Rep. Josh West

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a detailed schedule for the 61st Oklahoma Legislature, setting specific dates for when lawmakers must introduce bills, conduct readings, and adjourn sessions for both the first and second regular sessions. It directly affects all members of the House of Representatives and the Senate by creating mandatory deadlines, such as requiring bill introductions by mid-January and final passage by late May. While the resolution sets these strict timelines to organize legislative work, it includes several exceptions that allow certain types of bills, including budget measures and emergency legislation, to bypass these deadlines. Additionally, the schedule permits exemptions for specific bills if approved by a two-thirds vote in either chamber or both chambers.

Maddy summaryHB 3940 amends Oklahoma's military code to update authority and compensation structures for the National Guard. It removes the Adjutant General from compensation sections, clarifies the Adjutant General's command authority and organizational chart requirements, and modifies retirement fund provisions. The bill also establishes a permanent gift shop at the Oklahoma National Guard Museum to fund a revolving support fund, with proceeds directed to National Guard programs. These changes directly affect Oklahoma National Guard members, leadership, and museum operations by adjusting administrative processes and funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 3040 expands Oklahoma's "zone of safety" protections to include the residences of sex crime victims and additional locations primarily serving minors, such as skating rinks, arcades, and water parks. It prohibits registered sex offenders from loitering within 500 feet of schools, child care centers, parks, or minor-focused venues, or within 1,000 feet of a victim's residence, with violations classified as Class D1 felonies. The bill includes exceptions for custodial parents during school activities (with advance notification to administrators) and for medical treatment or church attendance (with prior notification to facility leaders). These changes aim to strengthen safety measures around vulnerable locations while specifying clear boundaries and limited exemptions under Oklahoma law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Oklahoma House of Representatives and State Senate to change the official schedule for their current legislative session. It authorizes both chambers to vote and set aside the previously agreed-upon deadlines for the remainder of the 2nd Session of the 60th Legislature. By adopting this resolution, the lawmakers can adjust their timeline for passing laws without needing to follow the original calendar. The measure directly affects the legislative process by giving the elected officials flexibility to modify when bills must be considered and voted on.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural resolution that allows the Oklahoma Legislature to meet again after its initial adjournment on May 7, 2026, if needed before the session officially ends on May 14, 2026. It authorizes the House or Senate to reconvene at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. on May 14, provided both the Speaker and the Senate President Pro Tempore agree and members receive at least 24 hours' notice. The resolution also ensures that if no reconvening occurs, the legislative session is considered officially closed at 5:00 p.m. on May 14, while maintaining the constitutional deadline for final adjournment of May 29, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3043 creates a new category of "seasonal employees" for Oklahoma's Department of Veterans Affairs, defined as unclassified staff working under 1,699 hours annually. These employees will not receive benefits like paid leave, health insurance, retirement, or paid holidays. The bill requires the Department to report annual usage of these positions, including worker counts and total wages, in its budget requests. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3078 requires Oklahoma state agencies to include a clear option for donating to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Revolving Fund on common government forms and websites. It mandates conspicuous check boxes on forms for driver licenses, vehicle registrations, hunting/fishing licenses, and income tax filings, as well as visible donation prompts on related government websites. The bill directly affects residents interacting with state services during transactions like license renewals or tax payments. It becomes effective July 1, 2026, adding a simple donation mechanism to routine state agency interactions without changing existing tax or fee structures.

Maddy summarySB 1441 prohibits operating unmanned aircraft (drones) below 400 feet over critical infrastructure facilities, such as power plants, water treatment plants, refineries, and telecommunications towers, without authorization. It bans drone contact with facilities, interference with operations, or proximity that disrupts functions. The law exempts government entities, law enforcement, facility owners/operators, and FAA-authorized commercial drone operators. Violators face civil liability for damages under existing Oklahoma law, with the bill effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3041 prohibits most businesses in Oklahoma from charging customers extra fees (surcharges) for using credit cards, except when the surcharge is capped at 2% of the transaction or the actual processing fee, whichever is lower. Businesses may still offer discounts for cash, check, or debit card payments. The bill requires clear display of any permitted surcharge at entry points and online, and allows money transmitters (like payment processors) to charge different prices based on payment method without violating the rule. It directly affects retailers, service providers, and online sellers operating in Oklahoma who accept credit card payments.

Maddy summaryHB 3044 amends Oklahoma tax return forms to allow taxpayers to donate a portion of their state income or corporate tax refund to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA). These donations directly fund ODVA's equipment purchases and capital improvement projects, such as facility upgrades and new construction. The bill creates a dedicated "Capital Improvement Program Revolving Fund" to manage these donations, which can be invested and used for veterans' facility needs without annual budget restrictions. It reauthorizes this existing donation mechanism, effective November 1, 2026, and includes a three-year refund process for taxpayers who donate in error.