Sen. Julia Kirt

Maddy summarySB 1209 modifies Oklahoma's eviction court procedures by changing the required time frame for scheduling trials in forcible entry and detainer cases (commonly known as eviction cases). The bill specifies that the summons must require defendants to appear for trial within 5 to 10 days, excluding weekends and holidays, from the date the summons is issued. This change directly affects tenants and landlords involved in eviction court proceedings across Oklahoma. The key provision clarifies the timeline for defendants to prepare their defense, ensuring a standardized 5-10 day window for trial scheduling after the summons is delivered.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates the month of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in Oklahoma to honor the state's Asian and Pacific Islander residents. The document highlights the historical contributions of these communities, noting their roles in building the transcontinental railroad, serving in the military, and establishing local businesses and cultural districts. By recognizing these achievements, the legislature aims to celebrate the diverse heritage and economic impact of Asian/Pacific Americans within Oklahoma.

Maddy summaryHB 3386 modifies Oklahoma's landlord-tenant law by requiring court-supervised mediation before a landlord can terminate a lease due to unpaid rent when minor children reside in the rental unit. For all other tenants without minor children, landlords may still terminate leases after a 5-day grace period following written notice of unpaid rent. The bill amends Section 131 of Title 41 O.S. 2021 and becomes effective November 1, 2026, directly affecting landlords and tenants in households with minor children facing rent delinquency.

Maddy summarySB 1552 raises the population requirement for Oklahoma counties to adopt or amend a home rule charter. Counties must now have at least 825,000 residents or be located in a metro area with 500,000+ residents (per the latest federal census) to qualify. This change affects counties seeking greater local control over government powers like zoning or services. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1362 modifies Oklahoma's in-person absentee voting hours and requirements. It extends voting windows to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday before most elections (with specific Saturday hours for certain elections) and adds a Wednesday voting period before General Elections. Voters must now provide identity proof or sign a sworn statement for provisional ballots, and absentee voting boards must follow strict ballot-handling procedures, including sealing electronic storage media daily. The bill affects voters applying for in-person absentee ballots and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 1836 requires physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and osteopathic physicians to conduct annual mental health screenings using a standardized tool during routine primary care visits. The State Board of Medical Licensure will develop the screening method and educational materials, collaborating with other health boards. This applies only to providers who perform direct patient care, excluding those in non-clinical roles. The law becomes effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1332, the THRIVE Act, creates a program providing zero-interest loans to eligible housing developers needing water, wastewater, or stormwater infrastructure to complete housing projects. It establishes a $100 million revolving fund administered by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, allocating funds based on population size (33% to large cities, 33% to mid-sized areas, 34% to small communities). The program requires a scoring system for applications prioritizing housing needs, economic development, workforce housing, and fiscal sustainability, with a clawback provision requiring repayment if projects aren't completed. It mandates annual public reporting on project status and outcomes, effective November 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 3698 creates the Student Eviction Assistance Revolving Fund within Oklahoma's State Department of Education to address housing instability affecting students. The fund provides legal representation for low-income families (indigent tenants) with children enrolled in pre-K through 12th grade facing eviction (forcible entry/detainer cases), with referrals required through their school district. Funding comes from state appropriations, federal grants, and donations, and is allocated across all 77 counties based on poverty rates and chronic absenteeism data. The bill mandates annual audits of legal service organizations, requires detailed expenditure reports to state leaders, and takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1473 updates Oklahoma's guardianship definitions to clarify when a person with mental illness is considered "gravely disabled" and unable to meet basic needs like food, clothing, or shelter. It adds specific criteria guardians must meet to request authorities (like police or county officials) to retrieve a gravely disabled ward from an unsheltered environment and transport them to inpatient treatment. The bill changes "inpatient mental health treatment" to require 48 hours of continuous care (previously 24 hours) and explicitly states that mental illness evaluation or treatment does not automatically mean a person is incompetent. These changes apply to guardians, courts, and mental health facilities managing cases involving incapacitated individuals. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1438 requires private passenger auto insurers in Oklahoma to annually report financial data (like earned premiums, losses, and expenses) to the Insurance Commissioner. If an insurer’s combined underwriting profit over three years exceeds 5% above projected profit, it must refund the excess to policyholders. Refunds must be issued as cash or future premium credits within 60 days, distributed pro rata based on the final year’s earned premiums. This directly affects insurers writing personal auto policies, excluding commercial coverage, and aims to ensure profits align with policyholder benefits.