Rep. Jim Shaw

Maddy summaryThis Oklahoma bill (SB 1582) clarifies land ownership rules for foreign nationals who are permanent U.S. residents. It defines "bona fide resident" as a lawful permanent U.S. resident and states current alien landowners may keep their property, while new alien residents gain equal rights to purchase land as Oklahoma citizens. If an alien resident leaves the state, they have five years to sell their land. The bill takes immediate effect due to an emergency declaration, updating outdated language to be gender-neutral.

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 summaryHB 3036 removes restrictions on carrying handguns in specific locations, including government-owned vehicle parking areas, adjacent properties to prohibited buildings, parks, and school parking lots (with firearms stored in locked vehicles when unattended). It also allows concealed carry in municipal zoos and parks and permits private schools to adopt policies permitting weapon possession on their property. The bill deletes previous prohibitions for these areas, making handgun carry lawful under defined conditions. It does not affect existing restrictions on carrying in courthouses, schools (except as modified), or gambling facilities without owner authorization.

Maddy summaryHB 3030 prohibits elected and appointed Oklahoma public officials from signing nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) related to their official duties. It directly affects all state and local government officials, including legislators, county commissioners, and appointed agency heads. The bill creates a new law (Section 401 of Title 51) banning such NDAs, with an exception for personal matters or litigation unrelated to their public office. The law takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3729 is a procedural bill that establishes the name "Oklahoma Firearms Act of 2026" and sets its effective date as November 1, 2026. The bill text contains no substantive policy provisions or mechanisms for firearms regulation. It serves only to formally name the legislation and specify its implementation timeline. As introduced, it does not affect any specific groups or create new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3734 is a procedural bill that creates a title for future health care legislation without establishing any new policies or requirements. It formally names the "Oklahoma Health Care Reform Act of 2026" and sets an effective date of November 1, 2026, for any future related legislation. The bill itself contains no substantive health care provisions or mechanisms, as it is explicitly stated to be "noncodified" and not part of the Oklahoma Statutes. This means it only serves as a naming reference for potential future bills, not as a law with policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3723 requires county commissioners in every Oklahoma county where a wind or solar project is planned to vote on approval before the project can move forward with state permitting. Developers must submit detailed plans - including engineering specs, environmental assessments, construction schedules, and decommissioning plans - at least 60 days before the vote. The county commission must hold a public vote with 15 days of notice, and landowners within the project boundary and within five miles must be notified. If residents disagree with the commission's decision, they can initiate a referendum by collecting signatures from 10% of the county's registered voters, which would be decided at the next general election.

Maddy summaryHB 3735 names the "Oklahoma Professions and Occupations Act of 2026" and sets its effective date as November 1, 2026. The bill is procedural, establishing the act's name and effective date without creating new regulations or policy changes. It explicitly states the act will not be codified (added to Oklahoma's official law code). This bill affects administrative processes for future professions and occupations legislation but does not alter current licensing or practice requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 3725, the Oklahoma Workforce Protection Act, requires most Oklahoma employers to verify the immigration status of new hires using an electronic system like federal E-Verify. It applies to businesses with employees (excluding independent contractors, returning seasonal workers within 12 months of original verification, and non-employees) and mandates compliance within 90 days for large employers (50+ staff) or 180 days for smaller businesses after a state online portal is launched. Employers who fail to comply face fines of $100-$500 per violation, with higher penalties for repeated offenses, though fines are waived if systems are implemented within the grace periods. The Oklahoma Department of Labor must create an online portal for employer resources and publish annual reports on compliance rates and enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryHB 3732 formally establishes the "Elections Act of 2026" as the official name for a new election law and sets its effective date as November 1, 2026. This procedural bill does not outline substantive election rules or changes to voting procedures; it solely provides the act's name and implementation timeline. The bill directly affects Oklahoma's election administration by designating the framework for future election-related legislation. It has no content beyond naming the act and setting its effective date.