Sen. Julie Daniels

Maddy summarySB 1303 transfers property, records, funds, and personnel from several Oklahoma workers' compensation entities to newly established boards under the Administrative Workers’ Compensation Act. It specifically moves assets from the Workers’ Compensation Court, Self-insurance Guaranty Fund Board, Physician Advisory Committee, Advisory Council, and Multiple Injury Trust Fund to their successor entities. The bill also repeals Section 121 of the existing law governing the Advisory Council. It becomes effective July 1, 2026, with no changes to employee benefits or salary reductions during the transfer process.

Maddy summarySB 1307 removes restrictions that previously prevented Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma Arts Council, and J.M. Davis Memorial Commission from using public funds to support religious entities. The bill amends three sections of law (53 O.S. §§ 1.18, 171, and 201C) by deleting language prohibiting funds from benefiting "sects, churches, denominations, or religious institutions." It updates statutory language without creating new programs or funding, maintaining existing application and contract requirements for grantees. The changes take effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes and clarifies the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program in Oklahoma, allowing parents of students with special needs to use state funds to enroll their children in eligible private schools. The legislation defines specific eligibility criteria, including students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), children of military families, and those in foster care or juvenile justice placements, while requiring parents to secure private school admission before receiving funding. It also sets a 45-day deadline for school districts to determine special education eligibility, deeming students eligible for scholarships if the district fails to decide within that timeframe, and outlines financial responsibilities such as transportation costs remaining with the family. The bill ensures continuity of educational choice by allowing scholarships to remain active until a student graduates, turns 22, or re-enrolls in public school, while mandating that private schools meet state accreditation standards to participate.

Maddy summaryHB 4428 requires Oklahoma's pension benefit plans (like state retirement funds) to vote on shareholder proposals solely based on financial impact, banning consideration of environmental, social, or political goals. It mandates that pension boards base all voting decisions on "pecuniary factors" (financial risk/return) to maximize shareholder value, and prohibits proxy advisors from providing recommendations that include non-financial considerations. Boards must annually report all votes, including their decision, management's stance, and any proxy advisor's recommendation, publishing the report online by March 1 each year. The law applies to all state pension systems and takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3673 changes Oklahoma's renewal process for certain electrical licenses, specifically affecting electricians with expired Unlimited Journeyman or Residential Journeyman licenses that have been inactive for over one year. It allows these licenses to be renewed without retaking the exam, provided applicants pay fees for each expired year (including a $200 maximum penalty per year), complete required continuing education (including six extra hours per year of expiration), and provide proof of no disciplinary action or disqualifying criminal conviction. The bill repeals the current license renewal rule (Section 1688) and requires the Construction Industries Board to create implementing rules within 180 days. This change applies only to journeyman licenses, not contractor licenses, and takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3418 amends Oklahoma's Public Competitive Bidding Act to increase transparency and oversight for public construction contracts. It requires public agencies to make all construction contracts and subcontracts publicly available online, prohibits holding public bid openings, and mandates detailed disclosures for contracts exceeding $50,000 for school districts. The bill clarifies disqualification rules for conflicted contractors, establishes penalties for violations (including felony charges for intentional breaches), and updates procedures for change orders and soliciting bids. These changes directly affect state and local government agencies, contractors, and vendors working on public infrastructure projects.

Maddy summarySB 1443 requires health benefit plans in Oklahoma (including insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and similar plans) to consider two specific factors when determining payments for anesthesia services: a patient’s physical health status (using standardized ASA classifications) and the complexity/urgency of care as assessed by the treating physician. This applies directly to providers billing for anesthesia services and insurers processing those claims. The bill mandates these considerations for all covered anesthesia services starting November 1, 2026, and defines key terms like "anesthesia services" using standard medical coding (CPT) and ASA guidelines. The law aims to standardize payment determinations based on clinical factors rather than arbitrary criteria.

Maddy summarySB 1503, the "Choosing Childbirth Act," allows Oklahoma to provide state grants to both in-state and out-of-state nonprofit organizations that offer services supporting pregnant women to carry pregnancies to term. It covers reimbursable services like medical care, mental health support, housing assistance, transportation, and postpartum care (aimed at reducing maternal/infant mortality by 3% by 2026), but explicitly prohibits funding for organizations providing or referring for abortions. To qualify, organizations must be registered nonprofits in Oklahoma, provide accurate fetal development information, and certify that funds won’t support abortion counseling or referrals. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1641 requires Oklahoma LLCs and limited partnerships to provide their registered agents' electronic mail addresses to the Secretary of State when registering or filing annual certificates. This applies to all domestic and foreign business entities operating in Oklahoma, updating existing registration requirements to include email alongside physical addresses. The bill amends sections of the Oklahoma Limited Liability Company Act and Uniform Limited Partnership Act to mandate this change for official communications and record-keeping. Businesses failing to submit the required email address may lose good standing status, affecting their ability to operate legally in the state. The bill modernizes administrative processes by adding email as a standard contact method for business filings.

Maddy summarySB 1217 prohibits real estate brokers from requiring a written brokerage agreement before showing a property to potential buyers, renters, or lessees. This directly affects brokers and homebuyers/renters by removing a common pre-showing paperwork step. The bill adds new language to Oklahoma law stating brokers "shall not be required to enter into a written brokerage agreement prior to showing real estate," while allowing managing brokers to require such agreements for their own associates. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.