Sen. Julie Daniels

Maddy summarySB 1726 requires Oklahoma public universities to create mandatory training programs for graduate students serving as primary instructors in undergraduate courses. The training must cover teaching methods, classroom management, grading, student accommodations, academic integrity, and specific protections for student speech under the First Amendment - ensuring students aren't penalized for lawful expression. It applies to all institutions within Oklahoma's State System of Higher Education and takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill was designated an emergency to expedite implementation.

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 summarySB 740 amends Oklahoma's mental health definitions to modernize terminology and clarify eligibility for care. It replaces outdated terms like "insane" and "mental disease" with "mental illness" throughout the law and defines key terms such as "person requiring treatment" (based on specific risk criteria like immediate harm to self/others) and "licensed mental health professional" (including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors). The bill directly affects mental health facilities, providers, and individuals receiving care by standardizing how these terms are used in legal documents, admission processes, and treatment decisions. It does not create new services or funding but ensures consistent application of existing mental health laws.

Maddy summarySB 833 changes how medical expenses are handled in Oklahoma personal injury lawsuits. It requires courts to use actual payments made (not billed amounts) for past medical care, or Medicare rates if no payment was made. For future medical treatment costs, the bill limits evidence to amounts covered by the injured person's insurance or Medicare rates, not higher billed amounts. This affects personal injury plaintiffs, medical providers, and insurance companies by standardizing evidence rules for medical bills. The law takes effect November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1502 removes the requirement for an Alzheimer-Dementia Disclosure Act Advisory Council that previously advised Oklahoma's State Department of Health on dementia care disclosure forms. The bill eliminates the Council's role in developing standardized disclosure forms and making recommendations, while keeping existing requirements for long-term care facilities to disclose detailed dementia care services (such as staff ratios, activities, fees, and facility philosophy) to patients, families, and the Department. Facilities offering dementia-specific care must still submit these disclosures to the Department before admitting residents. The change directly affects dementia care facilities, the State Department of Health, and the disclosure process, without altering the disclosure content or requirements themselves. The bill updates statutory language and sets an effective date but does not create new obligations.

Maddy summarySB 1425 repeals three existing Oklahoma statutes related to health care workforce programs: 70 O.S. 2021 §2640 (Oklahoma Health Care Workers and Educators Assistance Program) and 74 O.S. 2021 §§3200.1-3200.2 (Health Care Workforce Resources Act). This bill eliminates the legal framework for these specific programs, which previously provided assistance to health care workers and educators. The repeal takes effect on November 1, 2026, and directly affects the administrative structure and operations of those programs. No new provisions or funding are created; the bill solely removes the existing laws.

Maddy summarySB 1732 increases licensing fees for several Oklahoma professions, including home inspectors, construction contractors, and roofing professionals. It raises the home inspection license fee from $250 to $400 and renewal from $150 to $240, while setting new maximums like $480 for initial contractor licenses and $320 for renewal fees under the Construction Industries Board. These changes directly affect licensed professionals seeking to obtain or renew their credentials in these fields. The bill specifies exact fee amounts for applications, licenses, renewals, and endorsements across multiple industries.

Maddy summarySB 1423 eliminates the Oklahoma Hospital Advisory Council by removing all references to it from Oklahoma statutes (63 O.S. 2021 Sections 1-270, 1-705, and 1-707). The bill amends laws governing hospital licensing, safety standards, and stroke care systems by deleting requirements for the State Commissioner of Health to seek advice from the council. This change means the health department will no longer need to consult the council when developing rules for hospital operations, inspections, or stroke care plans. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2180 requires foreign entities lobbying Oklahoma state government to register with the Secretary of State. It mandates detailed filings about their clients, lobbying activities, and funding sources, creating a public online database of all registered agents. The law excludes diplomats, commercial lawyers, and media organizations from coverage. Violations, such as false filings, could result in fines up to $1,000 or jail time.

Maddy summarySB 1191 repeals Section 802.3 of Title 17 Oklahoma Statutes, which established the Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board. This bill directly affects the board by eliminating its legal existence and authority. The legislation has no new provisions or mechanisms - it solely removes the statutory reference to the board, effective November 1, 2026. As a procedural repeal, it does not create new policies or impact energy programs.