Maddy summaryHB 2936 amends Oklahoma law to regulate gestational agreements (surrogacy arrangements) and adoption placements. It requires all intended parents, gestational carriers, and their spouses to be at least 21 years old, limits intended parents to two married individuals, and prohibits anyone convicted of child sexual abuse, exploitation, or molestation from being an intended parent. The bill also bars adoption placements if petitioners or household members have recent convictions for child abuse, violence, or specific crimes like drug offenses or domestic violence. These provisions apply directly to surrogacy arrangements and prospective adoptive families seeking placement under Oklahoma's adoption code. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2937 amends Oklahoma law to explicitly allow carrying firearms on vessels (boats) on public lakes and waterways for two groups: adults aged 21 or older who are otherwise eligible to carry firearms, and individuals aged 18-21 who are current or former U.S. military members or veterans with an honorable discharge. The bill adds this as a new exception to existing firearm carry rules, meaning it does not change where firearms can generally be carried but specifically permits it on watercraft under these conditions. The law will take effect on November 1, 2026, and requires individuals to meet all other eligibility criteria for firearm possession under state or federal law.

Maddy summarySB 1619 requires any individual or company planning to build a data center on unincorporated county land in Oklahoma to notify the county commission board and hold public meetings before construction. Specifically, it mandates submitting a notice of intent to the board (to be read at the next meeting and published locally for three weeks), scheduling three public meetings with two-week intervals (notified daily for two days beforehand), and allowing public comment before the commission votes. The bill applies directly to data center developers and county commissions, ensuring transparency and community input. It declares an emergency to take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 1005 requires Oklahoma voters to present photo identification meeting specific criteria (name match, photo, valid expiration) at polling places starting November 1, 2025. It mandates Service Oklahoma to provide free photo ID cards to registered voters without qualifying ID by January 1, 2027, and establishes rules for verifying provisional ballots when voters lack ID. The bill specifies acceptable IDs (state, federal, tribal, or military cards) and outlines strict verification steps for provisional ballots, including matching voter registration data. This directly affects all Oklahoma voters participating in in-person elections, with the free ID program aiming to address potential access barriers.

Maddy summarySB 2165, the "Child Support Upon Conception Act," would allow mothers to seek court-ordered child support based on verified pregnancy, requiring medical proof of gestation and paternity testing before any support is awarded. It establishes temporary pre-birth support for pregnancy-related medical expenses, prenatal care, and living costs necessary for maternal and fetal health, continuing until birth when standard post-birth support begins. The bill treats the unborn child as having legal standing under Oklahoma's Children's Code, granting rights to protective orders and custody proceedings while requiring paternity verification. The bill is pending in the Oklahoma Senate Judiciary Committee after its introduction on February 2, 2026.