Maddy summarySB 2040 modifies Oklahoma's Tulsa Reconciliation Education and Scholarship Program to expand eligibility for descendants of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre victims. It increases the income limit for most applicants from $70,000 to $125,000 annually while removing income limits entirely for direct lineal descendants. The bill requires applicants to verify lineage through documentation (like family records or public archives) reviewed by the Oklahoma Historical Society, and mandates that all applicants must mark a checkbox confirming descendant status on applications. It directs the State Regents to prioritize descendants in scholarship selection and updates how scholarship funds are distributed to support students in Oklahoma higher education or career programs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 63 would increase the pay for certain part-time members of school district boards of education. It directly affects non-voting or part-time board members who currently receive a stipend for their service. The bill’s key provision is raising the stipend amount to a specified higher rate, though the exact figure isn’t detailed in the provided text. As a procedural bill adjusting compensation, it does not create new policies or affect broader education programs. The bill is currently moving through committee stages with recent authorship changes.
Maddy summarySB 2039 allows retired members of Oklahoma's Teachers' Retirement System to purchase additional service credits at a specific rate. This change modifies Section 17-116.2 of Oklahoma Statutes, enabling retirees to buy extra years of service to increase their future retirement benefits. The bill directly affects retired teachers who wish to boost their pension amounts by purchasing these credits. It does not alter current benefits for active members or change the overall retirement system structure. The policy change is effective immediately, as designated by the bill's emergency clause.
Maddy summarySB 2037 requires licensed mental health professionals and health care providers in Oklahoma to obtain written, informed consent from patients before using artificial intelligence (AI) for therapy or psychotherapy services. The bill prohibits AI from making independent therapeutic decisions, directly interacting with clients during sessions, generating treatment plans without provider review, or detecting emotions. It mandates that providers maintain full responsibility for all AI-assisted interactions and explicitly states that final clinical decisions must be made by licensed professionals, not AI systems. Violations may result in disciplinary action and fines up to $10,000 per incident, enforced by licensure boards or the Attorney General.
Maddy summarySB 2033, the Predatory Solicitation Prevention Act, prohibits persistent, harassing communication by solicitors attempting to sell, buy, or invest in real property. It directly affects property owners and businesses engaging in such practices, defining "predatory solicitation" as repeated contact designed to harass or pressure owners to refuse. The bill imposes a $600 penalty per violation and allows the Attorney General or district attorneys to seek damages. Collected fines are split equally between the State Health Care Enhancement Fund and the Court Clerk’s Revolving Fund. The law takes effect on November 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 2035 removes qualified immunity as a legal defense for peace officers (state or local law enforcement) who violate constitutional rights under the Bill of Rights or Oklahoma Constitution. It directly affects injured parties filing lawsuits and peace officers facing liability claims. Key provisions require officers to be personally liable for such violations, prohibit statutory immunities from applying, mandate attorney fee awards to winning plaintiffs, and require employers to cover most costs - except when officers acted in bad faith or were convicted of crimes. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 2038 prohibits health insurance companies in Oklahoma from using artificial intelligence (AI) systems to make final decisions denying, reducing, or terminating coverage or benefits. Instead, all such decisions must be reviewed and issued by licensed healthcare providers, not AI. The bill requires insurers to disclose to patients that human providers - not AI - made the final decision, and mandates that insurers consult a patient’s treating provider on medical necessity before denying coverage. These requirements apply directly to health insurance issuers operating in Oklahoma and affect patients whose claims are reviewed by insurers.
Maddy summarySB 2034 automatically seals criminal records for Oklahomans convicted of specific nonviolent misdemeanors after meeting waiting periods. It applies to cases like misdemeanor convictions with fines under $501 (after payment) or dismissed charges following successful completion of deferred sentences. Eligible individuals no longer need to file court petitions; their records are sealed automatically 5-10 years after conviction or dismissal, depending on the offense. This applies only to nonviolent offenses and excludes cases with pending charges or violent crimes.
Maddy summarySB 2036 requires healthcare providers to screen mothers for perinatal depression and anxiety during pregnancy and up to one year after childbirth. It mandates the Oklahoma State Department of Health to collect maternal and infant health data from providers, surveys, and existing systems, then publish an annual demographic report on perinatal mental health outcomes. The bill also directs the Department to create a public website and mobile app connecting mothers to perinatal resources. These provisions apply directly to healthcare providers and pregnant/postpartum mothers in Oklahoma, effective November 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SJR 27) clarifies voting procedures for Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board. It specifies that a tie vote on clemency recommendations for death row inmates does not count as a denial, and establishes rules for using alternate board members when regular members are absent or recused. Alternates must come from the same appointing authority as the absent member and have 180 days to review cases. The amendment directly affects the Board's operations and death penalty cases seeking clemency. It does not change the Board's authority over parole recommendations for nonviolent offenses.