Rep. Chad Caldwell

Maddy summarySB 423 updates Oklahoma's medical records access law by establishing standardized fees for patients and their representatives to obtain copies of medical records. Patients pay $0.50 per page for standard records, $15 for printed x-rays, and $20 for x-rays on CD/DVD, with providers prohibited from charging for searching or preparing records for the patient. The bill excludes psychological, psychiatric, mental health, and substance abuse records from these provisions, requiring separate access under different legal processes. It also sets higher fees for third parties (e.g., $20 base fee plus per-page charges for attorneys), while maintaining existing rules for disability-related requests.

Maddy summarySB 1726 requires Oklahoma public universities to create mandatory training programs for graduate students serving as primary instructors in undergraduate courses. The training must cover teaching methods, classroom management, grading, student accommodations, academic integrity, and specific protections for student speech under the First Amendment - ensuring students aren't penalized for lawful expression. It applies to all institutions within Oklahoma's State System of Higher Education and takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill was designated an emergency to expedite implementation.

Maddy summarySB 893, the Military Installation and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2025, prohibits foreign entities from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea (designated as "foreign adversaries") from purchasing, holding, renting, or acquiring agricultural land or critical infrastructure in Oklahoma. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include energy systems, water supplies, telecommunications, transportation networks (like airports and highways), and cybersecurity systems. The bill requires foreign principals to register ownership, mandates the sale or divestiture of existing holdings within specific timeframes, and grants the Attorney General authority to enforce these rules and pursue legal action. This directly affects foreign-owned businesses or governments seeking to invest in Oklahoma's agricultural or infrastructure sectors.

Maddy summarySB 1546 renames Oklahoma's teacher scholarship program to the NEXT-ED Program and increases scholarship amounts for students pursuing teaching degrees. The bill provides up to $2,000 per year for the first three years (for students with fewer than 90 credits) and up to $5,000 for the final year (for students with 90+ credits), with a total maximum of $11,000 per student. To qualify, students must commit to teaching in Oklahoma public schools for five years after graduation and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Participants who fulfill this teaching commitment may also receive up to $20,000 in total through annual employment incentive payments of up to $4,000 per year.

Maddy summarySB 1614 modifies Oklahoma's requirements for adjunct teachers by establishing that they must hold a high school diploma and have "distinguished qualifications in their field" but do not need standard teaching certification. The bill specifically prohibits adjunct teachers from being employed full-time as math or English language arts teachers for grades 1-5 in public schools or public charter schools. It also clarifies that adjunct teachers without a valid teaching certificate are not considered "teachers" under Oklahoma law (Section 1-116). The bill amends Section 6-122.3 of state law and takes effect immediately due to an emergency declaration.

Maddy summarySB 1338 amends Oklahoma's Strong Readers Act by removing the existing three-year pilot program for literacy instructional teams and adding a requirement for the State Department of Education to submit biennial reports to the Governor and legislative leaders. School districts that decline literacy team support become ineligible for certain state funds under this provision. The bill mandates reports evaluating team effectiveness, tracking student reading proficiency improvements, and offering recommendations for the program. These reports must be submitted by December 31 of each odd-numbered year starting in 2026. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, with an emergency declaration.

Maddy summarySB 1489 requires Oklahoma public schools and the State Department of Education to comply with federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) standards for students with disabilities aged 3-21. It mandates that school districts provide special education services as defined by IDEA and authorizes using federal funds for these services. The bill specifically requires the State Department to publish online dispute resolution options for parents, including IEP facilitation, mediation, due process, and state complaints. This bill affects all Oklahoma public school districts, students with disabilities, and their families, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 710 renames Oklahoma's Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability to "Commission for Education Impact" and updates the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability to "Office of Educational Quality and Accountability ImpactEd," effective November 1, 2025. It also adjusts member terms to be staggered starting July 1, 2027, with two members' terms ending in 2029, 2030, and 2031. The bill primarily updates statutory references to reflect these name changes throughout Oklahoma law, with no new policy provisions or responsibilities added.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes and clarifies the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program in Oklahoma, allowing parents of students with special needs to use state funds to enroll their children in eligible private schools. The legislation defines specific eligibility criteria, including students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), children of military families, and those in foster care or juvenile justice placements, while requiring parents to secure private school admission before receiving funding. It also sets a 45-day deadline for school districts to determine special education eligibility, deeming students eligible for scholarships if the district fails to decide within that timeframe, and outlines financial responsibilities such as transportation costs remaining with the family. The bill ensures continuity of educational choice by allowing scholarships to remain active until a student graduates, turns 22, or re-enrolls in public school, while mandating that private schools meet state accreditation standards to participate.

Maddy summaryHB 3710 is a procedural bill that establishes the name and effective date for the "Common Education Policy Act of 2026." It does not create new policies or regulations; it only names the legislation and sets its effective date as November 1, 2026. The bill directly affects how the legislation is referenced in official records but does not change any education laws or impact specific groups. It is purely administrative, with no substantive policy provisions.