Sen. John Haste

Maddy summarySB 1609 allows victim statements about specific violent incidents - poisoning, shooting, or assault with intent to kill - to be used as evidence in court. These statements, made within one week to law enforcement or in protective order applications, become admissible in criminal and juvenile cases, including hearings on probation or protective orders. The bill directly affects victims of these crimes and law enforcement by streamlining how their accounts can be presented in court. It removes typical barriers requiring separate proof of reliability for such statements, making them automatically admissible under the specified conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 2758 creates the "Preserving and Advancing County Transportation Fund" (PACT Fund) to allocate oil and gas tax revenues directly to Oklahoma counties for road and bridge maintenance. The fund prioritizes counties with the lowest current road maintenance funding, directing two-thirds of its money to help all counties reach a $4,000 per road mile target for highway upkeep. The remaining one-third is split equally between funding road miles based on statewide totals and allocating funds for county bridges using the most recent ODOT bridge inventory data. This bill directly affects all Oklahoma counties by providing a dedicated, ongoing source of funding for their local road and bridge systems.

Maddy summaryHB 2758 creates Oklahoma's "Preserving and Advancing County Transportation Fund" (PACT Fund) to redirect existing transportation tax revenue for county road and bridge maintenance. The fund allocates 66% of its money to help counties reach a $4,000 per-mile highway spending target, prioritizing counties below that level, with the remaining 34% split between road mileage (50%) and bridge counts (50%) across all counties. All funds must be deposited into county highway funds and used exclusively for constructing and maintaining county roads and bridges. This bill modifies existing tax apportionment rules to ensure consistent funding flow into the PACT Fund, directly affecting all Oklahoma counties by providing a structured, transparent method for distributing transportation funding.

Maddy summarySB 574 expands the types of opioid-related projects eligible for state grant funding by allowing the Attorney General to allocate funds toward new prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives. It directly affects state agencies and community organizations receiving opioid grants by broadening allowable uses beyond current restrictions. The bill authorizes the Attorney General to use grant funds for specific, previously ineligible activities, such as community-based support programs. This policy change modifies how opioid grant funds are distributed without altering the grant application process.

Maddy summaryHB 2260 creates tax credits for Oklahoma civil engineering employers and employees to encourage hiring and retention. Employers can claim credits for 50% of tuition reimbursed to new hires (first 4 years) or 5-10% of compensation paid (first 5 years), capped at $12,500 annually per employee. Employees may claim up to $5,000 yearly in tax credits for 5 years, based on their degree location (in-state vs. out-of-state). The credits apply to qualified employees with ABET-accredited degrees or Professional Engineer licenses, employed by eligible engineering firms starting January 1, 2026, through 2030. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, with all credits expiring after 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 2164 strengthens Oklahoma's public corruption laws by creating a new felony offense for state employees, officers, or contractors who misuse nonpublic government information. It prohibits using such information for personal financial gain, disclosing it improperly, or aiding others in these acts. Violators face up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and permanent bans from holding public office or entering state contracts. The law directly affects anyone with access to confidential state information due to their government role.

Maddy summaryHB 2260 creates tax credits for Oklahoma employers and employees in civil engineering. Qualified employers can claim a 50% credit for tuition reimbursed to new employees (capped at 50% of public tuition costs) and a 5-10% credit on their compensation (10% for in-state graduates, 5% otherwise), up to $12,500 annually per employee. Qualified employees can also claim a $5,000 annual tax credit for five years, with unused credits carried forward. The credits apply to taxable years 2026-2030 for employers and employees meeting specific criteria, such as holding ABET-accredited degrees or being licensed engineers. The bill becomes effective November 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 574 expands the Attorney General's authority to use opioid settlement funds by broadening the approved purposes for grant awards. It directly affects the Attorney General's office, allowing them to allocate funds for additional community programs addressing the opioid crisis beyond previous restrictions. Key provisions authorize the Attorney General to use these funds for initiatives like treatment access, harm reduction, and prevention efforts, as specified in the bill text. The bill was passed by the legislature after a veto override (72-10) and is now effective. This change modifies how state opioid settlement money can be spent to support local communities.

Maddy summaryHB 2164 strengthens Oklahoma's public corruption laws by creating a new felony offense for state employees, officers, or contractors who misuse nonpublic information for personal gain. It prohibits using such information to speculate, acquire property, disclose secrets, or benefit family members or businesses, with violations punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and lifetime bans from public office or state contracts. The bill also amends removal provisions to clarify that corruption - including misuse of office for personal benefit - constitutes grounds for dismissal from state employment or office. These changes directly affect current and former state employees handling sensitive information, aiming to deter insider abuse of government positions.

Maddy summarySB 701 temporarily lifts 11 existing legal restrictions that limit which Oklahoma public colleges can offer specific courses or degree programs in Muskogee and Tulsa areas. It prohibits institutions like Northern Oklahoma College, Connors State College, and Northeastern State University from being restricted to only lower-division courses or specific locations for five academic years. The bill authorizes Oklahoma's State Regents for Higher Education to approve "functional exceptions" allowing institutions to expand course offerings beyond their usual mission to address unmet workforce needs. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting how community colleges and universities operate in these regions.