Sen. Mark Mann

Maddy summaryHB 1396 prohibits private schools in Oklahoma from requiring parents to participate in the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Program as a condition for enrolling their child. It requires schools to provide enrolled students using the tax credit a written tuition agreement showing the base rate, with future increases limited to the State Treasurer's annual inflation measure (based on local consumer index data) and requiring written notice at least one semester in advance. This applies only to students receiving the tax credit, not to other students. The bill aims to prevent schools from tying enrollment to tax credit participation while standardizing tuition increase notifications for tax credit users. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1396 prohibits private schools in Oklahoma from requiring parents to participate in the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Program as a condition for student enrollment or acceptance. It requires private schools to provide written tuition agreements to students using the tax credit, including the base tuition rate and limiting future increases to the state's annual inflation measure (calculated by the State Treasurer). Schools must notify parents in writing at least one semester before any tuition increase. This applies only to students whose families receive the tax credit, not to other private school students. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 186 creates a grant program to help teachers with temporary emergency or provisional teaching certificates obtain permanent certification. The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability will award up to 1,000 annual grants per year (first-come, first-served) to eligible teachers through their school districts. Grants cover costs for exam preparation, exam fees, and part of required professional education hours. The program is funded through a new revolving fund and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 186 creates a state grant program to help teachers with emergency or provisional teaching certificates obtain permanent certification. The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability will award up to 1,000 annual grants per year (first-come, first-served) to cover costs for competency exam preparation, exam fees, and part of required professional education hours. School districts must apply on behalf of eligible teachers using a state-prescribed form. The program is funded through a new "Teacher Certification Emergency to Permanency Revolving Fund" established in the state treasury, using state appropriations for ongoing support. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1982 updates Oklahoma school contracting rules for electronic educational materials. It requires vendors to guarantee materials are ready for immediate use at delivery, provide free replacements for defects within seven days, and supply updates/support within seven days of a school's notification. The bill also mandates that electronic files for textbooks must be in formats compatible with federal accessibility standards (like Braille conversion), ensuring materials can be adapted for students with disabilities. These rules apply to digital textbooks, software, and online learning tools purchased by school districts, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2426 creates a licensing system for "Professional Severe Weather Trackers" in Oklahoma, primarily affecting individuals working with qualified media outlets (TV/radio stations) or meteorology programs at Oklahoma colleges. The bill requires license applicants to pass criminal checks, carry $1 million vehicle insurance, complete emergency driving courses, and display license numbers on vehicles. It sets a $500 fee for a three-year initial license and $250 for renewals, with requirements including employer verification and vehicle safety standards. The law applies specifically to tracking severe weather events like tornadoes, flash floods, or wildfires as defined by the National Weather Service.

Maddy summaryHB 2426 creates a licensing system for professional severe weather trackers in Oklahoma, affecting media-affiliated trackers and university researchers. Licensees must pass criminal background checks, carry $1 million vehicle insurance, display license numbers on vehicles, and complete emergency driving courses. The bill prohibits unlicensed storm chasing, sets license fees at $500 for three years or $250 for renewals, and defines "significant weather events" to include tornado warnings, flash floods, and fire warnings. It exempts licensed trackers during active weather events but requires licenses for all non-emergency storm tracking activities.

Maddy summaryHB 1982 requires vendors selling electronic educational materials (like digital textbooks and software) to schools to include specific terms in contracts. It mandates that materials must be ready for immediate use upon delivery, defective items must be replaced within seven days at no cost, and technical support must be provided within seven days of a school's request. The bill directly affects vendors who supply digital learning resources to Oklahoma school districts and sets penalties including contract termination and financial damages for noncompliance. These requirements apply to all electronic materials listed by the State Textbook Committee or supporting approved curriculum standards. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 922 would require businesses breeding roosters specifically for fighting (defined as "game fowl") to obtain a state license. It mandates initial and annual inspections by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture to verify facility health/safety standards, record-keeping, and compliance with care requirements. Businesses must display licenses, maintain detailed records, and report changes to the state, with penalties for violations like operating without a license. This directly affects all commercial breeders selling or exchanging game fowl for consideration in Oklahoma.

Maddy summarySB 159, originally titled "Veterans; establishing certain center; requiring collaborations," had its title stricken on February 13, 2025, and was later withdrawn from the Appropriations committee. The provided text shows a floor amendment proposing a Commission to review the location of a veterans' center, but the bill's current provisions are unclear due to the title removal and withdrawal. Without a clear, unamended bill text or current status, a factual summary of the bill's policy changes cannot be provided.