Rep. Jacob Rosecrants

Maddy summaryHB 2985 repeals a requirement in Oklahoma law (70 O.S. 2021, Section 24-157) that mandated gender or sexual diversity training for school staff. This bill directly affects public schools in Oklahoma by removing a specific training obligation. The repeal takes effect on July 1, 2026, and the bill declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon approval. It does not create new requirements but eliminates an existing mandate related to school staff training.

Maddy summaryHB 3014 prohibits the State Superintendent of Public Instruction from serving as chair or vice-chair of Oklahoma's State Board of Education. Instead, the Board members will annually elect their own chair and vice-chair from among themselves, with a two-term limit for the chair position. The bill requires the Governor to appoint new Board members within 30 days of its effective date (November 1, 2026), terminating current members' terms immediately. It also establishes new qualifications for members, including a high school diploma requirement and restrictions on holding other school board positions.

Maddy summaryHJR 1042 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove the requirement that Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction must serve as President of the Board of Education. The bill would amend Section 5 of Article XIII of the Oklahoma Constitution, changing the current language that mandates this role. It also directs the Secretary of State to prepare the ballot title for voter approval, stating the amendment removes the requirement for the Superintendent to be Board President. If approved by voters, this would change the structure of the state's public education governance, affecting the Superintendent's role and the Board's composition. The bill is procedural, preparing the amendment for voter referendum rather than implementing new policy.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 1041) would expand Oklahoma's homestead exemption to include surviving spouses of veterans who died in military service and received "Gold Star" status from the U.S. Department of Defense. It would allow these surviving spouses to claim a full property tax exemption on their homestead until they remarry, provided they reside in Oklahoma and previously qualified for the homestead exemption. The change applies retroactively to properties owned as of the 2014 calendar year by surviving spouses of veterans previously determined to have died in duty. This is a voter-approved constitutional amendment, not a law, and would require approval in a statewide referendum.

Maddy summaryHJR 1043 proposes a constitutional amendment adding new eligibility requirements for Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction. It would require candidates to hold a valid administrative certification and have at least ten years of public education experience, including five years of classroom teaching, starting with the 2030 general election. The amendment modifies Article VI, Section 3 of the Oklahoma Constitution, which currently only requires candidates to be 31 years old and have ten years of state residency. This change would apply to all future general elections for the position, not affecting current or past candidates. The proposal must be approved by voters before taking effect.

Maddy summaryHB 3236 defines key terms for Oklahoma's retirement legislation, including "nonfiscal retirement bill" (which doesn't change system costs) and "funded ratio" (the system's asset-to-liability balance). It requires the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency to review all retirement bills and sets specific conditions for approving benefit increases based on the system's funded ratio (e.g., 60-80% for ≤$1,000 increases). The bill establishes a framework for evaluating retirement legislation but does not directly change current benefits or funding. This procedural act aims to standardize how retirement bills are assessed before enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 2953 repeals specific sections of Oklahoma law (28-100, 28-100A, 28-101, 28-102, and 28-103) that previously established the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program. This bill directly affects the state’s education tax credit system by removing its legal foundation, effectively ending the program. The repeal takes effect November 1, 2026, meaning the tax credit will no longer be available after that date. As a procedural bill, it does not create new policy but eliminates existing law governing the credit.

Maddy summaryHB 1493, the "Growing Minds, Active Kids Act," requires Oklahoma public school districts to provide at least 30 minutes of daily recess for students in prekindergarten through grade 5. This recess must occur outdoors when possible and is separate from existing physical education requirements. The bill also recommends 30 minutes of daily recess for grades 6-8 but does not mandate it, while requiring compliance with students' individualized education plans (IEPs) and exempting virtual charter schools from the rule. The law aims to support student well-being through structured playtime during the school day.

Maddy summaryHB 1493, the "Growing Minds, Active Kids Act," requires Oklahoma public school districts to provide at least 30 minutes of daily recess for students in full-day prekindergarten through grade 5. For grades 6-8, the bill strongly recommends but does not mandate the same recess time. The recess must occur outdoors when possible, be in addition to existing weekly physical education requirements, and comply with individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities. Virtual charter schools are exempt from these requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1002 requires Oklahoma law enforcement agencies to notify stalking victims about available support services and to serve a "Stalking Warning Letter" to the accused person, with the victim's input on whether it should be served. Victims may decline having the letter served to the accused, and law enforcement may serve it after an arrest if probable cause exists. The bill mandates that law enforcement enter the Stalking Warning Letter into a national database and provide a copy to the victim after service. This directly affects stalking victims, law enforcement agencies, and accused individuals in Oklahoma cases involving stalking.