Rep. Jared Deck

Maddy summaryHB 4478 requires Oklahoma school districts to deposit certain activity funds - such as those from ticket sales, concessions, student club dues, or event admissions - into school activity accounts at least once per business week, even if the total is less than $100. This replaces the previous rule allowing daily accumulation until reaching $100. The bill directly affects all public school districts managing activity funds for student clubs, sports, events, and similar programs. It does not change what funds can be collected or how they may be spent, only the frequency of required deposits.

Maddy summaryHB 4477 repeals three Oklahoma statutes (Sections 901, 902, and 903 of the 2021 Oklahoma Statutes) that defined blasphemy as a crime. This bill eliminates existing criminal penalties for blasphemy from the state code, affecting no specific individuals or groups as these laws were not actively enforced. The repeal takes effect on November 1, 2026, removing outdated provisions related to religious speech. No new policies or mechanisms are created; the bill solely removes these historical statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 4481 establishes a statutory right for all Oklahoma public employees (including state, county, and municipal workers) to form unions, negotiate collectively over wages and working conditions, and engage in protected concerted activities. The bill explicitly guarantees employees the right to join or assist labor organizations without employer interference, while also affirming their right to decline participation in such activities. Key provisions require employers to recognize and bargain with elected employee representatives on terms of employment, mirroring federal labor protections. The law takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4482 establishes the "Oklahoma Higher Education Reform Act of 2026" as a named legislative act. The bill sets its effective date as November 1, 2026, and specifies that the act will not be codified into the Oklahoma Statutes. This is a procedural bill focused solely on naming the legislation and defining its effective date, with no substantive policy changes described in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHB 4480 amends Oklahoma's income tax code to allow a deduction for certain taxpayers who pay for natural gas, electricity, or potable water services. This deduction directly affects individual and business taxpayers who incur these utility expenses. The bill adjusts Oklahoma taxable income calculations to include this specific deduction, aligning with existing tax code provisions. It does not create new tax rates or broadly alter tax structures, but modifies how certain utility payments are treated in taxable income calculations. The bill is currently in committee referral after its initial readings.

Maddy summaryHJR 1085 is a procedural resolution directing Oklahoma voters to decide on repealing Section 1A of Article XXIII (the state's "right to work" constitutional provision) through a ballot referendum. It requires the Secretary of State to place the repeal proposal on the ballot with a specific title explaining it would remove the "right to work" constitutional language. The resolution sets the ballot language to ask voters: "SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED?" with "YES" and "NO" options. This bill does not change Oklahoma law but initiates a voter approval process for a constitutional amendment. The resolution was introduced by Representative Deck and referred to the Rules Committee on February 3, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4479 requires Oklahoma public high school students to complete the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program application to graduate, with specific exceptions for certain student groups. The bill mandates this application as a graduation requirement, directly affecting all students in Oklahoma's public high schools. The effective date was amended to November 1, 2026, replacing the original July 1, 2026 date. This policy change aims to streamline access to postsecondary education funding by linking program enrollment to high school graduation.

Maddy summarySB 358 requires railroad operators on Oklahoma’s "main lines" (routes handling over 5 million tons of annual traffic) to install and maintain infrared hot bearings detectors every 10 miles along those tracks. These detectors identify overheating train components like bearings, axles, or wheels to prevent safety hazards. Violations carry fines of $1,000 to $5,000, enforceable by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The law, effective November 1, 2025, applies specifically to commercial freight rail operations, excluding tourist or scenic lines.

Maddy summarySB 358 requires railroad operators in Oklahoma to install and maintain infrared hot bearings detectors every 10 miles along "main lines" (defined as tracks with over 5 million gross tons of annual traffic). These detectors identify overheating train components like bearings or wheels to prevent derailments. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety can issue citations and impose fines of $1,000-$5,000 for violations. The law directly affects major freight railroads operating on high-traffic routes and takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2218 creates a state tax rebate program to support local music performances in Oklahoma. It provides rebates on sales tax or drink sales tax collected by venues during eligible events, capped at $10 million annually. To qualify, events must feature Oklahoma-based performers (individuals or businesses owned by Oklahomans) for at least 30 minutes, with venues paying performers at least $100 per event. The rebate limits are $2,000 per event and $50,000 per venue yearly, applying to both ticketed and unticketed venues that sell taxable goods or drinks.