Rep. John Pfeiffer

Maddy summarySB 1238 amends Oklahoma law to elevate certain domestic abuse offenses to a more serious criminal classification (Class B5). Specifically, it adds "second or subsequent conviction for domestic abuse committed in the presence of a child" as a qualifying offense for Class B5, which carries harsher penalties than lower classifications. This change directly affects individuals convicted of repeat domestic violence offenses where children witnessed the abuse. The bill updates statutory references to reflect this modification but does not create new penalties or alter sentencing ranges.

Maddy summaryHB 2166 amends a legal definition to explicitly include "general periodical" when describing mail classifications for notices and publications. This change ensures newspapers and similar periodicals are formally covered under the "class" category for mailing requirements. The bill affects government entities and publishers required to send legal notices via mail, clarifying which publications qualify under current statutes. It updates definitions without altering existing obligations or creating new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 378 amends Oklahoma law governing bail bondsmen, directly affecting licensed bondsmen and their handling of collateral. It requires bondsmen to provide detailed written receipts for all collateral received, deposit cash or instruments in a separate non-interest-bearing trust account within two business days, and submit monthly electronic reports to the Insurance Commissioner detailing bonds written, collateral, and liabilities. The bill also establishes a new monthly reviewal fee of 0.0015% (fifteen ten-thousandths of one percent) on new bail bond liability. These changes aim to improve transparency and accountability in how bondsmen manage client assets and financial records.

Maddy summarySB 985 creates Oklahoma's "Local Food for Schools Program," which helps school districts purchase food from local farmers and food producers. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture will reimburse schools for local food costs and encourage partnerships with local producers. It establishes a permanent revolving fund in the state treasury, funded by legislative appropriations, to support these purchases without annual budget constraints. The program becomes effective November 1, 2025, directly benefiting school districts and Oklahoma agricultural producers.

Maddy summarySB 1246 updates Oklahoma's environmental permitting process to improve public access and transparency. It requires the Department of Environmental Quality to post all permit application documents online - including a searchable docket - so the public can view materials and sign up for updates without visiting physical locations. The bill shortens the deadline for holding public meetings from 120 to 75 days after notice for certain permits and mandates written responses to public comments explaining changes to draft permits. These changes directly affect environmental permit applicants, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the public participating in permitting decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 3279 amends Oklahoma state law to strengthen ethics protections in government contracting. It requires all state contracts over $25,000 to include certifications confirming no former state employee who helped develop the contract is now working on it, and that no current employee with a personal interest was involved in its negotiation. The bill also prohibits state employees who awarded privatization contracts from joining those businesses for three years, and bans agencies from hiring anyone terminated for cause within one year. These changes apply to all state agencies, contractors, and former employees, with limited exceptions for court reporters, healthcare professionals, and specific state departments like the Department of Health. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3278 amends Oklahoma's Open Meeting Act to give the Attorney General new enforcement powers over public bodies, agencies, or officers that violate the law. The bill allows the Attorney General to enter consent orders requiring compliance training for first-time violations or impose civil penalties up to $150 per violation, and issue findings of violation requiring compliance, training, or penalties up to $300 per violation. Public bodies must provide proof of compliance, and the Attorney General can seek court enforcement if violations continue. The law, effective January 1, 2027, creates a structured process for resolving violations without requiring criminal charges or civil lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHB 3919 allows Oklahoma counties to choose between a nine-member or five-member board for their county free fair associations. If a county commissioners' board votes to adopt a five-member board, it would elect one member from each county commissioner's district and two members at large (elected by all qualified voters countywide). The bill specifies election procedures, including a five-day filing period starting in January, public notice requirements, and rules for handling ties or vacancies. This change would take effect on November 1, 2026, and applies to counties operating free fair associations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that officially recognizes April 22, 2026, as the 27th Annual Oklahoma 4-H Day at the Capitol. It directly affects youth participants in the Oklahoma 4-H program and their volunteer leaders by acknowledging their contributions to community development and leadership skills. The resolution highlights the program's history and achievements but does not create any new laws or change existing policies. It serves as a formal statement of appreciation rather than a measure with enforceable requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1767 prohibits out-of-state retailers from shipping alcoholic beverages to Oklahoma residents or processing payments for such shipments. It directly affects online alcohol retailers operating outside Oklahoma. The bill authorizes Oklahoma's Attorney General and the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission to enforce the ban through civil penalties (ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per shipment or treble damages) and investigations. It also creates an "Alcohol Enforcement and Regulatory Revolving Fund" funded by these penalties to support enforcement, compliance efforts, and public education campaigns. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.