Sen. Darcy Jech

Maddy summarySB 1871 requires social media platforms operating in Oklahoma to verify the age of users using state-issued ID (not just birth dates) and obtain parental consent for users under 18. Platforms must segregate minors' personal data, set default privacy settings to restrict visibility to "connected accounts" (like family/friends), disable search indexing of minor profiles, and limit data sharing. It mandates platforms to freeze existing accounts and verify ages by a specified deadline, with strict security measures for minor user data. The bill directly affects all social media platforms serving Oklahoma residents, minors under 18, and their parents/guardians who must provide consent.

Maddy summaryHB 4458 would extend a five-year property tax exemption for qualifying manufacturing facilities in Oklahoma, directly affecting new or expanded manufacturing operations that meet specific criteria. Key provisions include setting a $500,000 minimum investment threshold (adjusted annually for inflation) for facilities to qualify, clarifying that facilities need not remain unoccupied for 12 months to maintain the exemption after the first year, and requiring annual wage verification for certain applicants. The exemption applies to facilities engaged in transforming materials into new products, aircraft repair, specific data services, and large distribution centers meeting investment and employment benchmarks. This bill is currently in committee review (referred to Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee) and has not yet passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Oklahoma's oil and gas law to specifically exclude iodine from the definition of "constituent elements" in oil and gas produced water. It means companies extracting iodine from wastewater generated during oil and gas operations are no longer subject to regulations governing the extraction of other minerals from this waste stream. The change directly affects businesses seeking to commercially recover iodine from oilfield wastewater, clarifying that such extraction falls outside the scope of existing rules. The provision ensures iodine recovery can proceed without triggering additional regulatory requirements tied to other mineral extraction.

Maddy summarySB 1434 requires Oklahoma's Department of Public Safety and Department of Transportation to install automated speed enforcement devices at construction zone entrances, with a warning sign placed 100 feet before each device. These devices only capture images of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by 10+ mph in work zones, and must delete unused images within 15 minutes or used images within 24 hours of citation resolution. The bill prohibits retaining, selling, or transferring captured images, mandates device calibration after every move (with public records), and requires biannual independent audits to ensure compliance, with vendors fined $1,000 per improperly retained image. This directly affects drivers in construction zones by regulating how speed enforcement is conducted and handled.

Maddy summarySB 1429 allows public school foundations (nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status) to spend funds on specific educational purposes for public school districts. It permits foundations to cover teacher professional development, employee/student scholarships, literacy initiatives, STEM equipment/supplies, technology support, and staff conference fees. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and declares an emergency to expedite implementation. This directly affects school districts and foundations by expanding allowable uses of foundation funds for classroom and staff support.

Maddy summaryHB 4456 establishes a 30% excise tax on the wholesale cost of e-liquid sold in Oklahoma. Manufacturers, distributors, or retailers who first receive e-liquid in the state must pay this tax and remit it electronically by the 15th of each month. The tax is structured as a direct cost to consumers, though collected from businesses, and revenue is split: 50% to a new Vapor Products Regulation Revolving Fund and 50% to the General Revenue Fund until 2028, after which 75% goes to the General Fund and 25% to the revolving fund for future regulation. The bill directly affects businesses selling e-liquids and ensures tax collection through retained invoices and Commission oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits legal liability for off-road motorcycle businesses and organizers. It prevents them from being sued for injuries caused by inherent risks of off-road activities (like falls or collisions on trails) when they follow industry safety standards. However, they remain liable if they intentionally caused harm or acted with reckless disregard for safety. Employees covered by workers' compensation are also excluded from this protection.

Maddy summarySB 1492 eliminates the state sales and use tax on motor vehicle purchases in Oklahoma when the Oklahoma Motor Vehicle Excise Tax has been paid. The bill modifies existing tax exemption language to clarify that sales of new vehicles (including optional equipment) are exempt from sales tax, with gross receipts calculated based on the purchase price minus trade-in value. It directly affects vehicle buyers, dealers, and local jurisdictions that previously collected sales tax on these transactions. The exemption applies to all motor vehicles sold after the bill's effective date, removing an additional tax layer on top of the existing excise tax. This change streamlines the tax structure for vehicle sales without altering the excise tax requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 1486 designates specific bridges and highways across Oklahoma with memorial names honoring individuals, requiring the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to install permanent markers at these locations. This procedural bill commemorates individuals through infrastructure naming (e.g., the "Gary Don Rayner, PLS Memorial Bridge" and "Harvey Bollinger Sr. Memorial Bridge") without altering policy or creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1486 designates 15 existing Oklahoma bridges and highways with memorial names honoring veterans and community figures (e.g., "Gary Don Rayner, PLS Memorial Bridge," "PFC David P. Manners Memorial Bridge"). It requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to install permanent markers on these structures. The bill has no policy or funding implications - it solely commemorates individuals through infrastructure naming. This procedural measure was approved by the governor on June 9, 2025.